5 Drinks to Keep You Hydrated When It’s Cold Outside

Dry winter air can leave you with cracked, peeling skin, gritty eyes, and a scratchy throat. When temperatures drop, an iced drink is rarely appealing.

Still, cold weather doesn’t mean you can ease up on hydration. The key is choosing warming, comforting drinks that help keep you hydrated through the long winter months.

1. Warm Water

The simplest and arguably most effective way to hydrate is to drink more water. In the winter, you can opt for warm water.

Lately, drinking warm water first thing in the morning has taken off on TikTok as a wellness hack. Creators say having warm water on an empty stomach is gentler than cold water and may help stimulate digestion. Some people even say they have more regular bowel movements thanks to the warm water.

2. Coconut Water

If you really hate plain water, try super-hydrating coconut water. It’s a little bit sweet and has a slight “texture” to it, which can make it a nice change of palate. 

The other main benefit of coconut water over regular water is that it’s packed with electrolytes, like potassium, that your body needs to help prevent dehydration.

3. Broth

If you’ve been making up some cozy soups and stews, keep some broth handy for a quick, hydrating beverage. Bone broth, vegetable broth, and miso are all warm, comforting drinks that pack both umami and nutrition.

Keep in mind that broth technically counts as food, not just a drink. If you’re tracking calories, protein, or other nutritional metrics, don’t forget to include it.

4. Herbal Tea

Some research suggests that caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea can contribute to dehydration due to their diuretic effect. However, the effect is mild, and the fluid loss through urine is usually offset by the fluid in the drink itself.

If hydration is your top priority, herbal tea can be a safe bet. Caffeine-free options like peppermint, cinnamon, and ginger offer warmth and flavor while still contributing to your daily fluid intake.

5. Warm Milk

A warm glass of milk before bed is a classic home remedy. Milk can be both soothing and hydrating, especially during colder months.

In addition to fluids, milk provides key nutrients like calcium, so it does more than just count toward your daily hydration. To boost its nutritional value, you can add turmeric to make golden milk, a drink often associated with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Depending on your health goals, you may want to choose unsweetened varieties or milks that are lower in fat. Like broth, milk also counts as a food, which can help provide energy for workouts or everyday activities like shoveling snow.