Golden Glow Water.
Who’s ready for a little energizer today?!
Normally I’m not big on fancy waters and “detox” style drinks. I pretty much stick with water (regular and sparkling) and kombucha, those are my favorites. BUT over the holidays my brother Red kept asking me to make him a drink with cayenne. I didn’t know it, but the kid loves lemon and cayenne water. It’s super odd since he’s kind of a picky eater and doesn’t normally go for the “health” foods. I wasn’t about to deny him his cayenne water, so I mixed up a little mix and it ended up being so delicious. I was shocked when he actually drank the entire glass. Kid never finishes anything, but he drank all of this!
I will not lie, I am not really a fan of cayenne in my water, but this drink is just SO good. The sparkles really help, especially for me since I am a sucker for anything super carbonated. The drink turned out so good that I decided to do a little research about all the benefits of everything I added and share the recipe with you guys as a part all the “Healthy January” recipes!
Here’s the deal, everything about this little drink is going to make you feel amazing. It’s loaded with nutrient after nutrient and it’s perfect for doing a little holiday cleansing, which I feel like a lot of us maybe need right about now…
Let’s run through everything…
…ginger – helps with digestion and nausea.
…turmeric – major cancer fighter along with loads of other benefits. Studies have shown curcumin, one of turmeric’s healing compounds, to be a better anti-inflammatory choice than aspirin or ibuprofen. Curcumin also dramatically increases the antioxidant capacity of the body, AND…it can be used as an anti-depressant.
…cayenne – helps to fight off colds, rev the metabolism, and is also a cancer fighter.
…honey – helps prevent cancer and heart disease, among other things.
…molasses – high in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and selenium.
…lemon – rich in vitamin C and helpful in cleansing your bowels.
SEEE!!! So much goodness all in one drink, and I swear, even though it sounds odd, this golden glow water is actually so so good. I’ve been mixing this up and topping it with some ginger kombucha and I honestly look forward to it every single morning. It leaves my stomach feeling awesome and provides me with energy for the day. I haven’t had a cup of coffee in over two weeks because this drink is honestly all I need to start my day.
I am obsessed, and so is my family. We’ve been mixing this water up non-stop for the last two weeks and no one is sick of it.
So what do you guys think, can you give it a try? Are you into it? Like I said, at first I was so skeptical. Nothing about this combo sounded good to me, but then I tried it, and man, I am in love. My favorite way to drink this is topped with kombucha, but sparking water works equally great and is a little less pricy.
I feel like if my 16-year old brother can be into this, you guys can too! Speaking of Red, in other food news, in the last year with all of his travels, he has really gotten into sushi. He has been begging me to make him some for the last two weeks. Since he is leaving today for another long trip (and when he returns he’s directly off to X-Games) I finally gave in and made him some homemade sushi before he left. I was scared to roll my own sushi, like so scared, but guys it’s probably easier than rolling up a burrito, seriously. I didn’t have one bad roll, and I didn’t even use one of those fancy sushi mats. I think I made about thirty to forty rolls (my parents still had a ton of people in their house, but pretty much everyone is leaving today). I am now thinking that maybe I need to make the sushi as a blog recipe. Would you guys be into homemade sushi? You would right?!
Maybe sushi with your glow water? Ahh, on second thought I dunno about that, the glow water is more something you drink on your own.
ANYWAY, returning to the glow water, I’m hoping this post inspires you to mix one up today. It’s so easy and will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the week. Honestly, you’ve got to try it!
Like now. K? cool!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Golden Glow Water.
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Healthy drinks
Here's the deal, everything about this little drink is going to make you feel amazing!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon molasses
- juice of 1 lemon
- sparkling water or kombucha for topping
Instructions
-
In a glass jar, combine the water, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, honey, molasses, and lemon juice. Shake well to combine. Chill until ready to drink. Shake before serving.
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Add ice to 2 glasses, pour over the water and top with sparkling water. Drink. Garnish with citrus slices and fresh mint.
ps. Lyns likes to add a little tequila to hers at night… 🙂
This looks amazing! I’m four months pregnant and have been living for mashed potatoes and cheese – I’m not suddenly dying to go on a health kick and so have already made a few of your favourite healthy recipes (granola bowls, smoothies, and falafel bowl on the menu tonight!). Dying to try this, not only coz its healthy but am on the lookout for alcohol alternatives!!!
