There’s no denying the fact that during winter, one has to be extra vigilant, as illnesses like colds and the flu spread like wildfire. In this cold weather, you need to make some changes in your diet and lifestyle to fight the harsh weather naturally. I feel that there’s nothing more comforting than curling up under a blanket with a warm drink. So, here I have listed some hot winter drinks that will surely keep you chill-free.
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Hot Winter Drinks- Golden Milk
Joint pain and other discomforts are quite common in the winter season. Turmeric, the golden spice- is loaded with strong anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce inflammation and joint pain. Nothing beats cold in the winter the way this bright yellow beverage does. It is one of the best home-made remedies to improve one’s general immunity. Turmeric milk helps in managing blood sugar levels and is very beneficial for diabetics. It also helps to treat indigestion while relieving gas and bloating.
Read on more to know about the several benefits and recipe of ‘Turmeric Milk.‘
Hot Chocolate
Regular hot chocolate is typically filled with dairy, processed white sugar, and potentially other preservatives and additives. But I always prefer almond milk for this recipe to turn regular unhealthy hot chocolate into a healthier treat! The best part is that the neutral flavour of almond milk blends seamlessly with the rich cocoa powder. You can also use coconut milk if you want your hot chocolate to be creamier.
Take 1 cup almond milk (store-bought or homemade), 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tbsp pure maple syrup, one-fourth tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Combine all the ingredients over high heat, pour into a mug and serve warm.
Enjoy this steaming mug of naturally vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free hot chocolate in chilly winter season! This recipe contains a whole host of superfoods which are warm, nourishing and full of heart-healthy goodness. You may also add a pinch of cinnamon which aids digestion.
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Ginger Tea
Ginger is one of nature’s most potent and beneficial warming herbs. The high levels of Vitamin C, magnesium and other minerals in the ginger root make it extremely beneficial for health. It has anti-inflammatory properties that fasten the digestion process too.
A piping hot cup of ginger tea is the most favourable in the cold weather as it’s thermogenic properties stave off the chills, keeping your body warm. The growth of bacterial and viral infections during the winter season may lead to allergies and congestion. But adding a dash of ginger in your brew will help to relieve a sore throat quickly and also fight several respiratory problems.
Add in 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in a pan with 1 and a half cup of water. Bring the water to a boil and let it steep for 5 minutes. Pour this water in a mug and add the juice of half a lemon and one teaspoon honey.
Badam Milk
Badam milk is a delicious sweet milk beverage flavoured with almonds. Almonds are heavily packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. The combination of almonds with milk makes not only delicious but a nutritious beverage. Badam milk builds muscles and makes bones, and teeth stronger. It has a lot of vitamin ‘E’ which makes skin healthy and glowing. This healthy drink boosts immunity and helps you fight off cold and flus during the harsh winter days.
Soak, peel and blend 6-8 almonds into a thick creamy paste. Now pour 1 cup milk in a heavy-bottomed vessel and bring it to boil. Add the almond paste and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes on low heat. You may add cardamom, saffron or honey as per your taste.
Drinking hot almond milk will not only beat cold but also sharpen the eyesight and brain. It keeps the body energetic throughout the day.
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Cinnamon And Saffron Milk
The incredible saffron aka Kesar has been a source of beauty and health since times immemorial. It is one of the most under-utilised warming spices that can be used to treat the symptoms of cold and cough. Saffron makes a great combo with cinnamon which is the classic cold-weather spice. Cinnamon and saffron milk is a great way to say goodbye to winter blues.
Pour a mug of unsweetened almond milk in a small saucepan and heat over medium flame. Stir in 2-3 saffron threads, half teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 cardamom. Keep the liquid hot, but do not let it boil and let the ingredients steep for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the saucepan from the burner and stir in maple syrup (optional). Serve hot!
The aroma and flavour of saffron are so comforting, and delicious. This will keep your body warm from inside.
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Mulled Wine
The traditional festive beverage, usually made with red wine, citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, dried fruits and mulling spices including cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, peppercorn or cardamom, is served hot or warm. It’s such a great drink to warm your nights up. A weekly glass of mulled wine, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, could help fight infections and boost immunity. Credit goes to the antioxidants packed inside red grapes! It has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect too.
Combine a bottle of red with 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cardamom pods, 6 to 8 cloves, 6 to 8 golden raisins, 1 pinch nutmeg, 2-star anise, sliced citrus fruits and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small saucepot. Let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the wine with their warmth and the other ingredients. Do not let the wine come to a boil. Take the wine off the heat, strain out the solids, and serve while hot. You may add a touch of sweetness with honey!
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Kanji
Kanji, a traditional Indian probiotic drink is not warm at all but I have still included this in the list of my hot winter drinks. Wondering why? The reason being it’s made out of a winter-specific vegetable called Kali Gajar and it’s a winter speciality that is consumed at room temperature.
Kanji is usually a combination of water, mustard seeds, beetroot and carrots. From bloating, cold, cough, weakness in joints, constipation, this miracle drink seemed to cure it all.
Read more benefits and the recipe of this fermented purple-coloured.