Super Tonics

Introduction


Before we dig into all things tonics, let s get on the same page about the terms tonic and elixir. In this book, I use them interchangeably to describe nourishing, feel-good beverages.

Some dictionary definitions of the word tonic are a medicinal substance taken to give a feeling of vigor or well-being and anything invigorating physically, mentally, or morally.

Elixir, on the other hand, is defined as a particular type of medicinal solution.

Spilling the Tea on Tonics

Whether you are calling them tonics, elixirs, drinks, or magical potions, the recipes in this book are formulated with ingredients and techniques to taste delicious, make you feel amazing, and provide both instant and long-term benefits. You ll notice from the pretty array of glassware that we are focusing on beneficial beverages in the form of teas, lattes, plant milks, smoothies, infusions, and hydrating elixirs. To complement the delicious wellness drinks, you ll also find recipes for nourishing soups, grain bowls, salads, and power snacks to fuel your day.

The book is organized into sections by time of day, with tonics that will complement your daily rituals and patterns, whether it s your hectic morning commute (Get Up & Glow, page 53), your 3:00 p.m. slump (Good Vibes All Day, page 95), your evening chill time (Golden Hour, page 127), or getting ready for bed (Beauty Sleep, page 159).

Tonics & Self-Care

I believe there is a tonic to elevate every mood, lifestyle, or time of day. Whether you are juggling two jobs, starting a business, training for a marathon, or simply looking for more time to care for yourself, this book has a tonic to support you.

You ll find everything from recipes that take thirty seconds to whip up as you are heading out the door (like the Love Your Guts Spritzer, page 133) to others that involve a bit more time and patience to create (such as the Tulsi-Lavender Lemonade, page

Holistic nutritionist and professional recipe developer Meredith Youngson is the founder of Lake & Oak Tea Co. Her Superfood Teas and Superfood Latte Blends are enjoyed by celebrities like Miranda Kerr. Her engaged followers look to her for cutting-edge recipes and plant-based inspiration. Meredith has competed on and won an episode on Food Network’s Wall of Chefs. She lives in Hamilton, Ontario.

Super Tonics leads us down the path to liquid nirvana! Full of creative, delicious, and nourishing drinks, all organized by the best time of day to enjoy them and the mood you re looking to cultivate, it s a truly inspirational guide. Sarah Britton, creator of My New Roots

I love Meredith s approach to creative lattes and smoothies, soothing teas, boosted coffees and matcha, and refreshing hydrators as well as the inclusion of decadent treats and satiating meals. All of this is touched by Meredith s creative flair and emphasis on developing full flavor. I m a huge fan! Laura Wright, author of The First Mess Cookbook
 
Super Tonics will not only fill your belly with deeply nutritious, intensely delicious, and vibrantly colorful tonics, elixirs, smoothies, lattes, and meals; it will also infuse you with self-compassion, self-care, and pride. Tamara Green, author of The Living Kitchen