Thanks for the wonderful inspiring blog. I make your food all the time.
Awh, its so awesome your trying all my recipes! Hopefully the baby is loving all the healthy food (:
Hope you love everything! Thank you so much Ciara!
The name itself is energising ‘Golden Glow’. I am always looking out for such drink recipes which are healthy and natural. Thanks a lot for posting it.
So happy you like it, thank you Shanaz!
This looks SO good! I agree with Shanaz – even the name sounds ridiculously refreshing.
Haha, yay so happy you guys like it (:
I LOVE adding cayenne to my healthy juices/smoothies! I would have never thought to add molasses though! Now I know what to do with the leftover molasses from all of those gingerbread waffles we made 🙂 This sounds great!
Yes! Its a delicious addition! Perfect timing since you just made those!
This sounds amazing – the photographs are beautiful and I love the name!
I’m loving the name too so i’m glad you do too! Thanks Rhian!
Tieghan, you should definitely post the homemade sushi recipe. I would totally be into that!
Okay!! Thanks Kristen!
This really sounds good. I wish I had the sparkling water I would try this today. I will put it on my grocery list.
Perfect! Let me know what you think Charlotte!
Just added turmeric and sparkling water to my grocery list…. back to you later!
Yes!! Hope you love it Betsy!
We’re sitting here drinking it hot in mugs because it’s single digits outside! I feel like you’ve created a new flavor for Celestial Seasonings there, Tieghan! Delicious!
PS- I cut the cayenne because some of my family found my lunchtime chili too spicy for their tastes today- we still love those wimpy family members!
Awh so happy you guys liked it! The cayenne is delicious but i;m sure it was good without it, thanks!
Sounds delightful. I would prefer to drink this room temperature or warm like a soothing cup of tea. Ice in a glass this time of year just is not appealing. Will definitely make a cuppa golden today!
I could totally agree with that! Hope you love it Cori!
Cant’ wait to try this!
Hope you love it! Thank you!
Gorgeous! Can’t wait to try this
Hope you love it Sara! Thank you!
Happy New Year! This sounds wonderful- I drink a hot version of this during the winter and I love it. I never even thought about drinking it cold! It’s warm here today so when I whip it up I’m going to top it with Topo Chico. I also use half a tangerine in mine in addition to the lemon. Thanks for introducing me to your version and yes, I’m going to make a batch for us all today!
That sounds so awesome Tina! I hope you love this just as much as your hot version!! Thank you!
this looks awesome! i’m also a huge fan of kombucha so i like the idea of topping this with some.. i’ll definitely be trying this! and YES to a sushi recipe! possibly a vegetarian sushi roll too!? 🙂 avocado peanut is always good or i recently tried one with sweet potato, avocado, and cream cheese – yum!
Wow avocado, sweet potato, and cream cheese?? Sounds SO yummy! Thanks so much for the suggestions Courtney!
OH my gosh! Yum and trying this!!
Thank you Karlie, I hope you love it!
I’d love to see the sushi recipe!!
Thanks Jenn!
This is perfect for my post chocolate-alcohol-turkey-everyotherexcess self. Ugh January. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Haha yes, getting back to healthy foods! Thanks Jennifer!
Could I sub maple syrup for the molasses? I have so many cans of Quebec maple syrup I need to start using up!
Hi! I would just use a little more honey, no need to use the maple. OR if you prefer, skip the honey and use maple. Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love this!
I think with the addition of a little vinegar it might just be the perfect tonic.
Awesome suggestion!! Thank you Heather!
Have been sipping on this delicious tea all afternoon. So refreshing and energizing!
I am so glad you love it! Thank you Ellie!
This sounds wonderful and turmeric is just so perfect to cleanse and for a healthy drink.
Happy New Year!!! Many more successes to you in 2017!!
Yes it is so perfect for cleansing! Thank you Asha, I hope you love it!
Wow, sounds amazing Tieghan! I really need to try this refreshing and oh so gorgeous drink!
Thank you Tori!!
