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The rains in India sometimes bring intense humidity while on other occasions it brings a chill, depending on where you are located. The season though is infamous for causing the flu, scratchy throats, cough and cold, largely due to the sudden change in the weather. Along with a bunch of advice on what not to eat and drink during the monsoon, it is common practice for Indian grandparents to stir up warm beverages infused with the goodness of healing spices, to keep the family healthy.
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Infused with natural ingredients, these drinks create a sensory experience that evoke a sense of well-being. They are often prepared using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations, reflecting a deep connection to Indian culinary heritage.
The beverages are enjoyed for their ability to provide warmth and comfort on rainy days, often offering a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. For example, who can resist the thought of curling up in a cushioned chair with a warm cup of chai or filter coffee? The beverages also bring people together over shared cups and conversations.
The carefully selected spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, not only enhance the taste but also contribute to the drink with their therapeutic properties. Many of them bring along benefits, such as aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and promoting overall well-being.
Masala Chai
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A favourite in almost every home across the length and breadth of the country, Masala chai is a quintessential Indian tea infused with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. It is made by brewing black tea leaves with a combination of aromatic spices and milk. The blend of spices not only enhances the flavour of the tea but also offers potential health benefits, making it a comforting and invigorating choice for any time of day, especially during the monsoon when its warmth provides a welcome respite from the rain.
Ginger Turmeric Milk
Ginger turmeric milk is a soothing beverage made by simmering milk with fresh ginger, turmeric, and other spices. The ingredients are carefully chosen for their medicinal properties and combined to create a flavourful and nourishing drink. To prepare ginger turmeric milk, fresh ginger is grated or sliced and added to milk along with turmeric powder. The mixture is gently simmered on the stove until the flavours come together. This drink helps alleviate cold symptoms and sore throats and reduces inflammation in the body.
Filter Coffee
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Almost as iconic in its status as the masala chai, the filter coffee from South India, is a strong and aromatic brew made by combining dark roasted coffee beans with chicory. Brewed in a traditional metal filter and mixed with hot milk and sugar, this drink provides a rich and robust flavour that warms you up from within on rainy days. Filter coffee is traditionally served in a set of tumbler and dabarah. The frothy coffee is poured from a height into the tumbler to aerate and mix the ingredients, enhancing the drinking experience. It is often enjoyed alongside breakfast or as a midday pick-me-up.
Saffron Milk
Saffron milk, or kesar doodh, is a luxurious and aromatic beverage made by steeping strands of saffron in warm milk. Sweetened with sugar and optionally flavoured with cardamom, this drink not only offers a rich, golden hue but also provides a delicate and exotic flavour profile perfect for rainy evenings. The drink isn’t loved only for its delightful taste but also for its potential health benefits. Saffron is believed to have antioxidant properties and is also traditionally used in Ayurveda to promote relaxation and improve mood.
Herbal Kadha
Kadha is a traditional Ayurvedic drink used for its healing properties. It typically includes a combination of medicinal herbs and spices like tulsi (holy basil), black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves boiled in water. It is usually made with honey or jaggery and believed to boost immunity, relieve cold symptoms, and promote overall well-being during the monsoon season. The combination of herbs and spices is believed to strengthen the immune system and help the body fight infections. Kadha is also considered beneficial for detoxifying the body.
Hot Chocolate with Indian Spices
A fusion of Western and Indian flavours, hot chocolate infused with Indian spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg offers a delightful twist. Made with cocoa powder, milk, and sweetened to taste, this decadent drink provides a comforting indulgence during rainy weather. The spices are typically infused into the hot milk or stirred into the chocolate mixture as it melts, allowing their flavours to mix harmoniously. It’s the best of both worlds for those who love chocolate and also appreciate the aromatic nuances of Indian spices.
Kashmiri Kahwa
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Kahwa is a fragrant green tea infused with spices, nuts, and saffron, offering a unique and refreshing experience. Prepared by brewing green tea leaves with a mix of whole spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, it also includes crushed almonds or walnuts for added richness. Saffron strands add a golden hue and a subtle floral aroma, complementing the warm spices. Typically served hot, Kahwa is lightly sweetened with honey or sugar.
