Date of publication 11/03/2018
Healthy Drinks Drink Well, Live Well: 10 Beverages to Enhance Your Well-Being
Travel is an invitation to discover new flavors, cultures, and landscapes. It’s an enriching experience that becomes even more rewarding when you take care of your health along the way. When you're traveling, especially in far-flung or exotic destinations, it can be tempting to reach for sugary drinks and high-calorie soft beverages. But staying mindful of your well-being while on vacation is entirely possible, and discovering the healthiest local drinks can be a delicious way to do it. In this article, we’ll introduce you to 10 healthy beverages to enjoy on your next getaway:
AGUA DE JAMAICA
Agua de jamaica, also known as hibiscus water or hibiscus tea, is a healthy drink that is very popular in parts of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, as well as in Mexico and Jamaica. It is prepared by steeping the flowers of a type of hibiscus known as roselle in water, sometimes with ginger. It can be enjoyed hot or cold and sweetened with sugar if it tastes too tart. In addition to supporting digestion, it is diuretic and rich in vitamin C. Perfect for enjoying in front of a Jamaican beach with turquoise waters.
KOMBUCHA
Kombucha is one of the latest trends in probiotic health drinks. Made by fermenting a culture of yeast and bacteria in a mixture of tea and sugar, the resulting beverage has a tangy flavor that is often blended with other ingredients such as syrups, juices, or water. Among its potential benefits are support for the immune system, increased energy levels, natural antibacterial properties, and healthier-looking skin and hair. In recent years, kombucha has become increasingly popular in Brazil, where it has emerged as a favorite choice thanks to its refreshing qualities, the country’s tropical climate, and Brazilians’ passion for active, health-conscious lifestyles.
GINGER BEER
Alongside ginger ale, ginger beer is one of the most popular beverages of British origin. Despite its name, ginger beer is alcohol-free. It is a fermented drink made from water, sugar, and ginger. Ginger is known for its many beneficial properties, including its analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as being a natural source of vitamins and minerals. In recent years, ginger beer has become increasingly popular in Portugal, where it is commonly found on the menus of restaurants, bars, and cafés as a refreshing drink with a subtle spicy kick. So, while staying at one of the best hotels in Lisbon, there’s nothing better than settling into a sunny terrace, soaking up the atmosphere, and recharging with a chilled ginger beer. Sounds pretty tempting, doesn’t it?
GOLDEN MILK
Turmeric is the key ingredient in what is known as “golden milk,” a blend of milk or a plant-based alternative with turmeric and other spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, often sweetened with honey or syrup. This drink has gained popularity across Europe thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and digestive properties, as well as its ability to support the immune system. It is also a healthy beverage that can help energize the body or simply encourage relaxation, depending on the moment. In Spain, where healthy eating and nutritious lifestyle choices are increasingly valued, this wellness drink has earned a place in many people’s daily routines. Our suggestion? End a day of exploring with a cup of golden milk at an organic café in the heart of Madrid. Few experiences are quite as comforting.
COCONUT WATER
Drinking the natural water found in fruits that contain it is one of the healthiest ways to stay hydrated. Coconut water, which occurs naturally inside the coconut, is among the most refreshing and flavorful options. In addition to being low in calories, especially in its purest form straight from the coconut with no added sugars, it contains antioxidants, vitamins B and C, and a wealth of essential minerals. It’s the perfect companion for a walk along the beaches of the charming fishing village of Bayahibe in the Dominican Republic.
KEFIR
Kefir is produced through the fermentation of milk using a combination of beneficial bacteria and yeasts, giving it the texture of a drinkable yogurt with a pleasantly tangy flavor. This beverage provides minerals, vitamins, and essential amino acids, and is often enjoyed for its probiotic properties, which help support the immune system. There is also a water-based version, known as water kefir, which results in a light, sparkling drink. Starting your day with a glass of kefir drizzled with honey among the palm trees of your hotel in Marrakech is an idyllic and wholesome way to begin the morning.
MATE AND MATE-BASED DRINKS
Yerba mate is traditionally consumed dried and brewed as an infusion, but in recent years a variety of refreshing beverages combining mate with other natural ingredients have also become popular. This ancestral drink is known for its energizing and stimulating effects, as well as its cleansing, digestive, and antioxidant properties. It is widely enjoyed in countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil. While it is most commonly served hot, mate can be incredibly refreshing when enjoyed cold. It’s the perfect way to quench your thirst during a walk along the shores of Praia do Forte, near Salvador, Bahia.
PLANT-BASED DRINKS
Plant-based beverages are not only a great alternative to dairy milk, they also offer a wide variety of flavors and textures that invite creativity when used in smoothies, juices, or warm drinks. Soy, oat, rice, almond, hazelnut, quinoa... the options are endless. Many of these beverages are fortified with calcium and vitamin D and are naturally low in fat. In cities such as Barcelona, where vegetarian and vegan lifestyles continue to gain popularity, you'll find an ever-growing selection of cafés and specialty shops serving all kinds of healthy plant-based drinks.
SPECIALTY COFFEE
Coffee is more popular than ever around the world, and increasingly, travelers are setting out in search of the perfect cup, crafted from high-quality beans prized for their aroma and flavor. These coffees are often produced through artisanal, ethical, and sustainable practices. Beyond their well-known energizing effects, coffee also contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For travelers looking for an extra boost of energy, Montenegro offers a coffee culture that goes far beyond the drink itself. Here, coffee is an integral part of daily life and a cherished social ritual. So, when you visit Montenegro, one of the Adriatic’s best-kept secrets, be sure to try one of its most beloved local coffees, known as “Domaća.” You may be surprised by just how memorable a simple cup of coffee can be.
SPECIALTY COFFEE
Coffee is more popular than ever around the world, and more travelers are setting out in search of the perfect cup, crafted from exceptional beans prized for their distinctive aroma and flavor. These coffees are often produced using artisanal, ethical, and sustainable methods. Beyond their well-known energizing effects, coffee also provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For those who love to travel and appreciate an extra boost of energy, Montenegro offers a coffee culture that goes far beyond the drink itself. Here, coffee is an essential part of daily life and a cherished social ritual. So, when you visit this Adriatic gem, be sure to try one of the country's most beloved local coffees, known as “Domaća.” It just might surprise you.
BROTH TO GO
In Europe, we’ve long known that a good broth is one of the most nourishing and comforting ways to warm up on a cold day. In the United States, it has recently emerged as a wellness trend, with places such as Brodo, which has two locations in Manhattan, specializing in traditional broths served in convenient to-go cups, perfect for keeping warm while exploring the city on foot. Among its many benefits, broth may help support gut health, soothe cold symptoms, and contribute to healthy skin and hair. In the city that never sleeps, where life moves at a fast pace, broth has become a surprisingly wholesome and comforting choice for both locals and travelers.
Ultimately, choosing healthy beverages while traveling is a way not only to take care of yourself but also to connect with local culture through its traditional drinks. So the next time you're exploring a new destination or unwinding at a beachfront resort, be sure to enjoy some of these delicious and nourishing options. Cheers to your health!
