In need of a warm drink that not only tastes good but is packed with essential minerals? Molasses tonic is the perfect warm up and pick-me-up drink for cold weather.
I like warm drinks. Do you?
Even on the hottest summer days I still start the day with a warm drink. It has a calming effect on my mind and body. In fact I’m sipping on one right now while I write this post!
I’ve never been a coffee drinker. I usually go for tea.
But these days I pretty much drink one of two things. Either healing hot chocolate or molasses tonic. Both provide minerals in a great tasting, soothing beverage.
You may be wondering, what’s so great about molasses? Isn’t that just sugar?
Molasses is actually packed with vitamins and minerals.
It contains:
- potassium
- magnesium
- calcium
- iron
- vitamin B6
- niacin
- pantothenic acid
- choline
- phosphorus
- zinc
- copper
- selenium
- chromium
- cobalt
- sodium
It has also been shown to be helpful with a variety of health issues from PMS, headaches and acne to bone health and constipation.
What’s not to love?
Well, maybe the flavor.
Molasses is an acquired taste.
At least for me. If you are not a fan just start with a small amount and work your way up to a full tablespoon.
You can even do half molasses and half maple syrup to start. Maple syrup has minerals too!
As you can see molasses is very nutritious. You could just take a big spoonful once or twice a day.
I like to combine it with some other nutrients in a hot drink to really give my body a boost.
So you can add any or all of the following to create a molasses tonic:
- stinging nettle (allergy relief, reduce inflammation)
- grass-fed collagen (easy-to-digest protein, gut healing)
- unrefined sea salt (trace minerals, hydration/electrolyte balance)
- cocoa powder (magnesium, iron, fiber, manganese, zinc, flavonoids)
- carob powder (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium)
- maple syrup (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus sodium, potassium, zinc)
- butter and/or coconut oil (healthy saturated fat, helps balance the protein and carbohydrates)
When you put all of these together molasses tonic can practically be a meal replacement! And if you have a super busy morning here and there it could be. I drink it after a meal. Though it is best to wait an hour after eating to let your food settle/start digesting first.
If you don’t have time or all of the ingredients to make the full molasses tonic you can simply add molasses and sea salt to hot water. You’ll still get a big nutritional boost and feel hydrated.
The next time you need a hot beverage skip the coffee. Instead whip up a power packed molasses tonic.
This is great for kids too. Add some whole milk or coconut milk to their molasses tonic for a creamy drink.
Do you consume molasses regularly? What is your favorite way to use it?
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 - 1 Tbsp. blackstrap molasses
- 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
- 1 tsp. nettle leaf
- 1 Tbsp. grass-fed collagen
- 1 tsp. organic cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp. organic carob powder
- 2 tsp. grade B maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp. butter or coconut oil
- 2-4 Tbsp. whole milk or coconut milk
- If using nettle leaf, use a tea strainer or cheesecloth to steep nettle leaves in 1/2 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Remove the leaves.
- Add the remaining boiling water and ingredients.
- Stir to combine.
- Allow to cool enough to drink or add ice cubes or milk.
- This can be served warm or cold (iced molasses tonic).
- This can be placed in a water bottle and packed for school lunch.
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Thanks for this! I will be trying it later today!!! 😉
I hope you enjoy it! It’s great for your body.
This is what we give our dairy goats while they are in labor and following kidding – warm molasses water. They LOVE it and suck it right down. It really gives them that nutritious boost for a quick recovery. Myself, I LOVE molasses cookies!
That is so cool, Tricia! Molasses really is great.
At this time, I don’t have Real Salt, though I want to buy it again in the near future. Would regular sea salt be an ok substitute until then, or should I skip it entirely in this case? I’m both pregnant and nursing.
Also, would the molasses be the same amount if I have the kind that’s got 25% (or is it 20%?) of iron within a single serving (I think that’s 2 tbs)? I have nettle and maple syrup, so would be adding those in.
Can’t wait to try this! Might even give it to my munchkins too, especially the older one who has chapped lips. I haven’t been able to drink plain water this pregnancy, so turned to Propel packets (I know) with no other alternative presenting itself. My lips are chapped too, when I don’t drink enough water – perhaps this’ll help. If you have other suggestions, I’m all ears.
Any salt will do, Chelle. It is an important part of the drink. But I do recommend making sure it does not have any fillers in it.
You can use as much or as little molasses as you like. It’s all about taste. The more you use, the more minerals 🙂
My kids love it! I often just fill a sippy cup with water and stir in some molasses and salt.
When I was pregnant with my second I really struggled with water. What helped me the most was my healing hot cocoa. It’s still my go-to drink when I’m feeling dehydrated. https://justtakeabite.com/2013/01/19/healing-hot-cocoa/
I’ve really been enjoying this recently! I drink just the basic recipe upon waking for some warm, nourishing hydration. Of course, I love molasses, but this drink is so comforting, and I feel so nourished when drinking it. Thanks for a great recipe!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it, Kristy! It is perfect for colder weather!