I think we can all agree nothing makes you appreciate your health more than when you feel that first sign of sickness coming on. As the saying goes, health is wealth, amiright?

For those times you’re feeling run-down, I’ve got a new remedy to immediately add to your sick season essentials: this Citrus Cold Flu Fighter. We had our Babymoon earlier this year at the end of January in the Maldives, and of course, a few days in, I start feeling a cold coming on. I’m sure it was just lack of sleep during the long travel day mixed with a pregnant immune system, but I definitely went through it while we were away. Don’t get me wrong, it was still the most magical trip that I would do over and over again, but this Citrus Cold Flu Fighter they had on the menu at our hotel felt like it SAVED ME.

I got the recipe and made it immediately when I got home. It’s dietitian-approved by yours truly as it includes ingredients that will support your immune system and soothe a sore throat. It was so cozy and comforting to drink, even in the hot weather. You can thank me later!

IMMUNE-BOOSTING BEV

I’ve made it my mission to create, and recreate, recipes with better-for-you ingredients.

That doesn’t stop at snacks, mains, or sweet treats, though. It applies to all the beverages too – smoothies (my daily staple), homemade nut milks and matchas, or in this case, an immune-boosting beverage.

Made with vitamin C-packed citrus, soothing honey, garlic and onion, this cozy drink is a must-add to your cold and flu-fighting arsenal. Yes, you read that right: garlic and onion, which I personally guarantee will not overpower the drink! It just works.

SOOTHING, SATISFYING AND NOURISHING

I’m not kidding when I say I ordered about 27 of these drinks. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and even cocktail hour. I was hooked, and I’m sure I was the only person on the island ordering them at the time. So soothing, satisfying and nourishing.

And if you need further convincing, to quote Bridge, “the ingredients sound wild, but can confirm it is in fact, delicious.”

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

This Citrus Cold Flu Fighter drink tastes so healing and heavenly, but let me quickly break down for you the what + the why.

Fresh organic orange juice – a refreshing liquid high in antioxidants and micronutrients like vitamin C, folate and potassium.
Lemon – lemon juice further provides vitamin C and minerals that are essential for overall health any day.
Garlic cloves – a strong, natural, immunity-boosting antibiotic.
White onion – onions offer antibacterial properties and are a great source of vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and fibers. And like I said, you won’t even taste this or the garlic in the drink; trust me!
Raw honey – honey also contains antibacterial, and antifungal, properties and helps to soothe a sore throat. Plus, it adds the tiniest touch of natural sweetness.

Honestly, just thinking about this drink makes me feel better. If you’ve tried my Ginger Immunity Shots from my cookbook, Rachael’s Good Eats, then you’ll love this one too.

Let me know what you think! And if you’re here because you’re not feeling so hot, then I’m sending you all the healing vibes, sis.

HOW TO MAKE A CITRUS COLD FLU FIGHTER

Heat orange juice and squeezed lemon over the stove in a small saucepan on medium heat for 2 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients, minus the honey, and let come to a simmer. Heat for 10 minutes.

Pour into a high-powered blender, lifting the center lid just slightly to allow steam to escape, and blend for 1 minute until smooth. Finally, stir or blend in the honey.

Serve hot or add ice for a chilled drink. This recipe makes 1 drink, so feel free to double, or batch as preferred, and store in an air-tight jar in the fridge for up to 2 days.

SHOP THIS RECIPE:

RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & QUESTIONS

Either fresh-squeezed or store-bought orange juice works. If going the store-bought route, I recommend buying one made with only oranges, organic if possible, and not made-from-concentrate.

Same goes for the lemon, although I always prefer and recommend freshly squeezed citrus. For store-bought lemon juice, you’ll have to add the amount to taste, which should roughly be about 1 tablespoon to equate to half of a squeezed lemon. Stick to the remainder of the ingredients as noted.

I wanted to make this Citrus Cold Flu Fighter drink as the recipe calls for, but there are definitely a few variations you can try, if you’d like. Feel free to sprinkle on top, or mix in, cayenne and/or ginger for even more immunity-boosting effects and flavor. Turmeric is another healing spice with anti-inflammatory benefits that will definitely alter the taste of the drink, but help the cold and flu-fighting cause.

WHAT IS THE BEST JUICE TO FIGHT A COLD?

Generally, the rule of thumb when fighting a cold or flu is to stay hydrated. Hydrating with citrus juices like orange, lemon or grapefruit, and other juices like beet, carrot and ginger, for example, will not only help replace liquids lost due to congestion or other factors, but can also help to boost your immune system.

*I do want to preface for my fellow pregnant mamas, this drink is rich in citrus, so be wary of potential heartburn that can arise from consuming.

It’s all about the liquids! Give this Citrus Cold Flu Fighter drink a try to put a little pep in your step the next time you’re feeling run-down. Or try sipping on some bone broth, another liquid I love to drink every day for its health benefits.

For more seasonal self-care tips, read this blog: 3 Ways To Stay Healthy This Winter

HERE’S MORE BETTER-FOR-YOU BEVERAGES YOU’LL LOVE:

My Everyday Glow-To Smoothie

PB & Raspberry Smoothie

How To Make Nut Milk: 4 Ways

Peppermint Hot Cocoa With Homemade Coconut Whipped Cream

Click here to watch the reel I made of this recipe 🙂