Warm Citrus Drinks to Fire Up Your Immune System
by RYAN MILEJCZAK
Flu season peaks between December and February, meaning that right now is the time to focus on boosting your immune system. One of the best defenses against winter illness is also one of Florida’s signature products — citrus!
“An 8 ounce serving of 100% orange juice is an excellent source of immune-supporting vitamin C and includes a unique polyphenol called hesperidin, which may have a number of benefits to the immune system, including to help fight inflammation,” says Jennifer Hillis, a registered dietitian nutritionist and University of South Florida’s Citrus Nutrition Research Liaison.
While most of us enjoy orange juice and other citrus juices cold, they can be surprisingly tasty (and even healthy!) consumed warm.
“By mixing tea with an everyday staple you likely already have in your fridge – 100% orange juice – you can easily help your immune system,” says Hillis. “One of my favorite immune supporting teas is the Florida Orange Juice Spice Tea because it’s perfect for the holiday season and includes vitamin C to help promote the production and function of immune cells.”
If you’re worried that heating up orange juice will reduce its nutritional value, we have good news: There’s nothing to worry about.
“The temperature of 100% orange juice does not change its nutritional value. And while a hot drink won’t raise your core body temperature, the increase in temperature for the hands, mouth, and stomach can be comforting, which may have a benefit for mental or physical wellbeing,” says Hillis.
Not sure how to incorporate citrus into your favorite hot drinks? We’ve got you covered. We’ve partnered with the Florida Department of Citrus to bring you five warm citrus beverage recipes, including Hillis’ favorite orange juice spice tea, to help keep you feeling healthy and warm all winter long.
Florida Orange Juice Spice Tea
Adapted from Florida Orange Juice
Ingredients
- 1 cup Florida orange juice
- 2 cups water
- 3 fresh cinnamon sticks, broken into 1 inch segments
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 whole star anise
- 2 bags black tea
Instructions
Combine water, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Once steeped, remove the tea bags and stir in the orange juice and heat over low until heated through. Strain and enjoy.
Warm Grapefruit Tea
Adapted from Florida Citrus
Ingredients
- 2 cups Florida grapefruit juice
- 2 tbsp honey, or more to taste
- 1 whole fresh cinnamon stick
- ½ tsp whole allspice berries
- ½ cup water
Instructions
Combine water, cinnamon, honey, and allspice in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Let boil for one minute, then reduce the heat and add the grapefruit juice. Once heated through, remove from heat, strain, and enjoy.
Orange Cider
Adapted from Florida Orange Juice
Ingredients
- 3 cups Florida orange juice
- 1 cup apple juice
- 2 whole stick fresh cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a large saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and serve with Florida orange slices on top.
Florida Orange Juice Ginger Tea
Adapted from Florida Orange Juice
Ingredients
- 2 cups Florida orange juice
- 4 cups water
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 5 bags green tea
- 2 tbsp ginger, minced
Instructions
Heat water to almost boiling in a large pot, then turn off heat and add green tea bags and ginger. Let steep for three minutes. Strain into a large pitcher and add orange and lemon juice. Stir and serve immediately.
Florida Grapefruit Earl Grey Tea
Adapted from Florida Orange Juice
Ingredients
- 3 oz. Florida grapefruit juice
- 7 oz hot water
- 1 bag earl grey tea
- 1 sprig fresh mint
- 2 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions
Heat water to a boil and pour over the tea bag in a mug. Let steep for two to three minutes, then add grapefruit juice and mint and enjoy.