Writing prompt: What is your favorite drink?

“First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.” ~F. Scott Fitzgerald

My favorite drink is Naked Cocoa with Nutmeg. I drink it hot in winter and cold in summer. I named it this because it has no sugar or additives. It’s made from scratch in my kitchen and it is probably quite similar to what you have been offered by your mum or grandmother.

I will tell you how I make it but I can’t guarantee that you will like it because it is made of 2 spoons of cocoa powder, half hot milk and half hot water and a pinch of nutmeg – no sugar added.

I love dark chocolate and cocoa supplies a healthy  dose of fiber, minerals, and flavonoids. The anti-oxidant properties of flavonoids help to scavenge against free radicals. Some studies say it may help against disease like heart disease, diabetes and, my particular interest: asthma. Well, its a good excuse for me to drink it as I have chronic asthma. What’s more it’s comforting. You can also get these flavonoids from parsley but, hey, I think I will stick with my naked cocoa and nutmeg.

Now what about nutmeg, you might ask. I love the flavor of nutmeg, maybe because it was a spice used in stews, drinks and cookies in my family home. Nutmeg has the properties: Anti-oxidants, Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial. If you do a little research of your own you will find it was used in roman times, and its uses are quite diverse, from aphrodisiac to health and relaxation, even said to be magical and narcotic. I just stick to using a pinch of nutmeg as studies suggest that toxic reactions occur when taken at 5g and more. Too much of a good thing can be bad for you.

I know that ‘drink‘ normally refers to a alcoholic beverage but generally I don’t drink alcoholic beverages of any type that contain sulfur dioxide or sugar. I do like *Arran Single Malt Scotch Whisky which I drink on rare occasions whereas my Naked Chocolate with Nutmeg can be drunk at any time of the day. I mostly drink it in the afternoon when I take a step back from my busy world. Its my time of reflection and comfort.

* The Isle of Arran is an island off the west coast of Scotland. My father lived and played on the shores of the mainland of Scotland and the view of Isle of Arran rose out of the water directly opposite where he lived. I have been to visit and I agree with him, it is a hauntingly beautiful sight. So that is why I have a sentimental fondness for the Isle of Arran whisky. Brodic is the main village on Arran and the island has been inhabited since the neolithic times. Many people from Ireland have lived there over time and it was one of the islands used as a place of religious activities through the ages.

That’s my little bit of trivia for the week

Take Care,