Picture this, on a cold winter morning, you are standing by the window of your room wrapped in a snug little blanket relishing the view outside. However, there are two things missing - our body warmers to keep you warm, and a cup of hot chocolate! Sure, there’s no proxy for the cozy feeling you get when you gulp down a hot drink on a chilly day. But to help you get that comfort, we have curated a list of 9 winter drinks to help you survive the cold.
9 Winter Drinks To Help You Survive The Cold
- Noon Chai
- Hot Chocolate
- Hot Toddy
- Masala Chai
- Kahwa/Kashmiri Tea
- Mulled Wine
- Masala Doodh
- Lemon and Ginger Tea
- Kadha
1. Noon Chai
With a pink color and beautiful aroma, this winter drink is sure to be one of your favorites during the cold season. However, the special tea leaves to prepare noon chai are only found in the lush green tea plantations of Kashmir. So the next time you take a trip to Kashmir, noon chai tea leaves have to be on your shopping list.
Other than these tea leaves, all you need to prepare this tea are milk, sea salt, baking soda, and cardamom (optional). If you’re looking for a winter drink that gives you a rich flavor and velvety texture, then look no further. Not only is this drink great for the winter, but also a good immunity booster.
2. Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is hands down one of the classics and go-to drinks on a cold winter day. With a perfect blend of chocolate, milk, cocoa, and cinnamon (optional), this winter drink is every chocolate lover’s weakness. And the best way to relish this drink? Add some fluffy marshmallows or top it up with a gallop of fresh whipped cream. Mmm…mouth-watering isn’t it?
3. Hot Toddy
If you’re looking for a winter drink that covers you with its warm embrace and leaves a flavor of mulling spices with each sip you take, then hot toddy is your choice. An alcoholic winter drink, this mind-blowing concoction of rum, honey, spices, and a squeeze of lime is sure to warm you up in no time. Whipping up a glass of hot toddy is child’s play, but let’s be mindful and not let our kids anywhere near it.
4. Masala Chai
A sip of masala chai always hits differently! Every Indian knows and is a huge fan of a piping-hot cup of masala chai. It can easily be declared the official winter drink among Indians. This magic mixture of milk, tea, and spices like cinnamon, and cardamom, is sure to drive away your winter chills and keep your engine warm and running.
5. Kahwa/Kashmiri Tea
Another prominent winter drink the Kashmiris swear by, kahwa is just like the noon chai. Known for its nutritional value, this Kashmiri tea is a beautiful amalgamation of Kashmiri green tea leaves, aromatic spices, honey or sugar, and crunchy dried fruits. With spices like saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom, this tea not just warms up your heart, but also boosts your immunity and helps you survive the cold!
6. Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is nothing but a wine combined with a mix of spices like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and raisins. The recipe for this oh-so-cozy drink differs from region to region, so there’s no one way of making it. Whichever recipe you try, one thing is sure; a glass of mulled wine will always leave you feeling snug like a fuzzy warm blanket.
7. Masala Doodh
Masala doodh is a nutritious and delicious drink that can not only be relished in the winter but at any time of the year. We say this because you can serve this drink both hot and cold! Masala doodh is a delightful combination of milk, nuts, and spices. Depending on the spices you choose, there can be different versions of this drink. Some of the common ones are badam doodh, kesar doodh, and haldi doodh, with almond, saffron, and turmeric playing the lead roles in each of them respectively.
8. Lemon and Ginger Tea
Yet another go-to drink among Indian households is lemon and ginger tea. Brewed with tea leaves, water, a few drops of lemon, and a tinge of ginger, this tea is an amazing antidote for the cold season. With the presence of vitamin C and the benefits of ginger, it makes a tough shield for you in your battle against winter chills.
9. Kadha
If you ask your grandmother which is the best winter drink on this list, she will surely choose kadha. The key ingredients in this drink are spices and natural herbs, and if it’s your mom or grandmother preparing it, then a pinch of love too! This drink beats all other winter drinks because of the level of medicinal benefits and nutritional value it holds. It may not be very pleasing to your taste buds, but it is surely one of the best cures against the cold.
Summing Up
Now that you know what are the different drinks to try over the cold season, start looking up recipes, and whip up the best version of these drinks to spend a cozy and healthy winter. Your taste buds deserve the best after all.
FAQs
Which Drink Is Best For The Cold Season?
There are many winter drinks out there that can help you survive the biting winters. Some of the best drinks to try are noon chai, hot chocolate, hot toddy, masala chai, kahwa, mulled wine, masala doodh, lemon and ginger tea, and kadha.
What Is Healthy To Drink In Winter?
If you’re looking for a winter drink that will keep you healthy and boost your immunity, then here are some of the drinks you can go for - lemon and ginger tea, kadha, masala chai, kahwa, noon chai, mulled wine, and hot toddy.
Which Spirit Keeps You Warm?
Some of the popular spirits known to keep you warm during the cold are rum and brandy. It has been an age-old cure against the freezing winters. In fact, people used to even give brandy mixed with honey to infants to help them keep warm.
Which Alcohol Is Good For Cold And Cough?
Brandy and whiskey are known to be the best cure to combat cold and cough. They are some of the best decongestants and provide relief from headaches due to cold.
