Winter Comfort: 11 Healthy Winter Drinks to Keep You Cosy

1. Kahwa tea/ Kashmiri tea

• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp Kashmiri green tea leaves
• 1-2 cardamom 
• 1-inch cinnamon 
• 4-5 cloves
• A pinch of saffron strands
• Chopped almonds, walnuts & dried fruits
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)
• Dried rose petals (optional)

1. Boil water and add the spices.
2. Simmer for a few minutes.
3. Add Kashmiri green tea leaves and remove the heat.
4. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavours to blend.
5. Strain the tea. Add honey for sweetness, if desired.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts and dried fruits.

• Boosts immunity with antioxidants from green tea and spices.
• Improves digestion and circulation.
• Provides warmth and energy.
• Helps reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Masala Chai

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tsp. black tea leaves
• 1-2 cardamom 
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 tsp. grated ginger 
• 1 tbsp jaggery or honey (optional)

1. Boil water in a saucepan.
2. Add the cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and grated ginger.
3. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the tea leaves and milk, and bring it back to a boil.
5. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
6. Strain and add jaggery or honey to taste.
7. Serve hot.

• Boosts immunity with the antimicrobial properties of spices like ginger and cloves.
• Improves digestion and metabolism.
• Provides warmth.
• Reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

3. Noon Chai (Gulabi Chai)

• 2 cups water
• 2 tsp. Kashmiri green tea leaves (or regular green tea)
• 1-inch cinnamon 
• 2-3 cardamom pods
• 1 tsp. baking soda (for the pink colour)
• 1 cup milk (preferably whole milk)
• 1 pinch of sea salt
• Crushed almonds, pistachios, or walnuts (for garnish)
• Jaggery or honey (optional)

1. Boil water and add the Kashmiri tea leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and baking soda.
2. Let it simmer on medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until the tea turns a deep pink.
3. Add milk and bring to a boil while stirring occasionally.
4. Lower the heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Add sea salt to taste. Stir well.
6. Strain the tea and garnish with crushed nuts.
7. Sweeten it with jaggery or honey, then serve it hot.

• Keeps the body warm.
• Rich in antioxidants from green tea, promoting heart and immune health.
• Improves digestion.

4. Hot Chocolate

• 2 cups milk (or any other milk)
• 2 tbsp. cocoa powder
• 2-3 tbsp. jaggery (to taste)
• 1/4 cup dark or milk chocolate (chopped or chips)
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Marshmallows (optional)

1. In a saucepan, heat milk on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Once warm, add the cocoa powder and jaggery, whisking until fully dissolved.
3. Add chocolate and stir until smooth.
4. If desired, add a pinch of cinnamon.
5. Pour into a mug & top with whipped cream and marshmallows.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

• Provides a rich source of antioxidants from cocoa.
• It is a comforting, mood-boosting treat.

5. Badam Milk

• 1 cup milk
• 10-12 almonds (soaked overnight)
• 1 tbsp jaggery (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder (optional)
• Saffron strands (optional for garnish)

1. Peel the soaked almonds and grind them into a fine paste.
2. Heat milk in a saucepan on medium flame until it begins to warm.
3. Add the almond paste, stirring constantly.
4. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the almond paste to dissolve into the milk.
5. Add jaggery, cardamom powder, and the optional spices (nutmeg and cinnamon). Stir well.
6. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
7. Garnish with saffron strands (if desired) and serve hot.

• Almonds are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, supporting brain health and immunity.
• Spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg have warming effects and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Badam milk is a great source of protein and calcium, which helps maintain strong bones and overall health during the winter season.

6. Kanji

• 2-3 black carrots (Kala Gajar), grated
• 1/2 tsp black salt
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 4 cups water
• 1 tbsp jaggery (optional)

1. In a bowl, mix the grated Kala Gajar, water, black salt, roasted cumin powder, red chilli powder, and mustard seeds.
2. Stir well to combine and dissolve the spices.
3. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days for fermentation (this is key for flavour development).
4. Once the drink has fermented and developed a tangy taste, strain it if desired.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature, as per preference.

