Caffeine-Free Hot Drink Alternatives To Try This Summer

When you think of a hot drink, I bet coffee and tea spring to mind first. Both contain caffeine, which, while not necessarily bad for you, should be taken in moderation. Most people don't realise this, but hot chocolate has caffeine, too. Even decaffeinated coffee still maintains some of the caffeine. In some cases, like during pregnancy, or if you have a particular caffeine sensitivity, you might want to check out these caffeine-free alternatives.

FRESH MINT TEA

Popular in North Africa and Middle East, fresh mint tea is a great aid to your digestive system, and a better way to quench your thirst on a hot day than a can of carbonated soda drink. Simply pour boiling water over a few mint leaves, a leave it to brew for a few minutes. 

DRIED APPLE

Dried apples make for a lovely healthy snack when you're feeling peckish, and they can also act as nature's self-sufficient “teabags” - pop a couple of slices into a mug and fill it with hot water. It makes a warm aromatic drink with apples' natural sweetness. Feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon to complement the apple.

LEMON JUICE

A very simple and refreshing option. Fresh lemon wedges are the best, because you get to use the zest as well, however store-bought juice is a valid alternative. All you need to do is pour some hot water on it, and it's done! And the good news is, it works as a cold drink, too. 

GINGER ROOT

A cup of ginger is a fantastic way to warm up in the cold months. The amount of ginger you use can depend on how strong you want it. Try to use about an inch of ginger root to make one cup of ginger tea. Peel the ginger, cut into slices. Place into a small saucepan, add a cup of water (or more, if you are making a larger batch), then heat up on a stove, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add some brown sugar or coconut blossom sugar to taste (optional) and stir until it dissolves. Run through a sieve and serve.

PARSLEY TEA

This one is probably the least conventional on this list. Parley is good for diuretic action, and it's rich in chlorophyll, calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. We promise, it doesn't taste too bad either! Chop enough fresh parsley to fill a tea diffuser, or drop a handful of parsley into a teapot. Brew with boiling water for about five minutes, and feel free to add a lemon wedge to taste.

Author: Cat Gavriusova
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