Top 5 Traditional Indian Winter Drinks To Keep You Healthy & Warm
Winter is a season that calls for comfort, warmth, and immunity-boosting rituals. Traditional Indian winter drinks combine the wisdom of Ayurveda with wholesome ingredients to offer the perfect way to stay cosy and healthy. Packed with natural spices, herbs, and warming ingredients, these beverages not only keep you warm but also enhance your body's ability to fight colds and flu. Whether you're looking for a soothing drink to start your day or a calming cup before bed, Indian winter drinks have something for everyone. Let’s explore five traditional beverages that are perfect for the chilly season.
1. Golden Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh)
A staple in Indian households, turmeric milk is a golden elixir known for its numerous health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- How It Helps: Turmeric milk helps improve immunity, soothes a sore throat, and alleviates joint pain caused by the cold. It is also an excellent remedy for insomnia, helping you sleep better during winter nights.
- Preparation: Heat a cup of milk and add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper, and a dash of honey or jaggery for sweetness. Stir well and serve warm.
No list of Indian drinks is complete without masala chai. This aromatic tea combines black tea leaves with a mix of spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
- How It Helps: The spices in masala chai improve digestion, boost metabolism, and provide warmth from within. Ginger, in particular, is effective in relieving cold symptoms.
- Preparation: Boil water with crushed ginger and spices. Add black tea leaves, milk, and sugar to taste. Simmer for a few minutes, strain, and enjoy hot.
Kadha is an age-old Ayurvedic remedy, especially popular during the winter months. It is made by boiling a mix of herbs and spices in water.
- How It Helps: Kadha strengthens immunity, alleviates cough and congestion, and keeps your body warm. Ingredients like tulsi (holy basil), black pepper, and cloves have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- Preparation: In a pan, boil water with tulsi leaves, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. Add a teaspoon of honey or jaggery for sweetness and serve warm.
A warming drink made with jaggery and ginger is both simple and highly effective in keeping winter ailments at bay. This caffeine-free drink is an excellent alternative to regular tea.
- How It Helps: Jaggery is rich in iron and minerals, helping to improve blood circulation and boost energy. Ginger fights inflammation and keeps your respiratory system healthy.
- Preparation: Boil water with freshly grated ginger. Add jaggery and let it dissolve. Strain the drink and enjoy it hot. You can also add a dash of lemon juice for added flavour and vitamin C.
Bajra Raab is a traditional drink made with pearl millet flour, jaggery, and spices. It is a popular winter drink in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- How It Helps: Bajra is a warming grain that provides essential nutrients like magnesium and iron. This drink is particularly beneficial for boosting energy, improving digestion, and keeping the body warm.
- Preparation: Mix pearl millet flour with water to make a smooth paste. Heat water in a pan, add jaggery, and let it dissolve. Slowly add the millet paste while stirring continuously. Add crushed ginger, cardamom, and a pinch of black pepper. Cook until thickened and serve warm.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and herbs provide maximum flavour and health benefits.
- Avoid Refined Sugar: Sweeten your drinks with natural alternatives like jaggery, honey, or palm sugar.
- Customise to Your Taste: Adjust the quantity of spices and sweetness to suit your preference.