What could be more comforting in the winter than wrapping your numb fingers around a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate or Masala Chai?
It’s time for hot and comforting drinks, now that winter is approaching India. Here is a list that will make you yearn for your favourite winter drinks if you haven’t already started enjoying them.
Chai Family
Black Tea:
A straightforward and reviving beverage consumed all over the world. Prepared without milk, some exclude even the sugar to make it a wholly healthy alternative. It has a lasting, revitalising flavour. Because of caffeine, it increases energy levels in the body.
Tulsi Tea:
Made with lemon juice and Tulsi, a type of Indian basil herb, it is a fantastic remedy for sore throat due to the presence of antioxidant properties that assist to reduce mucus production, easing throat discomfort, and strengthen immunity.
Honey Ginger Tea:
A cup of hot water with lemon juice, honey and ginger is a great stress buster. While ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, honey also has cough-suppressant and sore throat-relieving properties. The best time to consume Honey Ginger is in the morning.
Masala Chai:
Masala chai is a spiced-up tea. Created by brewing black tea with masala, it has a strong flavour. During the winter season, a lot of ingredients such as pepper, cloves, cinnamon and ginger are included to help the body produce heat.
Kashmiri Kahwa:
A soothing beverage from Kashmir, that enhances the potency of Indian spices. Here, green tea is flavoured with a variety of herbs and spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom, and is garnished with chopped almonds and a hint of saffron.
Hot Toddy:
Available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, Hot Toddy is created with alcohol. Hot Toddy is renowned for its ability to cure things cold. The warm beverage, the mixture of spices, the honey, and the fresh lemon juice benefit when you have a sore throat or a cold. A basic non-alcoholic cup is made of hot tea, the necessary spices and honey, and ends with a lemon wedge and cinnamon stick for an added taste boost.
Lactose Family
Masala Milk:
Strongly flavoured milk is popular in Gujarat and Maharashtra. It needs a little bit of saffron along with milk, sugar, and masala milk powder. All the components are boiled together to extract rich flavours and enhance the taste of the milk.
Masala Hot Chocolate:
When discussing winter beverages, hot chocolate is as traditional as they come. But, its twisted version with masala is a must-try as well. add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom for this spicy desi twist on the original recipe.
Don’t forget!
South Indian Filter Coffee:
South Indian states Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala consider coffee to be a common cultural heritage. A visitor is served a cup of coffee without fail, according to tradition. Coffee is served after being poured in large arc-like motions of the hand between the dabara and the tumbler to the delight of amused viewers.
Bajra Raab:
From the land of the brave, this classic beverage has a pleasant flavour and is best enjoyed during the winter. It should be served right away after preparation because, after cooling, it tends to get thick and lumpy. It is advised for nursing mothers.