• Kala Gajar is rich in antioxidants and helps boost the immune system, which is particularly useful during the winter season.
• The fermentation process aids digestion and enhances gut health.
• The spices used in Kanji, such as cumin and mustard seeds, have anti-inflammatory properties and support metabolism.
• It is a great hydrating drink that helps keep you refreshed while providing a unique, tangy flavour.

7. Sorba

• Meat (chicken, mutton, or beef)
• Water or stock
• Aromatic spices (cumin, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom)
• Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint)
• Ginger and garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: Yogurt, lemon juice

1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté ginger, garlic, and spices until fragrant.
2. Add meat and cook until browned.
3. Add water or stock and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer the mixture for an hour or until the meat is tender.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint and serve hot.

• Warms the body and enhances digestion.
• A hearty and nutritious drink that offers energy and sustenance.
• The blend of spices can help clear sinuses and improve circulation.

8. Rasam

• Tamarind pulp
• Tomatoes
• Mustard seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Black pepper
• Dried red chillies
• Curry leaves
• Garlic
• Turmeric powder
• Asafoetida
• Salt and oil
• Fresh coriander leaves

1. Soak tamarind in water and extract pulp.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin, and dried chillies. Sauté until they splutter.
3. Add chopped tomatoes, garlic, and curry leaves. Cook until tomatoes soften.
4. Add tamarind pulp, turmeric, and black pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
5. Add water to adjust consistency and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Season with salt and cook until flavours meld.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

• The blend of spices and tamarind makes it perfect for warming up during winter.
• The spices in Rasam, such as cumin and black pepper, aid in digestion and soothe the stomach.
• Tomatoes and tamarind are packed with antioxidants that support overall health.

9. Turmeric and Honey Milk

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (Haldi)
• 1 tsp honey

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan until it's warm but not boiling.
2. Add turmeric powder to the milk and stir well until it dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and add honey to the warm mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. Pour into a mug and enjoy before bedtime for a restful sleep.

• Honey calms the body, and turmeric reduces inflammation, making this drink ideal for restful sleep.
• The combination of turmeric and honey strengthens the immune system, helping to fight off winter ailments.
• Turmeric helps reduce tiredness and supports overall vitality, making it a great choice for rejuvenation at night.

10. Kadha

• 1-2 cups water
• 1-2 tsp ginger (grated or crushed)
• 1-2 tsp turmeric powder (Haldi)
• 4-5 black peppercorns
• 1-2 cloves
• 1-2 cardamom pods
• 1 tsp honey or jaggery (optional)

1. Boil water in a saucepan.
2. Add grated ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, and cardamom to the boiling water.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.
4. Strain the kadha into a cup and add honey or jaggery if desired for sweetness.
5. Stir well and enjoy while it's hot.

The combination of ginger, turmeric, and spices works to strengthen the immune system and fight off colds.

Kadha helps flush out toxins from the body, aiding in overall wellness.

The spices like ginger and black pepper help in relieving cough and congestion.

Turmeric’s natural anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation and aid overall healing, especially during the cold season.

11. Kesar Milk (Saffron Milk)

• 1 cup milk
• 1-2 strands of saffron (Kesar)
• 1-2 tsp jaggery or honey (optional)
• 4-5 crushed almonds or pistachios (optional)
• A pinch of cardamom powder (optional)

1. Heat milk in a saucepan until it begins to simmer.
2. Add saffron to the milk and stir. Let it steep for a few minutes to infuse the milk with its golden colour and aroma.
3. Add jaggery or honey to sweeten the milk as per taste.
4. Add the crushed almonds or pistachios for a crunchy texture, and a pinch of cardamom powder for added flavour.

• Saffron contains potent antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals and protect your body from oxidative stress.
• Saffron has mood-lifting properties, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
• The combination of milk and saffron helps soothe the stomach and supports healthy digestion.
• The vitamins and minerals in saffron and nuts strengthen the immune system, helping to fight seasonal ailments.