Lu Yu, a Chinese tea master and writer, once said, “Tea tempers the spirits and harmonises the mind, dispels lassitude and relieves fatigue, awakens thought and prevents drowsiness, lightens or refreshes the body, and clears the perceptive faculties” – and that is the most accurate definition of tea we have heard in a while. Well, that is true when it comes to all kinds of hot beverages.

Following are such hot drinks that you can sip at any point of the day:

Fresh mint tea

Mint tea has a low-calorie count, acts as a palate cleanser, and has been used to improve digestion. Simply wash a handful of mint leaves before placing them in a tea kettle filled with warm water. You have your brew ready in minutes. Sip it slowly and steadily while watching the time pass.

Hot chocolate

This is a drink for pleasure. It is served with marshmallows or whipped cream on top. If you want to be healthy, mix unsweetened cocoa powder with hot low-fat milk. Add a tablespoon of low-calorie sweetener or coconut sugar to complete the hot chocolate.

Coffee

This is an excellent way to begin your day. However, if you plan on drinking coffee all day, ensure to compromise on the size of your coffee cup. You can use almond milk instead of full-fat milk. Avoid flavoured drinks, such as vanilla or gingerbread lattes, including high sugar syrup. Alternatively, you can flavour your lattes with cinnamon or cardamon. They not only help you achieve great flavour, but they also serve as great palate cleansers.

Hot lemon water

A spritz of fresh lemon, an extra slice of lemon, and boiling water on top is healthy alternative to sweetened beverages like lemonade. Warm lemon water with honey is a great way to start the day because it alkalinises your body.

Green tea

Although the benefits of green tea are extolled in more than one way, there is more to it. This hot beverage is a healthier alternative to sugary and fatty drinks. You should also try the much-talked-about Matcha lattes. Since store-bought Matcha lattes are high in sugar, it is best to make yours. What you must do is:

1. Bring a cup of low-fat milk to parboil.
2. Whisk together half a tablespoon of pure matcha powder in it.
3. Sweeten your drink with honey or jaggery powder.

Chai

While coffee allows you to take breaks, chai is a guaranteed conversation starter. Chai is a perfect way to stop and restart. It is prepared by brewing black tea leaves with aromatic Indian spices (optional). Today, chai is widely available in loose tea bags. However, to truly enjoy the chai, you must first bring the tea leaves to a boil. Inhale the aroma of tea leaves as they unfold in the warmth of the water.

Then, add the sugar and experience the unexpected hint of sweetness to the tea leaves. With a touch of milk, this bitter-sweet concoction blends beautifully. Now, all that is left to do is strain the beverage into your cup and sip it as you watch the sunset. In the evenings, sip your hot drink with biscuits or cookies and unwind at your pace.