As rainy season approaches we all wish to spend these cozy evenings with our loved ones and have a cup of hot beverage and some hot evening snacks prepared at home, may it be pakoras, alle belle (Goan pancake), holle (Goan rice dumplings, rice polle(Rice and coconut pancake) and much more. While the khuti chav (black tea ) can be a perfect combination with this weather and these snacks, there are many other drinks that can be perfect for this weather as well. These beverages will not only keep you warm, but also boost your immunity and health. Below are a few monsoon drinks that will warm you up this monsoon season.
Masala Chai
The masala chai is a classical Indian tea, this tea combines black tea and milk with a mix of spices that consist of ginger, cardamom and black pepper. This aromatic blend is perfect for warming you up this monsoon season from inside and out. The fragrant spices in the masala chai are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost your immunity, making it an ideal deal for the monsoon season.
Ingredient
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 teaspoons of black tea leaves
- 1 small piece of ginger grated
- 2-3 cardamom pods crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 cloves
- 1-2 black peppercorns
- Sugar to taste
Steps
- In a saucepan bring water to boil
- Add all the spices and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes .
- Add the tea leaves and let it boil for 2 minutes
- Pour the milk in it and allow it to boil for some more time.
- Add sugar to taste, stir well and strain the tea into cups, serve hot and fresh
Hot chocolate with twist
Hot chocolate with a twist is a delightful spin on the classic hot chocolate. This recipe includes red chilly powder and cinnamon, which will add some slight kick and warmth to the traditional hot chocolate. Cacao is rich in antioxidants and the spices can help improve circulation and provide a warm cozy feeling in this weather.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of milk
- 3 tablespoons of cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch chilli powder
- A pinch of cinnamon
- Whipped cream or marshmallow for the toppings
Steps
- Heat milk over medium heat in a saucepan
- Whisk the cocoa powder and sugar together until it’s dissolved
- Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon and chilli powder and give it a good stir.
- Continue to heat until the mixture is hot and not boiling
- Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream or marshmallows and serve it immediately.
Turmeric Latte
Turmeric latte which is also known as golden milk. This is a very soothing Monsoon drink made with just milk and turmeric. This drink is known for its inflammatory and antioxidant properties due the turmeric. Golden milk can be a wonderful drink to make you warm during the monsoon season. As it helps to boost immunity and provides a warm, comforting feeling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- A pinch of black pepper powder
Steps
- Heat milk over a medium heat in a saucepan.
- All together whisk in the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and black pepper powder until well combined.
- Continue to heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in the honey.
- Pour into mugs and serve immediately
Lemon and Honey Tea
Lemon and honey tea is a simple yet effective drink. It just involves lemon, honey and hot water. This drink is so good that it helps and is effective especially when you have cold and chest congestion. The lemon juice helps through congestion and honey soothes the throat. The combination of lemon and honey together provides a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants. This can help improve your immune system, especially useful in the cool weather.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon tea leaves or a teabags
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- A Slice of lemon for garnish
Steps
- In a saucepan boil water
- Add the black tea leaves or dip a tea bag for 3-4 minutes
- Remove the tea leaves or the tea bag and add honey and lemon juice in it.
- Pour it into the cup and garnish with a slice of lemon.
