Beverages

In New Orleans, revelers celebrate one last hurrah before the Lenten season during debaucherous Mardi Gras, but in Munich, there's less of a need to blow off steam thanks to Starkbierzeit, or "strong beer season." Each March, breweries in the region churn out doppelbock, a high-alcohol, intensely rich and malty brew, in celebration of the 17th century monks who created it. Characterized as Oktoberfest minus the tourists, Starkbierzeit isn't highly publicized, but the beer it honors has quite a following in Germany and in many other parts of the world. Ready to drink in some strong beer fun facts? Just read on.

While juicing is a great way to get the vital nutrients the body needs, it's a big investment. For a smart sip that won't break the bank, try these healthy drinks that require no equipment to make.

Green tea: There are plenty of good reasons that green tea goes hand in hand with a healthy Winter plan. It helps increase metabolism, aids in flu prevention, and calms nerves. It's also an ideal replacement for coffee if you're trying to lower your caffeine intake.

Apple cider vinegar: If you can handle the tangy flavor, apple cider vinegar deserves a home in your cabinet. It's been shown to boost the immune system and energy levels, which is a huge help if you feel like you're coming down with a nasty bug. If you're already in the thick of a sinus infection, try this apple cider vinegar brew to soothe your symptoms.

Keep reading for two more healthy drink options.

Hydrating and refueling after a workout is an absolute must. If it's a light workout, then water and one of these low-calorie, carb- and protein-packed snacks will do the trick. If you sweat a lot, then you'll need to replace lost electrolytes such as sodium and potassium with a sports drink, and if it was a particularly grueling workout, then you probably need to gulp down a calorie- and protein-filled recovery drink. Whatever your post-workout needs, check out the breakdown below to see how they compare.

Keep reading to see the calories in chocolate milk and Vitamin Water.

I'm not a hardcore soda drinker, but lately, every time I stop into an A.G. Ferrari foods store, I find myself picking up a handful of Sanbitter. I first spotted the soda years ago; I was drawn to its diminutive glass bottling and Big Red color, but repulsed by the word "bitter" in the name. Why would anyone want to drink bitter soda? I wondered to myself.

That was a long time ago, years before I built up an appreciation for arugula salads, lattes without sugar, and other provisions that were more edgy than sugar-sweet. When I landed in Germany and discovered the country was going through a bitter Aperol spritz phase, I drank the country's cocktail of choice any time I didn't have a glass of wine in hand. Upon returning to the office, I had only one nonalcoholic beverage on the brain: Sanbitter.

Like Campari or Aperol, Sanbitter has a distinct bitter citrus note upon first sip, ending with a pleasantly sweet finish. It's perfect for those times of day when you're craving a Negroni but can't succumb to spirits just yet. Plus, drinking out of that bottle feels quaint and distinctly European. My only complaint? I wish each drink lasted longer.

It's hard to resist the Fall-friendly drinks from Starbucks. While steering clear of its pumpkin spice latte is essential for someone trying to cut back on sugar, there are plenty of other delicious drinks that toast the season. Check out which picks are best to skip and which you should have in your next order.

Keep reading for the Cinnamon Dolce and Pumpkin Spice Latte swaps.