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Winter Comfort: 11 Healthy Winter Drinks to Keep You Cosy

Riddhima Kadam

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Riddhima Kadam

Riddhima Kadam

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Riddhima Kadam

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Published on : 24-Nov-2024

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Winter Comfort: 11 Healthy Winter Drinks to Keep You Cosy

‘Winter, when it’s all about snuggling up under a blanket with a hot drink to keep warm!’

 

Winter is knocking on our doors in India, and it's time to discover some hot and soothing drinks to keep yourself warm this winter. While most people reach for tea or coffee during winter, it's important to be mindful of their high caffeine content. Caffeine, when consumed in large amounts, can be really harmful and lead to dehydration, constipation, heartburn, and anxiety. 

 

Instead of another hot cup of a caffeinated beverage, try a more nutritious and hydrating alternative. We have soups, infused water, cinnamon tea, jeera water, and ragi malt to help keep you warm, hydrated, and healthy. 

 

In this blog, we have shared a list of healthy winter drinks that will soothe your cravings while keeping those seasonal ailments at bay!

 

Table of Contents

  1. 11 Healthy Winter Drinks To Make At Home 
  2. Dietitian’s Recommendation
  3. The Final Say
  4. FAQs
  5. References 
     

11 Healthy Winter Drinks To Make At Home

Healthy Indian Winter Drinks To Make At Home.jpg

Oh, the worry of winter and dehydration! They are indeed sneaky culprits that can totally tussle our holiday spirits. 

 

Maintaining hydration in winter is crucial, even though the cold reduces thirst. Proper hydration supports body temperature regulation and overall function. Consuming warm soups, drinks, and eight glasses of warm water daily helps maintain a comfortable body temperature and supports well-being. Hot drinks with thermogenic properties are especially beneficial during colder months.

 

Here is a list of our favourite and healthy winter drinks for you to keep yourself cozy this winter:

 

1. Kahwa tea/ Kashmiri tea

Kahwa is a traditional Kashmiri tea known for its aromatic spices and nourishing ingredients that provide warmth and immune-boosting benefits during the cold winter.
Ingredients:
  • 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)
Preparation:
  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.
Benefits:
  • Boosts immunity with antioxidants from green tea and spices.
  • Improves digestion and circulation.
  • Provides warmth and energy.
  • Helps reduce stress and anxiety.

 

Also Read: Top 10 Exercises For Winter & How To Battle The Laziness And Get Fit

 

2. Masala Chai

Masala chai is an essential Indian winter drink known for its bold spices and comforting warmth, making it perfect for chilly mornings or winter outings.
Ingredients:
  • 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)
Preparation:
  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.
Benefits:
  • Boosts immunity with the antimicrobial properties of spices like ginger and cloves.
  • Improves digestion and metabolism.
  • Provides warmth.
  • Reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

 

Also Read: Winter Walking: Boost Your Health & Burn Extra Calories In The Cold

 

3. Noon Chai (Gulabi Chai)

Noon chai, or Gulabi chai, is a traditional Kashmiri beverage famous for its pink colour. It is a comforting winter drink that helps keep the body warm with its blend of spices, sea salt, and milk. 
Ingredients:
  • 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)
Preparation:
  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.
Benefits:
  • Keeps the body warm.
  • Rich in antioxidants from green tea, promoting heart and immune health.
  • Improves digestion.

 

Also Read: Why Do We Gain Weight In Winter? Key Factors & Simple Tips To Prevent It

 

4. Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is made of chocolate, cocoa, and milk with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It is a true winter delight that brings warmth and sweetness to the coldest days. 
Ingredients:
  • 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)
Preparation:
  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!
Benefits:
  • Provides a rich source of antioxidants from cocoa.
  • It is a comforting, mood-boosting treat.

 

 

5. Badam Milk

Badam milk is one of the best foods for the winter season. It is a soothing and nourishing winter beverage made with almonds and milk. It is often enhanced with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon to elevate its flavour. 
Ingredients:
  • 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)
Preparation:
  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.
Benefits:
  • 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.

