Photo: Biltzcelt

The other night, it snowed in Brooklyn. Not the tiny flurries that hint at snow. The big white flakes that scream winter is here! I was worried that everything would melt by morning. And I didn’t want Atticus to miss it. So I did what I usually have a hard time doing. I opted for “the moment” instead of “the plan” and delayed Atticus’ bedtime. We covered our jammies with coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and snow boots and headed into the street.

Watching Atticus with eyes closed, head upturned, and tongue out whispering “Mama, look!” reminded me that kids are an opportunity to see how great “the moment” really is. Of course, by the time we got back, he wasn’t too happy that his hands were like “ice cream” (he’s not so great with expressions yet). So I whipped up a warm ginger milk. I use ginger a lot now, especially when it’s cold outside. Here are some of my favorite bone-warming ginger drink recipes.

Warm Ginger Milk

(can be served to kids 12+ mos)

1 cup organic milk
1/4 tsp grated fresh organic ginger (or ginger powder in a pinch)
a dash of ground organic cinnamon
1/2 tsp organic agave nectar (or honey if your child is at least one-year-old)

1. Heat the milk, ginger, and cinnamon in a saucepan on over low-to-medium until it almost—but doesn’t—boil.

2. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes.

3. Strain to remove any big bits of ginger if your snow angel (like mine!) has an aversion to bits in their drinks.

4. Add agave. Stir. And serve! (Remember to let cool until just warm and safe for your little one’s mouth.)

Warm Ginger Lemonade

(can be served to kids 12+ mos)

1 cup water
juice of 1/2 organic lemon (most experts don’t recommend citrus until your child is one-year-old)
1/4 tsp grated fresh organic ginger (or ginger powder in a pinch)
1/2 tsp organic agave nectar (or honey if your child is at least one-year-old)

1. Heat the water, lemon, and ginger in a small saucepan over low-to-medium heat until it boils.

2. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes.

3. Strain to remove any big bits of ginger if your snow angel (like mine!) has an aversion to bits in their drinks.

4. Add agave. Stir. And serve! (Remember to let cool until just warm and safe for your little one’s mouth.)

Warm Mulled Raspberry Apple Cider

(can be served to kids 10+ mos)

1 cup organic apple cider (some people prefer to wait until their child is at least one-year-old to introduce juice—but as long as juice is a once-in-a-blue-moon treat it can be served at 10+ mos)
1/4 cup organic frozen raspberries
1/4 tsp grated fresh organic ginger (or ginger powder in a pinch)
a dash of ground organic cinnamon
1/2 tsp organic agave nectar (or honey if your child is at least one-year-old)

1. Heat the cider, raspberries, ginger, and cinnamon in a saucepan on the stove until it boils.

2. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

3. Strain to remove the raspberries and any big bits of ginger if your snow angel (like mine!) has an aversion to bits in their drinks.

4. Add agave. Stir. And serve! (Remember to let cool until just warm and safe for your little one’s mouth.)

Tip: Don’t throw away the raspberries! Mix them in plain yogurt or use them as spread on toast.