Cranberry Ginger Tea (Vegan, Refined Sugar Free)

Let's talk about this tea. It's chock full of good-for-you whole foods and high in antioxidant power. Feel a little cold coming on? Cranberries are packed with vitamin C, and the lemon honey mix is perfect for a sore throat. Stomach a little upset? Ginger is great for that! Getting crampy? TEA. Cranberries are one of the healthiest foods out there and they're cheap. So are lemons and ginger. I threw some rose hips in, which were free because I picked them in the bush, but you can leave them out if you don't have any on hand. They're not required for this recipe, but they add a little health boost. Three rose hips have the same amount of vitamin C as an orange. Embrace inexpensive whole foods and dump your superfood powders that cost an arm and a leg.

I know cranberry juice is often touted as a way to prevent or cure bladder infections, but this won't really work for that. If you have a UTI you need 100% pure cranberry juice, no sugar added, and not blended with any other juices. As well, if you find yourself getting a lot of UTIs, just pee right after you have sex. Not the most romantic, I know, but it should prevent the majority of infections. Increase your water intake too. Sugar contributes to UTIs, so pop and juice aren't good options. (Is this appropriate for a holiday drink post? Why not.)

This drink is a beautiful deep pink colour and tastes a little tart and spicy, but isn't quite what you expect during the holidays. It can be served either hot or cold. If you serve it cold, pop a few frozen cranberries in there for pretty ice cubes that won't water it down. You could probably throw some booze in there too and make it into a healthier cocktail.

I just had to race around the house trying to find the envelope I wrote this recipe on. It was on the other side of the envelope I wrote yesterday's recipe on. I need a better system.