Nutritionist reveals 7 surprising drinks to instantly elevate your mood—try them today!
By
Veronica E.
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Feeling a little low or just in need of a boost to lift your spirits? It turns out that what you drink can make all the difference in how you feel.
While we often hear about foods that can elevate our mood, beverages also play a crucial role.
Here at The GrayVine, we recognize that taking care of your emotional health is just as important as looking after your physical well-being, especially as we embrace our golden years.
So, let’s dive into seven incredible drinks that have the power to brighten your mood and add some sunshine to your day.
These aren’t just ordinary beverages—they’re natural mood boosters that you’ll want to try for yourself!
1. Green Tea: The Zen Master's Brew
Green tea isn’t just for health enthusiasts – it’s packed with mood-boosting properties.
Caroline Susie, RDN, LD, and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, highlights green tea’s ability to enhance relaxation with its amino acid, L-theanine.
This gentle compound helps you feel calm without making you sleepy, while the moderate caffeine boost gives you just the right amount of alertness.
If you're feeling stressed or anxious, a warm cup of green tea might be the perfect way to find a moment of peace.
2. Golden Milk: The Turmeric Elixir
Golden milk, a creamy drink made with turmeric, isn’t just comforting—it’s also a mood-enhancing powerhouse.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that helps balance neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for regulating mood.
Whether you enjoy it warm in the morning or as a soothing evening ritual, golden milk can help support emotional well-being and bring a little brightness to your day.
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3. Kefir: The Probiotic Potion
Kefir, a fermented drink similar to yogurt, is teeming with probiotics that support gut health, which in turn impacts your mood.
The gut-brain connection is well-documented, and a healthy gut microbiota can promote mental wellness.
Sipping on kefir not only nourishes your digestive system but also helps uplift your spirits, making it a perfect addition to your mood-boosting routine.
Also read: Transform your mood and health instantly with these revolutionary interior design secrets
4. Kombucha: The Gut-Health Guru
Kombucha, another fermented drink, has gained popularity for its digestive benefits, and it’s also a great way to improve your mental well-being.
Packed with probiotics, kombucha helps maintain a healthy gut, which is directly linked to better mood regulation.
With its refreshing, fizzy flavors, kombucha makes it easy to stay hydrated and improve your mood with every sip.

5. Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa: The Comforting Concoction
There’s something undeniably comforting about sipping on a warm cup of cocoa, especially when it’s made with dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which enhance cognitive function and boost blood flow to the brain.
Additionally, it triggers an increase in serotonin levels, promoting a happier, more relaxed state of mind.
So why not indulge in a delicious cup of dark chocolate hot cocoa? It’s an enjoyable way to lift your mood.
6. Herbal Teas: The Stress-Relieving Sips
Looking for a caffeine-free way to unwind? Herbal teas are the answer.
Chamomile, lavender, and peppermint are known for their calming properties, with chamomile specifically studied for its ability to reduce anxiety.
Whether you're winding down in the evening or need a moment of relaxation during the day, herbal teas offer a soothing, stress-relieving experience.

Also read: Boost your happiness instantly with these 6 science-backed, wallet-friendly tips
7. Coffee: The Classic Mood Lifter
For many, coffee is a morning ritual that helps set the tone for the day.
Caffeine, the star ingredient in coffee, is a natural stimulant that boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, which can improve mood and mental alertness.
Of course, moderation is key; too much coffee can leave you feeling jittery or anxious. But when enjoyed in moderation, coffee can provide a great mental pick-me-up to start your day.
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to care for both our physical and emotional health.
Incorporating mood-boosting drinks into your daily routine is an easy and enjoyable way to support your mental well-being.
Whether you start your morning with a cup of green tea or wind down with herbal tea, these beverages offer more than just hydration—they help elevate your mood and improve your overall health.
Read next: The art of frugal winter grocery shopping—stock your pantry smartly
Have you tried any of these mood-boosting drinks? Do you have a special recipe or twist you like to add? Share your experiences with us in the comments below! Let’s inspire one another to prioritize our emotional well-being, one sip at a time.
While we often hear about foods that can elevate our mood, beverages also play a crucial role.
Here at The GrayVine, we recognize that taking care of your emotional health is just as important as looking after your physical well-being, especially as we embrace our golden years.
So, let’s dive into seven incredible drinks that have the power to brighten your mood and add some sunshine to your day.
These aren’t just ordinary beverages—they’re natural mood boosters that you’ll want to try for yourself!
1. Green Tea: The Zen Master's Brew
Green tea isn’t just for health enthusiasts – it’s packed with mood-boosting properties.
Caroline Susie, RDN, LD, and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, highlights green tea’s ability to enhance relaxation with its amino acid, L-theanine.
This gentle compound helps you feel calm without making you sleepy, while the moderate caffeine boost gives you just the right amount of alertness.
If you're feeling stressed or anxious, a warm cup of green tea might be the perfect way to find a moment of peace.
2. Golden Milk: The Turmeric Elixir
Golden milk, a creamy drink made with turmeric, isn’t just comforting—it’s also a mood-enhancing powerhouse.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that helps balance neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for regulating mood.
Whether you enjoy it warm in the morning or as a soothing evening ritual, golden milk can help support emotional well-being and bring a little brightness to your day.