 

Also Read: 10 Yoga For Winter Season And Its Health Benefits To Stay Active!

 

6. Kanji

Unlike other hot winter drinks, Kanji is consumed at room temperature and is made from the winter vegetable Kala Gajar (black carrot). This energy-boosting drink is tangy and spices, best enjoyed at its peak ripeness, offering a unique and refreshing taste during the colder months.
Ingredients:
  • 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)
Preparation:
  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.
Benefits:
  • 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.

 

Also Read: Understanding Seasonal Depression In Winter: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment for SAD

 

7. Sorba

Shorba is traditionally a Mughlai dish, often enjoyed as a soup or stew. It’s a popular winter delicacy in North India and Hyderabad, known for its rich, aromatic flavours.
Ingredients:
  • 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
Preparation:
  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.
Benefits:
  • 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.

 

Also Read: Why Is It Essential To Soak Sunlight In Winter? Explore Benefits & How Much Sun-Time You Need

 

8. Rasam

Rasam is a South Indian soup infused with tamarind, tomatoes, and an array of aromatic spices. This spicy soup is both soothing and warming.
Ingredients:
  • Tamarind pulp
  • Tomatoes
  • Mustard seeds
  • Cumin seeds
  • Black pepper
  • Dried red chillies
  • Curry leaves
  • Garlic
  • Turmeric powder
  • Asafoetida
  • Salt and oil
  • Fresh coriander leaves
Preparation:
  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.
Benefits:
  • 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

Turmeric and Honey Milk is a golden combination known for its incredible health benefits. With its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps combat fatigue, while the benefits of milk and honey soothe your senses and provide warmth, making it the perfect drink to unwind before bedtime.
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (Haldi)
  • 1 tsp honey
Preparation:
  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.
Benefits:
  • 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.

 

Also Read: How To Avoid Dandruff In Winter Naturally? 7 Home Remedies And Tips To Prevent or Treat Dandruff

 

10. Kadha

Kadha is a traditional Indian herbal drink known for its potent medicinal and nutritional benefits. Popular in many households, it is believed to have healing properties, especially when combating colds and boosting immunity.
Ingredients:
  • 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)
Preparation:
  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.
Benefits:

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.

 

Also Read: No More Getting Fat In Winters! Bookmark This Winter Diet Plan For Weight Loss And Stay Slim All Season

 

11. Kesar Milk (Saffron Milk)

Kesar milk is a luxurious and aromatic drink that combines the richness of saffron with the creamy texture of milk and the crunch of nuts. 
Ingredients:
  • 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)
Preparation:
  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.
Benefits:
  • 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.

 

Dietitian’s Recommendation

So, if you haven't made your favourite winter drink yet, it's time to pick one from this handy list. Remember, while these drinks can be helpful in managing your winter diet, it's important to maintain a healthy diet, with fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein.

 

                                                                                                                                                                       Dt. Lavina Chauhan
 

The Final Say

Winter is all about comfort, warmth and nourishment. Including these warm drinks in your diet will help you stay healthy, hydrated and cosy during this cold season. Whether you prefer a relaxing tea, a rich hot chocolate or a soothing turmeric latte, there's a warm drink for everyone. So enjoy the winter comfort and let these drinks warm you from the inside!

 

FAQs

1. What are some healthy, non-alcoholic winter drinks?

Some of the healthy, non-alcoholic winter drinks are

  • Jeera water 
  • Hot barley water
  • Warm ragi malt
  • Cinnamon tea
  • Green coffee
  • Green tea
  • Warm lemon tea

 

2. Are sattu drinks harmful in winter?

Drinking sattu drinks in winter may make you feel cold temporarily, but it is generally not harmful to your body. 

 

References 

 

About ToneOp Fit 

ToneOp Fit is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.

 

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