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Matthew Kadey is a nutrition journalist and dietitian who lives in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. He has also developed several bikepacking routes, including the Great Northern Bikepacking Route. This week, Matthew is sharing with us some of his favorite cold-weather drink recipes to stay fueled on your upcoming adventures!

Matthew has shared more delicious DIY sports drink recipes and homemade energy snack recipes that you all loved! Read even more from Matthew here: matthewkadey.com.

When the temperatures drop and sweater weather arrives, gulping down a frosty drink isn’t always appetizing. It’s understandable why your cravings for cold brew coffee may have now waned. And while you're in the throes of layer season, who really wants to take a swig of a cold sports drink when you're feeling the chill and many miles from home? Still, it’s important to keep drinking fluids before, during, and after your workouts to maintain hydration. Yes, it is still very much possible to get dehydrated even when temps are dropping fast. Luckily, performance hydration need not always be served cold. All you need to do is crank up the heat.

Hot beverages can be an effective and fun way to stay hydrated and improve exercise metrics while simultaneously keeping you feeling all cozy inside. And, no, I don’t mean falling back on predictable hot chocolate and pumpkin spice lattes. Instead, I’ll be brewing up these toasty drinks to be enjoyed before, during, and after my fall and winter rides. 

Ready to bring the heat? Defrost with these delicious and functional drinks for all your exercise needs. And here is a case where the Bivo insulated bottle comes to the rescue.

Here’s proof that seemingly opposites attract – coffee and beets. This cozy brew has three ways to perk up your workouts – the caffeine from coffee, the fast-digesting carbs from dates, and the nitrates contained within beets, which are converted to nitric oxide in our bodies. This compound encourages blood vessels to relax and widen (dilate), which increases blood flow and therefore oxygen delivery to various areas, including working muscles. The cinnamon and vanilla make sure this drink tastes as good as it looks. Yes, this is not your below average syrupy pumpkin spice latte. If using larger and sweeter Meedjol dates, then you can cut back to one or two dried fruits. And you can press the easy button by purchasing packaged cooked beets that are sometimes available in the produce section of supermarkets. Pour the drink into an insulated drink container if taking it to go.

Sweet apple juice, maple syrup, and warming spices make this a sports drink that brings with it cozy feelings. A cold bottle of Gatorade? Not so much. You gain the same carb and hydration benefits of regular sports drinks while being able to drink it hot. And don’t forget that warm drinks are a morale booster in colder conditions.

An energy drink that’s reminiscent of bottled iced tea, but with warm undertones. Having warm drinks available in lower temperatures encourages you to drink more than you otherwise would, which works to promote better hydration. You lose a surprising amount of fluid if you go out all bundled up in multiple layers. And the drier air can contribute to losing extra fluid through your respiratory tract. So, drink up when working hard even if their is a risk for flurries. If you want a drink with more carby energy, add another tablespoon of honey.

If you’re into golden milk or are golden milk curious, this wram recovery smoothie is a must-try.  A bright ray of sunshine on what might be a gloomy fall day. If you want to get all fancy, you can grate some fresh nutmeg on top. You can bolster protein numbers, which might be a good idea if you just had a herculean workout, by blending in some protein powder. Make the drink ahead of time and keep it warm by placing the prepared smoothie in an insulated drink container.