Golden milk: A warm, soothing drink that not only delights your senses but also helps boost your mood with the power of turmeric! Image Source: YouTube / Downshiftology.
3. Kefir: The Probiotic Potion
Kefir, a fermented drink similar to yogurt, is teeming with probiotics that support gut health, which in turn impacts your mood.
The gut-brain connection is well-documented, and a healthy gut microbiota can promote mental wellness.
Sipping on kefir not only nourishes your digestive system but also helps uplift your spirits, making it a perfect addition to your mood-boosting routine.
Also read: Transform your mood and health instantly with these revolutionary interior design secrets
4. Kombucha: The Gut-Health Guru
Kombucha, another fermented drink, has gained popularity for its digestive benefits, and it’s also a great way to improve your mental well-being.
Packed with probiotics, kombucha helps maintain a healthy gut, which is directly linked to better mood regulation.
With its refreshing, fizzy flavors, kombucha makes it easy to stay hydrated and improve your mood with every sip.

Kombucha: A fizzy, flavorful way to support your gut health and lift your spirits with every sip! Image Source: Pexels / Victor Freitas.
5. Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa: The Comforting Concoction
There’s something undeniably comforting about sipping on a warm cup of cocoa, especially when it’s made with dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which enhance cognitive function and boost blood flow to the brain.
Additionally, it triggers an increase in serotonin levels, promoting a happier, more relaxed state of mind.
So why not indulge in a delicious cup of dark chocolate hot cocoa? It’s an enjoyable way to lift your mood.
6. Herbal Teas: The Stress-Relieving Sips
Looking for a caffeine-free way to unwind? Herbal teas are the answer.
Chamomile, lavender, and peppermint are known for their calming properties, with chamomile specifically studied for its ability to reduce anxiety.
Whether you're winding down in the evening or need a moment of relaxation during the day, herbal teas offer a soothing, stress-relieving experience.

Herbal teas: Sip your way to relaxation with calming blends that soothe both body and mind. Image Source: Pexels / Marta Branco.
Also read: Boost your happiness instantly with these 6 science-backed, wallet-friendly tips
7. Coffee: The Classic Mood Lifter
For many, coffee is a morning ritual that helps set the tone for the day.
Caffeine, the star ingredient in coffee, is a natural stimulant that boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, which can improve mood and mental alertness.
Of course, moderation is key; too much coffee can leave you feeling jittery or anxious. But when enjoyed in moderation, coffee can provide a great mental pick-me-up to start your day.
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to care for both our physical and emotional health.
Incorporating mood-boosting drinks into your daily routine is an easy and enjoyable way to support your mental well-being.
Whether you start your morning with a cup of green tea or wind down with herbal tea, these beverages offer more than just hydration—they help elevate your mood and improve your overall health.
Read next: The art of frugal winter grocery shopping—stock your pantry smartly
Key Takeaways
- Nutritionist-approved mood-boosting drinks include green tea, golden milk (turmeric tea), kefir, kombucha, dark chocolate hot cocoa, herbal teas like chamomile, lavender, and peppermint, and coffee.
- Green tea contains L-theanine and caffeine, which can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve mood and alertness.
- Fermented drinks such as kefir and kombucha can enhance gut health, which is linked to improved mental health through the gut-brain axis.
- Moderate coffee drinking has been associated with a reduced risk of depression, but excessive coffee consumption can have negative effects like anxiety and jitteriness.
Have you tried any of these mood-boosting drinks? Do you have a special recipe or twist you like to add? Share your experiences with us in the comments below! Let’s inspire one another to prioritize our emotional well-being, one sip at a time.