While chai and hot masala milk dominate the Indian winter beverage scene, the country boasts a treasure trove of lesser-known drinks that bring warmth and wellness to the season. These traditional concoctions, often rooted in Ayurveda, are crafted with spices, herbs, jaggery, and seasonal ingredients to keep the body cozy and immune to winter ailments. From the fermented rice-based brews of the Northeast to herbal concoctions from South India, these drinks are not just flavorful but also a window into India’s regional diversity.
Here’s a list of
lesser-known Indian winter drinks that are both comforting and beneficial for
the season:
North
India
Kesar
Badam Doodh - Warm milk flavored with saffron, almonds, and cardamom.
Kadha -
A traditional herbal decoction made with tulsi, ginger, black pepper, and
honey.
Kanji -
A fermented drink made with black carrots, mustard seeds, and water.
Hareera -
A Kashmiri drink made with milk, jaggery, dry fruits, and spices like cinnamon.
Bajra
Raab - A warm drink made with pearl millet flour, jaggery, and ghee,
common in Rajasthan.
South
India
Sukku
Kaapi - A herbal coffee made with dry ginger, coriander, and palm
jaggery, popular in Tamil Nadu.
Paal
Kootu - Warm turmeric milk mixed with crushed pepper and jaggery for
immunity.
Nannari
Tea - Made with sarsaparilla root syrup, it has a warming and earthy
flavor.
East
India
Mahua
Tea - A traditional drink in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh made with the
fermented flowers of the mahua tree.
Rice
Beer (Handia/Apong) - Fermented rice drinks from tribal regions of Odisha, Jharkhand,
and Arunachal Pradesh.
Chukku
Saunf Tea - A fennel-and-ginger-based tea enjoyed for digestion and warmth.
West
India
Gond
Ka Sherbet - A drink made with edible gum, milk, and jaggery, commonly
consumed in Gujarat.
Khajur
Milkshake - Dates blended with warm milk and cardamom, ideal for energy.
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Traditional Winter Drinks
Til
Ka Sherbet - Made with ground sesame seeds, milk, and jaggery.
Jaggery
Tea - A simple black tea sweetened with jaggery instead of sugar.
Saunf
Ka Kadha - Fennel seed infusion with ginger, cardamom, and honey.
Bhuna
Chana Ka Kadha - A roasted gram-based warm drink spiced with cinnamon and pepper.
Ginger-Tulsi
Sherbet - Made by simmering ginger, tulsi leaves, and jaggery.
Sattu
Ka Sherbet (Warm Version) - Made with roasted gram flour, jaggery, and water.
Haldi
Chaas - A warm buttermilk drink with turmeric, curry leaves, and mustard
seeds.
These
drinks are not only tasty but also packed with immunity-boosting and warming
properties, making them perfect for winter consumption.