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As winter progresses, so does the inevitable cough and cold. While kadha might be your mom’s favorite remedy to ward off all the harm caused by the constant smog, we know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea – literally! But don’t worry, you won’t have to suffer through bitter concoctions. You can still enjoy delicious, soothing drinks that warm you up, soothe your sore throat and boost your immunity. These six superfood winter drinks provide a delicious, caffeine-free option while keeping you cozy and healthy all season long.
Turmeric Milk with a Twist
The innovative successor to the controversial turmeric milk, this turmeric latte is anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and lactose-free, making it an easy but excellent winter drink to stave off the common cold. Adding cinnamon and ginger has additional benefits for your body as they aid digestion and keep your joints warm and healthy during the colder months.
Material: 350 ml almond milk (or milk of your choice), ¼ tsp ground turmeric, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground ginger, ½ tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp maple syrup, one grind black pepper .
recipe: To make this drink, mix 350 ml of almond milk (or any milk of your choice) with the rest of the ingredients mentioned. Heat the mixture slowly, stirring constantly, until hot (you can use milk froth for creaminess). When hot, pour into mugs and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before serving for a hot, hearty drink.
Doodh wali lemongrass tea
If you love tea, but don’t want the caffeine crash, we strongly suggest experimenting with this milky fresh lemongrass tea. Made with some nutritious spices, this drink is known for its soothing properties; Ginger promotes digestion and relieves nausea, while lemongrass and mint provide a refreshing profile that will leave your mouth feeling super fresh.
Material: 1 cup milk, ¼ cup chopped lemongrass, 2 tsp grated ginger, ¼ cup mint leaves, 1 tbsp sugar.
recipe: To prepare this mixture, mix all the ingredients in a vessel. Boil the mixture and then cook on low flame for a few minutes. Filter and serve hot.
Multani Pomegranate Juice
As a seasonal winter fruit, pomegranates are in season only once a year and this juice will make sure you make the most of it! Rich in antioxidants, this pink drink will help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage, making it the perfect immunity booster in the chilly winter weather.
Material: 1 liter pomegranate juice, 1 sprig rosemary, 1 teaspoon sumac, 1 cinnamon stick, ½ teaspoon coriander seeds, ½ orange (chopped), ¼ teaspoon orange flower water.
recipe: Pour 1 liter pomegranate juice into a large saucepan. Everything except orange blossom water. Keep it on low flame and then filter it through a sieve and pour it into a jug. Add ¼ tsp orange blossom water, serve in a heat-resistant glass or cup and enjoy.
Superfood Moringa Tea
If there’s one ingredient that’s on everyone’s lips this season it’s Moringa! This powerhouse superfood is known for its ability to lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar – perfect for a quick energy boost or to drink after a hearty meal.
Material: 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2-3 cloves, your favorite loose tea, a small cinnamon stick and Moringa Power.
recipe: In a clean vessel, add all the ingredients along with one teaspoon of Moringa power or loose leaf. Add water to it and boil it. Once boiling, strain the tea into cups and enjoy its revitalizing benefits in the comfort of your warm blanket.
Marathi Ukala
A blend of tea and turmeric milk, this drink is a favorite of Maharashtrians for its immunity-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Perfect for soothing a sore throat or preventing the common cold without too much hassle.
Material: 1 cup milk, 1 cup water, 2 cloves, 1 bay leaf, half cinnamon, 1 pinch turmeric powder, 4 black peppers, 1 teaspoon dry ginger, 2-3 teaspoons jaggery powder, 1 pinch nutmeg powder.
recipe: Mix all the ingredients in a pan. Bring the mixture to a boil and then cook on low flame for 5 to 7 minutes. Pour it in a cup and sip slowly.
Quick and Easy Tomato Rasam
While rasam is more popularly eaten with rice or papad, there are no strict rules on how you are allowed to eat it. Enriched with anti-inflammatory spices like black pepper and turmeric, a hot cup of salty rasam helps reduce flu symptoms and boost immunity. This tart drink is also rich in Vitamin C and is perfect for fighting the winter cold.
Material:
For the spice mixture: ⅓ cup coriander stalks (with or without leaves), 7-8 garlic cloves (peeled), 1 inch ginger (roughly chopped), 2 tsp cumin, ¼ tsp black pepper.
For Tomato Puree: 1.5 to 1.75 cups tomatoes (chopped, 275 grams or 3 large tomatoes).
cooking: 1 tbsp oil (ginger, sunflower or peanut), ½ tsp mustard seeds, ½ tsp urad dal, 1 or 2 dried red chillies (broken, deseeded), 1 pinch asafoetida, 10-12 curry leaves, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, salt as per taste, 1.5 cup water (or as required), 2-3 tbsp chopped coriander leaves.
recipe: For the spice mixture, mix the coriander stalks, garlic, ginger, cumin and black pepper into a thick paste. For tomato puree, grind the tomatoes and make a smooth paste. – Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and urad dal and fry until golden. Add dry red chilli, asafoetida and curry leaves, stir for a few seconds. Add ground spice mixture, turmeric powder and fry for 1 minute. Add tomato puree, cook for another minute and add water. Cook on low flame for 9-10 minutes, then add chopped coriander and salt as per taste. Serve hot in a cup and drink.
These drinks offer more than just comfort — they’re packed with immune-boosting superfoods like turmeric, ginger, moringa, and pomegranate that make them ideal for cold-weather health. By replacing your usual caffeinated beverages with these soothing, warming beverages, you are giving your body the extra support it needs to fight infection and stay strong. So, the next time you feel cold try one of these nutritious, warming options – your body will thank you!
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