We all know that short breaks from work, school, homemaking, and caregiving are important to take. Fifteen to 30 minutes may not seem like a lot, but it can be depending on what you choose to do. Unplugging by meditating, dancing to music, going for a walk, or eating a healthy meal or snack are excellent choices. However, sometimes, we crave something different and daydream about being elsewhere. Through drink, as well as food, we experience bits and pieces of other countries. Here are five non-alcoholic drinks that take you away to different parts of the world through mind and spirit.
1. Cardamom-Spiced Coffee
Cardamom is a spice that originated from India and is popular in the United Arab Emirates. The light-green pods impart a fantastic herbal aroma. One may smell the combination of cardamom and coffee perfuming the air while strolling through the souks and malls of Dubai.
To escape to the desert land of Dubai, combine:
- 1 toasted cracked cardamom pod
- 2 tablespoons cream or non-dairy creamer
- 6 fluid ounces strong coffee
- Sweetener, such as honey or herbal sugar substitute, to taste
Allow the cardamom to steep for a few minutes before drinking.
2. Cinnamon-Kissed Cocoa
Cinnamon came from South India, Sri Lanka, and Burma (now Myanmar), and cocoa came from Latin America. In Mexico, a touch of cinnamon has been added to cocoa and chocolate candies and desserts for years.
To get a taste of Mexican tradition, stir together:
- 1 heated snapped cinnamon stick
- 1 packet hot cocoa mix
- 6 fluid ounces hot water
Let the cinnamon soak for a minute or two before consuming.
3. Jus de Framboise or Fruit Teas
The purest-tasting fruits – particularly blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries – can be found in Quebec, Canada. Jus de framboise or raspberry juice is a unique refreshment offered among the standard drinks at some cafes.
While picturing the rows of green fruit plants and trees in rural Quebec, sip on raspberry juice or blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry teas.
4. Acai Smoothie
Acai is a fruit native to South American countries. The dark-purple berries are mashed or pureed, frozen, and used to make breakfast-type beverages and bowls in Brazil.
To savor the flavor of the Amazon, add a packet of frozen acai, a well-ripened banana, and a plant-based milk substitute, such as almond or soy, to a blender and blend to your preferred consistency.
5. Teas of the Orient
Oolong is a “go-to” tea commonly served in Chinese restaurants. Genmaicha is a lovely roasted brown rice and green tea tea from Japan.
To take a mental trip to the Orient, sip on either of these teas.
Suggestions
These five drinks are great to enjoy while taking a break and during occasions themed around these countries (India, The United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, China, and Japan). Enjoy jus de framboise at a French-Canadian-themed brunch or genmaicha at a Japanese tea party or sushi dinner.
What about you? Do you drink any non-alcoholic drinks that take you away (mind and spirit) to different parts of the world? Which ones? Comment and share this post below.
I’ve never thought of raspberry juice, now I have to try it!
Bethany, it’s delicious to try! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Great article, can’t wait to try cardamom spiced coffee!
Thanks, ZaC! Just a reminder: toasting spices and soaking them in a little fat bring out their flavor. Enjoy 🙂
These are great suggestions. I can wait to try cardamom in my coffee… I already live it in tea. My husband brought me some when he went to India 😊.
Thank you, Carrie! Tea is wonderful, isn’t it? It’s a common drink in India and the UAE, so I was surprised to smell cardamom combined with coffee – not tea. Maybe we were in a tourist spot 🙂
I will be trying several of these. I love cinnamon and fruit juices so these sound great.
That’s great, Kimberly! Enjoy 🙂
Wow! Some interesting drinks I want to try. I have only had the açaí drink but am anxious to try the cocoa.
I love hot cocoa…I will have to add cinnamon next time. Thanks for the idea.
Thank you, Elaine! It’s surprising how much flavor can be extracted from a cinnamon stick and how it enhances the flavor of cocoa 🙂
My pleasure, Resourceful You! Enjoy 🙂
I love these ideas! Cinnamon chocolate is amazing!!
Thanks, Amanda! And thanks for sharing your experience with cinnamon chocolate 🙂
This makes me want to try more teas! And that cinnamon kissed cocoa sounds delicious!
Thanks, Sierra! I’m glad this makes you want to try more teas and possibly the cinnamon cocoa 🙂
Yum, I’d like to try the cinnamon and cocoa. These all sound really good though. You’re right even if you only have 30 minutes, it’s always nice to sip on something while relaxing.
Yes! Something to sip can make all the difference on a break. Thank you, Leslie 🙂
I can’t wait to try some of these! Thank you for spotlighting something non-alcoholic
The cinnamon cocoa sounds great! It is a chilly spring night here, so I think I will go whip this up now!
Oh good, Lauren! Enjoy, my pleasure, and thank you 🙂
Thanks, Maureen! It is a cold evening here, too. It does sound very cozy & yummy right now 🙂
Thanks for sharing your non-alcoholic drinks. I love tea! Have you ever tried bubble tea?
My pleasure, Rose! I have tried bubble tea – it’s a nice treat 🙂