With the onset of winter colds, coughs and colds are inevitable. While kadha may be your mom’s go-to remedy for all the damage caused by the constant smog, we know it’s not for everyone—literally! But don’t worry, you don’t have to suffer through bitter concoctions. You can still enjoy delicious soothing drinks that will warm you up, soothe your sore throat and boost your immunity. These six superfood winter drinks offer a delicious, caffeine-free alternative that keeps you cozy and healthy all season long.
Haldi dud with a twist
The perfect successor to the controversial haldi doodh, this turmeric latte is anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and lactose-free, making it a light yet great cold-preventing winter drink. Adding cinnamon and ginger is great for your body as they aid digestion and keep your joints warm and healthy during the colder months.
Ingredients: 350 ml almond milk (or milk of your choice), ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tsp. spoon of maple syrup, ground black pepper.
recipe: To make this drink, mix 350ml of almond milk (or any milk of your choice) with the rest of the ingredients mentioned. Gently heat the mixture, whisking constantly, until hot (you can use frothed milk for creaminess). Once heated, pour into mugs and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top before serving for a warm, hearty drink.
Doodh wali lemongrass tea
If you like tea but don’t want caffeine, we highly recommend experimenting with this milky fresh lemongrass tea. Made with several healthy spices, the drink is known for its soothing properties; ginger aids digestion and relieves nausea, while lemongrass and mint provide a refreshing profile that will leave your mouth feeling super fresh.
Ingredients: 1 cup of milk, ¼ cup of chopped lemongrass, 2 tsp. L. grated ginger, ¼ cup of mint leaves, 1 tablespoon of sugar.
recipe: To make this tea, mix all the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes. Strain and serve hot.
Mulled wine from pomegranate juice
As a seasonal winter fruit, pomegranate season only comes once a year, and this juice makes sure you take full advantage of it! This antioxidant-rich pink drink will help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage, making it the perfect immune booster during the cold winter season.
Ingredients: 1 liter of pomegranate juice, 1 sprig of rosemary, 1 tsp. L. Sumac, 1 stick of cinnamon, ½ tsp. L. coriander seeds, ½ orange (cut into slices), ¼ tsp. L. water from orange flowers.
recipe: 1 liter of pomegranate juice in a large pot. everything but orange blossom water. Bring to a boil, then pour through a sieve into a jug. Stir in ¼ teaspoon of orange blossom water, serve in heatproof glasses or mugs, and enjoy.
Superfood maringo tea
If there’s one ingredient that’s been on the tip of everyone’s tongue this season, it’s maringo! This powerful superfood is known for its ability to lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar – perfect for a quick energy boost or a drink after a hearty meal.
Ingredients: 1 hour L. grated ginger, 1 tsp. L. sugar, 2-3 cloves, your favorite loose tea, a small stick of cinnamon and moringa.
recipe: In a clean saucepan, add all ingredients along with one scoop of moringa or loose leaf. Add water and bring to a boil. After boiling, strain the tea into cups and enjoy its invigorating benefits while lying comfortably in a warm blanket.
Marathi Ukala
A combination of turmeric tea and milk, this drink is a favorite in Maharashtra for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Perfect for soothing a sore throat or preventing a cold without the hassle.
Ingredients: 1 glass of milk, 1 glass of water, 2 cloves, 1 bay leaf, half a stick of cinnamon, 1 pinch of haldi powder, 4 peas of black pepper, 1 tsp. L. dried ginger, 2-3 tsp. L. jaggery powder, 1 pinch of nutmeg powder.
recipe: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a glass and sip slowly.
Quick and easy tomato sauce
While rasam is more popularly eaten with rice or podadum, there are no hard and fast rules as to how it can be eaten. Packed with anti-inflammatory spices like black pepper and turmeric, a steaming cup of salty rasam helps reduce flu symptoms and boost immunity. This spicy drink is also rich in vitamin C and is perfect for fighting off winter colds.
Ingredients:
For the spice mix: ⅓ cup coriander stalks (with or without leaves), 7-8 cloves garlic (peeled), 1 inch ginger (coarsely chopped), 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
For the tomato puree: 1.5-1.75 cups of tomatoes (sliced, 275 g or 3 large tomatoes).
Cook: 1 tablespoon oil (ghee, sunflower, or peanut), ½ teaspoon mustard seeds, ½ teaspoon urad dal, 1 or 2 dry red chilies (cracked, seeds removed), 1 pinch asafoetida, 10-12 curry leaves, ¼ tsp. spoons of turmeric powder, salt to taste, 1.5 cups of water (or as needed), 2-3 tbsp. chopped coriander leaves.
recipe: For the spice mix, grind the coriander stalks, garlic, ginger, cumin and black pepper into a coarse paste. For the tomato puree, blend the tomatoes into a smooth paste. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and urad dal and fry until golden. Add dry red chilies, asafoetida and curry leaves, stir for a few seconds. Add ground spice mix, turmeric powder and saute for 1 minute. Add tomato puree, cook for another minute and add water. Simmer for 9-10 minutes, then add chopped coriander leaves and salt to 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, maringo, and pomegranate, making them perfect for cold-weather wellness. By replacing your usual caffeinated beverages with these soothing, warming beverages, you’re giving your body the extra support it needs to fight infections and stay strong. So, the next time you’re feeling the chills, try one of these nutritious, warming alternatives—your body will thank you!
