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As the cold winds of winter sweep across the country, there's nothing more comforting than starting your day with a warm drink. In India, where winters vary in intensity from region to region, people have long relied on traditional brews to combat the chill. These drinks not only warm the body but also provide essential nutrients and boost immunity, making them perfect for the season.
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From the aromatic Kashmiri Kahwa to the hearty Bajre Ki Raab, Indian winter brews are a beautiful blend of tradition, flavour, and health. They showcase the rich diversity of the country, with each region contributing its unique recipe. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, savoury, or spiced, there’s a winter morning drink to suit every palate. Here are seven Indian brews that will keep you warm and energised this season.
Bajre Ki Raab
Bajre Ki Raab is a traditional Rajasthani drink made with pearl millet flour (bajra), jaggery, and spices like ginger and black pepper. This nutrient-rich drink is thick, creamy, and perfect for winter mornings. Bajra, known for its warming properties, helps keep the body insulated against the cold.
Jaggery adds natural sweetness and is a great source of iron, while ginger and black pepper improve digestion and boost immunity. Bajre Ki Raab is especially beneficial for those looking for a wholesome and filling drink to kickstart their day.
Kashmiri Kahwa
Kashmiri Kahwa is a traditional green tea infused with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and almonds. This aromatic drink is a winter staple in Kashmir, where the cold is intense. Kahwa is known for its warming properties and is often sweetened with a touch of honey.
The addition of saffron not only gives the tea its beautiful golden hue but also provides numerous health benefits, such as improving digestion and boosting immunity. Almonds add a nutty flavour and provide a dose of healthy fats and protein. Perfect for a cold winter morning, Kashmiri Kahwa is a delightful way to start your day on a refreshing note.
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Noon Chai
Noon Chai, also known as pink tea, is a traditional salted tea from Kashmir. Made with green tea leaves, baking soda, milk, and salt, this unique beverage gets its pink colour from the reaction between baking soda and tea.
Noon Chai is typically enjoyed with a piece of bread or Kashmiri roti, making it a hearty and warming choice for winter mornings. The drink is known for its creamy texture and subtle savoury flavour. Rich in antioxidants, Noon Chai helps improve digestion and provides warmth during the cold months.\
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Ghur Tea
Popular in Bihar and Jharkhand, Ghur Tea is a simple, yet comforting winter brew made with black tea and jaggery (ghur). The combination of jaggery and tea creates a sweet, caramel-like flavour that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
Jaggery is a natural sweetener that not only adds flavour but also helps detoxify the body and boost haemoglobin levels. Ghur Tea is quick to prepare and provides an instant energy boost, making it an ideal choice for busy winter mornings.
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Shorba
Shorba is a warm and hearty soup-like drink popular in North India. Traditionally made with lentils, vegetables, or meat, Shorba is packed with protein and essential nutrients. Spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric are often added to enhance its flavour and warming properties.
Vegetarian versions of Shorba, made with lentils and seasonal winter vegetables, are especially popular for morning consumption. The drink is filling and nourishing, making it a perfect choice for a cold winter day.
Milagu Rasam
Milagu Rasam, a spicy South Indian soup-like drink, is made with black pepper, tamarind, garlic, and spices. While it is often served as part of a meal, Milagu Rasam can also be enjoyed as a warm morning drink to fight off the winter chill.
The black pepper and garlic in the rasam are natural immunity boosters, while tamarind provides a tangy flavour and aids digestion. Milagu Rasam is particularly effective for soothing sore throats and relieving congestion, making it a must-have during the winter season.
Kanji
Kanji is a traditional North Indian probiotic drink made by fermenting black carrots or beets with mustard seeds and water. This tangy and slightly spicy beverage is rich in natural probiotics, which support gut health and improve digestion.
Kanji is typically prepared during the winter months when black carrots are in season. The fermentation process gives it a distinct flavour and also enhances its nutritional value. Sipping on a glass of Kanji in the morning is a great way to boost your energy and keep your body warm.
