There’s a chill in the air and the weather is nippy all around. But don’t let that get you down, there’s nothing like a warm beverage on a cold day to cheer up the tummy and the heart! Whether you prefer the usuals such as coffee and tea or something more exotic such a botanical or herbaceous brew, read on to discover the top beverages you can sip on to make a cold day better. We’ve rounded up some of the best beverages from across the world including a few Indian favourites to bring the warmth to you.
Winters have a charm of their own and there’s definitely something magical about feeling the chilly wind in your face while on a walk or waking up to see your snow covered front yard. Along with these comes the pleasure of staying cozy and warm by an open fireplace with a warm drink in one’s hand. Looking for some inspiration for a warm brew? We’ve got you covered.
- Good ‘ol cuppa Joe: You can never go wrong with a cup of coffee! Be it black and strong or foamy and light with a dollop of whipped cream on top, a cup of coffee will definitely warm you right up. Try adding a few soothing ingredients such as vanilla or cinnamon to enhance the flavour and aroma. Get sipping and watch the cold melt away.
- Tea, please: As the popular saying goes, ‘There’s nothing that a cup of tea can’t fix’. This holds true, especially on a chilly day. When it comes to tea, the options are endless – you could try a brew of black with a dash of milk, some oolong or green tea or even a herbal tisane of florals and botanicals such as hibiscus or rosehip. Brewed peppermint is also a great option for a lingering minty mouthfeel, speeds up digestion and has relaxing properties.
- Shaken, not stirred: A good cocktail can go a long way in keeping you feeling warm with an added kick too! Shake up a warm toddy with a brandy base and add some spices such as cinnamon and star anise for added oomph. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can try some Irish Coffee or Buttered Rum for a sweet and delicious way to turn up the heat.
- Hot, Hot Chocolate: This one is a crowd pleaser and enjoyed by all ages alike! Just imagine sipping on a deliciously warm and sweet concoction of deep chocolate and luscious milk. You can elevate the experience by adding a pinch of coffee to boost the flavour profile of cocoa or a sprinkle of sea salt for a sublime experience. Feel like treating yourself? Top up your beverage with a couple of fluffy marshmallows for a true treat by the fire.
- Mull it up: Mulling is a great way to infuse your brew with aroma, flavour and depth. Common favourites include citrus fruits, pear and cranberry and can be made over the store top in advance and warmed up before serving. Mulled wine or even cider is a lovely winter drink that you’d definitely want to try. The melange of flavours from the fruit and spices are sure to warm up your palate and sooth the mind on a chilly day.
- Chicken Soup for the Soul: There are a few things that offer the comfort that chicken soup does. Whether you’re down with the flu or simply looking for a hot beverage on a cold day, chicken soup ought to do the trick. A staple across many cultures that is tweaked with spices, herbs and flavours according to the regional cuisine, a ladleful will warm your soul right up and keep the sniffles away.
Indian Beverages that are Perfect for a Cold Day:
Indians have had an age-old tryst with spices and the generous use of these indigenous ingredients adds to the cultural flair and flavour of this celebrated cuisine. When it comes to winter beverages as well, spices play a pivotal role in adding warmth, sweetness and comfort to traditional Indian brews. Indian classics such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, saffron and more are used in various blends in different regions to spice up warm drinks to keep the cold away.
Here are a few must-try Indian drinks on a chilly day:
- Golden Wonder: An indispensable ingredient across Indian regions and cuisines, turmeric is what adds the delightfully golden hue to this popular winter drink. Turmeric, pepper and select spices are brewed in warm milk and packed with anti-inflammatory properties that will kick a cold away.
- Masala, all the way: Masala is the heart of Indian cuisine and the addition of delicate spices to a cup of milky tea is a salve for the soul. Indians across the country enjoy this humble yet hearty brew on chilly evenings with family and friends around.
- Rasam: A South Indian staple of tomato broth seasoned with ground spices and herbs, this aromatic drink can be enjoyed during any course of a meal, by itself or mixed into warm fluffy rice. The addition of fresh herbs and crushed pepper make it a tangy and tantalizing drink to even the harshest of colds away.
- Foamy and Filtered: Filter Coffee is nothing short of an emotion in India, and sings of freshly ground and brewed coffee beans from the beautiful coffee plantations in the country. This strong yet slightly sweetened coffee is cooled the traditional way for a foamy and fantastic beverage experience. Even though this drink is consumed on a daily basis in most Indian homes, it’s definitely a must-try on winter days.
- Kahwa from Kashmir: An opulent brew that will transport you to the tranquil waters of the Dal Lake in Kashmir, Kashmiri Kahwa is a lovely beverage to keep you warm when it’s chilly outside. Known to aid digestion and soothe body and mind, this delicate brew of tea with spices and nuts will keep you warm on the coldest of days.
In the mood for a warm brew? Come over to The Madras Diaries to enjoy warm classics from around the world or even try out our Indian specialty beverages such as Milagu Rasam, Indian Chai and more. Get, Set, Sip!