Love the combination of flavors — just what I need after December!! xo
Haha right?! Me too! Thank you Rebecca!
Is it weird that I love a little spicy kick in my lemon water, too?! It just makes that drink so much more exciting! 😀 Cheers, Tieghan!
It so does make it that much more exciting! Thank you Sarah, I hope you love this drink!
I’m totally game to try this (after all, I’m the girl that drinks apple cider vinegar twice a day, so I think I can handle this! ;)) Love that sparkling color!
Sounds perfect for you Laura!! Thank you so much & I hope you love this!
thanks for this amazing recipe, totally i try this in this week
I hope you love it! Thank you!
Love the name – glow water! Share the sushi recipes. I’d love some new, creative sushi ideas!
Awesome! Thanks Emily!
Perfect substitute for that evening cocktail. Will be drinking this often, and the bf even liked it.
So awesome to hear! Thank you Abi!
Yum can’t wait to make this! Loving the healthy theme for January 🙂 Can I ask where you got the set of glasses in the photos? They are so gorgeous! X
Thanks so much, Alexi!! The glasses are from Anthropologie!
Link:
https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/tisanne-glass?category=kitchen-glassware&color=014
Anti-inflammatory ingredients mixed with delicious things???!! Yes AND yes!! This looks super delicious!! Also, molasses in a drink with some acidity is a brilliant flavor change-up!!
Thank you so much Maria! I am so glad you are enjoying this drink!
Totally into it! Can’t wait to try! I’m the same – usually kombucha or water – but I love drinking things that taste delicious and make me feel like I can almost feel all the health benefits right away, like kombucha and green smoothies (totally in my head, I know haha)
I totally understand that! I love drinking health drinks cause you just feel great!! I hope you love this one, Christine! Thank you!
I doubled the recipe…figured as long as I was mixing…maybe I added too much cayenne? It is spicy! Still deciding if I love it. It’s definitely interesting.
Hmm.. the cayenne can be pretty spicy, especially if you’re not a spice person. Maybe try it with a little less next time! Sorry about that Lil!
haha! It is interesting for sure! It could be too much cayenne for your taste. It’s for sure something you need to ease into if you are not used to drinking cayenne. Let me know if you have questions. Thank you!
I’m excited to try this! Do you make a fresh batch everyday? Or if I make a big batch do you know how long it will keep in the fridge?
Hey Liz! I think this will last about a week in the fridge, so go ahead and make a big batch! I would wait to add the sparkling water or kombucha until you pour it into individual glasses, though! Thanks so much & I hope this helped!!
This looks fantastic! Can’t wait to try it!
Yay! I hope you love it, Shannon! Thank you!
Do you make the concoction every morning or can you make a batch in advance?
Hey Katy! You can make a batch in advance, just wait to put the sparkling water or kombucha into individual glasses. Thanks!
Hi! You can make in advance and drink throughout the week. Just add the sparkling water right before drinking. Hope you love this!
The color of this water is absolutely STUNNING! Turmeric is such an amazing spice–and it tastes incredible!
Love this! I quadrupled it so I could have it around for a few days. I prefer it warm. Next time, I will reduce the cayenne. I know different brands have varying heat levels, for me, it was too spicy. Otherwise, great recipe. Thanks.
Ah yes! You have a bunch, thats awesome! Thank you Lori!
This looks so healthy!
Thanks Kari!
Hey Tieghan 😀 , love the recipe, it got me out of bed the other day because I was so excited to try it.. i did and it turned out pretty weird in a bad way haha. Now I just don’t know what it is, since I’m so sure it’s not the recipe where it goes wrong (your recipes are always soooo amazing). Is it possible that my molasses are way different from yours? I live in belgium, so maybe I just got a different variation of molasses? I felt like it was the molasse flavour that freaked me out ? – anyway, I immediately made it without the molasses again and the result was AMAZING!! Perhaps I’m just not used to the flavour of molasses?? Anyway, absolutely love this idea!! ⭐️
Hey Eva! haha! thank you! I am thinking that maybe you just do not like the molasses flavor. Try leaving it out the molasses and just use honey in it’s place. I think that might solve the problem! 🙂
I’m still starting to cook, but I’ve learned a lot from you. I’ll try this one more! It will work!
