As the winter chill sets in, there's nothing better than sipping on a warm, flavorful drink to keep you cozy. India has a wide array of traditional beverages that are perfect for the colder months, blending spices and herbs to not only warm you up but also provide health benefits. In this post, we’ll explore some comforting Indian winter drinks that will keep you feeling snug all season long. (made easily with what's already in your kitchen)
Winter is the perfect time for warming, comforting drinks that not only keep you cozy but also boost your immune system and help you relax. Here are some special Indian-inspired drinks that are perfect for the chilly winter ...☕️
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1.Masala Chai (Spiced Tea)
Masala Chai is a classic winter favorite in India. It’s a spiced tea made with black tea, milk, and a mix of aromatic spices, offering warmth and comfort. The combination of ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon helps keep the cold at bay and improves digestion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
- 2 teaspoons black tea leaves (or 1 tea bag)
- 1 small piece of ginger, grated
- 2-3 green cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a pot, bring the water and milk to a boil.
2. Add the grated ginger, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick.
3. Once the water is boiling, add the tea leaves and simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup and add sugar to taste.
5. Stir well and enjoy the aromatic warmth.
Why It Works:
The spices in masala chai not only keep you warm but also help with digestion and boost immunity during the cold months.
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2. Ginger & Lemon Honey Tea
Ginger and lemon are a powerful combination for keeping you warm and healthy during winter. This drink is soothing for the throat, improves circulation, and helps keep colds at bay.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions:
1. Boil water and pour it into a cup.
2. Add the fresh ginger juice, lemon juice, and honey.
3. Stir well and let it steep for a few minutes.
4. Sip slowly and feel the warmth spread through your body.
Why It Works:
Ginger is known for its ability to relieve congestion and help with circulation, while lemon provides a dose of vitamin C, which is essential during the winter months.
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3. Saffron Milk (Kesar Doodh)
Saffron is a luxurious spice that provides warmth and has mood-boosting properties, making it perfect for a cold winter day. Saffron milk is rich and soothing, offering a comforting experience before bed.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- A few strands of saffron
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar or honey
- A pinch of cardamom (optional)
Instructions:
1. Warm the milk in a saucepan.
2. Soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for 5-10 minutes.
3. Add the saffron-soaked milk to the warm milk and stir.
4. Add sugar or honey to taste, and a pinch of cardamom for extra flavor.
5. Serve warm and enjoy.
Why It Works:
Saffron has warming properties that help relax the body, while milk provides protein and calcium. This drink is perfect for winding down during cold nights.
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4. Badam (Almond) Drink
Almonds are rich in nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. A warm almond drink is the perfect winter beverage to keep you energized and hydrated.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 almonds
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar or honey
- A pinch of cardamom powder
Instructions:
1. Soak the almonds in water overnight.
2. Peel the skin off the almonds and grind them into a fine paste.
3. Heat the milk in a saucepan and add the almond paste.
4. Stir continuously to avoid lumps, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Add sugar or honey to taste, and a pinch of cardamom powder.
6. Pour into a cup and enjoy.
Why It Works:
Almonds provide essential nutrients that keep you energized, while the warmth of the milk helps soothe your body. This drink is both nourishing and comforting during the colder months.
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And here comes the last one my personal favourite ❤️
5. Besan Milk (Gram Flour Milk)
Besan milk is a traditional winter drink that’s not only rich in flavor but also helps warm the body from the inside out. The combination of roasted besan (gram flour) and ghee provides a hearty, nourishing drink that offers a comforting experience during cold winter nights. This drink is also known for its energy-boosting and immune-boosting qualities.
Also known as "BESAN-DA-SHEERA"
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons besan (gram flour)
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 cup milk
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar or jaggery (optional)
- A handful of mixed dry fruits (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- A pinch of cardamom powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the ghee in a small pan on medium heat.
2. Add the besan to the ghee and fry it gently, stirring continuously until it turns a light golden-brown color. This step is crucial for bringing out the nutty flavor of the besan.
3. Once the besan is roasted, slowly add the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Add sugar or jaggery for sweetness and a pinch of cardamom powder for extra flavor.
6. Finally, stir in the dry fruits and let them warm through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy this nourishing, body-warming drink.
Why It Works:
The roasted besan, combined with the rich ghee and milk, provides a comforting and energizing drink that helps warm the body during cold winter nights. The dry fruits add an extra layer of nutrition and richness, while the drink’s natural properties help promote better digestion and overall warmth.
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This post highlights traditional Indian drinks that are perfect for keeping warm and healthy during the winter, with a focus on immunity, digestion, and overall well-being.
Winter is the perfect time to indulge in comforting, warming drinks that help protect you from the cold while also boosting your health. Whether it’s the aromatic spices of masala chai, the soothing benefits of saffron milk, or the immune-boosting ginger tea, these drinks will not only keep you cozy but also keep you feeling your best during the winter months.
Which of these winter drinks are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below, and be sure to subscribe for more cozy, winter recipes!
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