Thanks!
Absolutely LOVE this! Have been making it all week, totally addicted and spreading the word here in the South of France. I’m buying all the ingredients and a special mixer flask to offer as a gift for a friend’s birthday!
Love your blog and use your recipes all the time.
All the best for continued success in 2017
Sipping one of these right now! It’s surprisingly tasty, and I’m glad that I gave it a try. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome! So happy you like it, thank you!
This looks great–can’t wait to try it! So happy Red is eating better and doing well!
Thanks Deb! We all are too!
I made this, thought I would like it, wanted to like it and…yucky. :0 I’m drinking it now after a long cross country ski and it’s warming my insides but I don’t really like the taste.
HI! This drink is on that is probably not for everyone due to the spice. It could be the molasses or cayenne that you don’t like. You can try omitting one or using less. Let me know if you have questions. Thank you! 🙂
It’s a bummer you don’t like the taste. Sorry!
This sounds so yummy!! Can’t wait to try . I make a lot of your recipes!! They are amazing .. you are one of my favs to follow
Annette , from Chicago ❤❤
Awh, thank you so much Annette! I am so happy you enjoy my recipes & I hope you continue to!
Very late in posting on this wonderful, healthy blast of an elixer that makes you glow the moment you taste it! I’ve been fighting bronchitis since before Christmas and when I read this combo, I knew I had to try it. I have a full mason jar in the fridge of this and have it every morning. It is the best way to start your day as it lifts you up with that dynamic trio of healthy spices. Mix it with raw honey and dark molasses. Love the sparkling water as a topper. Happy to say, I finally beat the nasties and feel confident this great drink helped me get back to ‘glowing’ again!
WOW, i’m so happy you like it Tammy! So sorry to hear about the bronchitis, thats no fun. So happy you beat it. Thank you so so much!
We’re on day 4 of drinking these in the morning – hooked. Such a good boost, and makes my husband and I both feel energized enough to chase our toddler all morning. Super recipe! Thanks.
So happy you guys like them and they’re helping! Thanks Angela!
Hey Tieghan, how important is the sparkling water or kombucha? I don’t normally have either in the house. Would it change the experience much to use non-sparkling filtered water? Thanks!
HI! It’s not too important, I just like the carbonation they give. I think you can omit it and use water. Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love this!
Yum! This looks amazing. I pretty much love all things with a splash of sparkling water! 😀 And those glasses are freaking adorable!!
Totally agree cant make a drink without it these days! Thanks Amy!
thank you so much for this recipe. it has become my favourite drink!!! btw: LOVE YOUR BLOG 🙂
Thank you SOOOO much! 🙂
This was a little on the spicy side for me, but I have to say, it was pretty good! I added some blood orange juice/ slices and it was so pretty. I loved the color! I’ve been feeling under the weather and this looked like a good immune booster. Thanks for this recipe!
Well i’m g;ad you still liked it Chloë! Thanks so much for trying it!
Do you have any thoughts about trying this with fresh ginger and turmeric? One of the vendors at the winter market in Chicago had both and I couldn’t help myself, but now am fighting with the internet to give me some good ideas for using them. Fresh ginger might be my favorite thing and I don’t struggle using it but the turmeric is mostly new to me, fresh anyway.
HI! You can use both fresh ginger and turmeric. Just use about 1-2 teaspoons (grated) of each, start with 1, taste and add more to your taste. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
Hi!
I love somewhere where molasses are not easy to find. Can I just add more honey?
Yes, honey will be great. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
I saw this featured in MyDomaine. In their article, it said that the “calorie-burning effects of cayenne diminishes over time”. I want to try this recipe, but I want it to be effective for me. How long can I drink this before the effects of the cayenne start to diminish? I like drinking home made turmeric tea with lemon and honey, hot or cold.
Hi there! I am not a nutritionist, so I don’t feel comfortable advising you and honestly I am not really sure. So sorry I could not help you more! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Looks really tasty!
Quick question
Do we have to drink on empty stomach or anytime?
Hey Kay! Drinking anytime is totally fine! 🙂 Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Where did you get these beautiful glasses?
Hey Jessica,
So sorry I do not have a link for these, they are old from Anthropologie. Let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan