#Winterhealthcare- Top 5 Healthy Drinks for winter!
Hello everyone and welcome to “Winter wellness series”.
I know, I am little late in sharing posts for this series. Last week, participated in “Decade blog hop” and had a great time in writing and reading all awesome posts for this awesome blog hop. Time just passed so quickly and suddenly I had realized that it is more than a week and I should share the next post for “Winter wellness” series.
In this post, I am sharing some easy, interesting and healthy drink recipes for winter season, hoping you would like it.
Winter is a great time to get indulge in healthy drink recipes. These drinks help in keeping our body warm and also play a good role in preventing routine infections like common cough, cold and throat infections.
Also, with these recipes we can add various essential spices and herbs like cloves, basil, cinnamon in our diet and can get advantages of these amazing ingredients for our body.
So, here is the first recipe:
Lemon and honey water
Honey is one of the most important and essential nutrients that we all should consume during winter. Honey has some amazing anti-inflammatory properties that helps in not only preventing the common winter infections but it used as a major home remedy too, for treating common cold, flu and throat infections.
You can use honey directly in Luke warm water to get the amazing health benefits of honey. Additionally, adding lemon is an excellent idea to enhance taste and nutritional benefits of honey.
How to make it?
Ingredients
- Luke warm water
- Slice of lemon
- Honey 1-2 tea spoon
Method
- Take 1 glass of Luke warm water and mixed 1-2 tea spoon of honey. Mixed well and add lemon juice as per your taste (for me, 1 teaspoon works well)
- Drink this preferably in the morning to get maximum benefits.
- This taste so good and an excellent way to start your day with something healthy.
Benefits
Along with the goodness of honey, lemon and water addition helps a lot in flushing out the toxins and keep your digestion on track. It is also good for skin and helps in losing weight too.
Personal experience
Personally, I had a great experience with this healthy drink. Years ago, I had a severe allergy problem and I used to get frequent sneezing attacks, running nose and other nasal allergy symptoms, when weather changes. After my mom’s advice, I had started drinking this regularly and got a proper relief in my allergy symptoms. After that experience, I always try to include in my morning routine, especially during winter. If due to any reason, you could not consume honey as a drink form, you can consume it directly a spoonful of it, at any time of day. For kids, it is also great. It can be used as a bread spread or topping of muesli.
Apple cider vinegar with Luke warm water
Honestly, I had discovered this option after moving to USA. I used to read and explore the power of natural substances in curing different disease conditions. And while doing that, I had discovered that “Apple cider vinegar” is an excellent nutritional substance that has numerous health benefits ranging from skin, hair, digestion to weight loss.
How to make it?
Ingredients
Again, it is very simple recipe and you need only two ingredients.
- Apple cider vinegar
- Luke warm water
Method
Mixed 1-2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in one glass Luke warm or normal temperature filtered water, mixed well and drink this preferably in morning empty stomach.
Benefits
Apple cider vinegar has some excellent therapeutic properties like anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic and antic cancer. It helps in reducing weight and improves your heart health too.
Personal experience
I had used apple cider vinegar around 1 years ago, and had a quite satisfactory result with me. But few things that should be keep in the mind. First, finding a good quality apple cider vinegar is a daunting task. As per my research, it is good to use organic, raw and unfiltered type and sharing the image of brand that I had used in past, with good results. (#Non sponsored, sharing only because I like it). In India, I am not sure much but I think mama earth has good quality products and they also had apple cider vinegar too, in their collection. So, please do a proper research and try to get a good quality, organic one for yourself.
Second, it’s taste. Yes, if you are using this first time, it might taste sour (and not so pleasant), and you will need some time and patience to accept the taste.
Third. Do not accept any immediate changes or results. You will need to used it for a long time of period and regularly for seeing any visible good results.
Yogi tea or grandma’s kadha ( recipe inspired by yoga guru Adriene from yoga with Adriene.com)
You know, as an Indian I feel really proud of our ancient Indian traditions, culture and therapeutic system. Ayurveda (our ancient healing system) has so much to offer for our good health and overall well-being. Use of spice and weather appropriate diet is one of the most popular ayurvedic principle that helps in staying fit and healthy.
Nowadays, the whole world is inspired from our Ayurveda, yoga and meditation practices. And they are also trying to adopt the eastern lifestyle to their lives.
Grandma’s kadha is one such well known Indian winter recipe that has amazing health benefits and also, nourish our body with power of amazing spices. It is an excellent way to combat common infections like cough, cold, throat pain etc. I had seen the same recipe named as “Yogi tea”, here in USA. And It is really amazing that our ancient recipes are getting popular worldwide.
How to make it?
Ingredients
- Filtered water (2 quarts)
- Basil leaves (7-8)
- Cloves (15)
- Black paper (whole 15-20)
- Cinnamon sticks (3-5)
- Cardamom pods (15-20)
- Ginger slices (7-8)
- Black tea bag (1-2)
- Milk and honey (optional)
- Large vessel
- Strainer
- Another pot for storing tea
Note: there is no fixed or rigid measurements of all these ingredients (spices and herbs) and you can add or subtract their quantity as per your taste, convenience or availability.
Method
- Take a heavy bottom large vessel and pour 2 quarts. And add cloves, and boil for one minute.
- Add all other ingredients one by one and boil for 30 minutes
- Now, reduce the heat and simmer it for at least 1 hour. With this, the water absorbed the goodness of all these amazing ingredients
- Now, take down this from the heat and add black tea as per your taste and let it cool down
- Strain all the spices and collect the tea in the separate vessel
- If you want you can add the little milk and honey to it.
Best part, you can store this mixture in the refrigerator and can reheat and use, when you want to drink it.
Benefits
This yogi tea or Indian kadha has amazing health benefits. All these amazing ingredients have great therapeutic properties like anti-inflammatory, anti- allergic and anti-oxidants. It also supports our digestion and keep our body warm during winter. This drink works great in controlling cold and allergic symptoms.
Personal experience
I had drink this kadha since childhood so many times. Specially, for controlling and treating cold and allergic symptoms. And also get good results. Of course, it tastes strong and you need some time and patience to develop its taste.
If you are not a big fan of Yogi tea (or Ayurvedic Kadha), you can try Earl Grey tea. Earl Grey tea can be a great option for winter health drink. The earl grey is made from a blend of Black tea and bergamot oil. The tea is named after the British prime minister Charles Grey. Earl grey tea has a unique taste. It is low in calories and offers astonishing health benefits too.
Golden milk or turmeric milk
If I am talking about “Winter health drinks”, how could I forget to mention our own “Haldi doodh”, that is called as “Golden milk” in western world. Turmeric or haldi is an amazing spice that offers so many great health benefits.
Read this post to know some wonderful benefits of turmeric .
This drink could be used at bed time and helps in promoting good sleep too
How to make it?
Ingredients
- Milk (you can choose both dairy or non-dairy options like almond milk or cashew milk)
- Turmeric or haldi (1 teaspoon or as per your taste)
- Sweeteners (you can use sugar, honey or can avoid it completely)
- Other spices (like ginger, cardamom) optional and you can use it of you want.
Method
- Take a saucepan and add milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- Bring it to a little warm condition
- Add turmeric and other spices of your choice
- Add the sweetener of your choice
- Enjoy it as a family
Benefits
As I had mentioned before, Turmeric is an excellent Indian spice that has great anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and anti-oxidant properties. During winter, it keeps our body warm, and helps n fighting with routine infections too.
Personal experience
This one is one of the most favorite in my family and I always had a great experience with this, in treating common cold, and throat infections in my family.
Hot Chocolate
The last recipe is specially for kids and I am sure adults can also enjoy it.
How to Make it?
Ingredients
- Milk ( again you can use dairy or non-dairy options)
- Cocoa powder ( 1 teaspoon or as per your taste)
- Sugar ( as per your taste)
- Cream, chocolate chips for garnishing (optional)
Method
Heat the milk in a sauce pan and add cocoa powder, stir it properly, then add sugar, and bring it to bail. After proper boiling, remove from the heat. And garnish with cream or chocolate chips. For making a healthier option, you can use non- dairy milk and avoid use of cream.
Benefits
Cocoa powder is a good nutritional substance that is rich in iron and fiber. Cocoa is rich in the antioxidant substance called “Flavonoids”. It promotes good heart health, aids in memory and improves blood flow to your brain. Also, play a good role in improving your mood.
Personal experience
My both girls just loved it and I often use this as an after-school drink option. In fact, sometimes, it is a good alternative for adding something yummy to your breakfast too.
So, these are 5 amazing healthy drink options for winter from my side. Which one is your favorite? Please share in the comment box.
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45 Comments
alpanadeo
Lemon-honey and hot chocolate always holds the top place in my list. For apple cider, I agree the taste it’s little strong. But slowly one gets used to of it. When I started taking apple cider, I used to add little bit of honey and pinch of cinnamon.
How can we forget the golden milk. It’s the queen of all drinks.
Sweetannu
Glad I read your post, I do have a bottle of apple cider vinegar tucked away in my kitchen cupboard. Now I know how to drink it. Thanks
mummatalks
While I have honey cinnamon water my husband is apple cider vinegar and green tea person. Also kadha is a regular at our home. Not only winters but these drinks are best thought out the year….
simritbedi
I start my day with lemon water.. hot chocolate is our all time favourite winter drink . Grandma’s kadha looks really nice..will definitely try it out soon.
lifewithmypenguin
Turmeric milk is my favorite. For my tot, I add a pinch of black pepper and dry ginger. I used to drink the grandmaa’s kadha that my mom made during my stay with mom, nostalgia post for me. I never tried the ACV, maybe next time.
Ujjwal Mishra
All these were always part of my winter care list. In addition to this various soups also have a special place in winter diet. I find it tough to take ACV though.
Mayuri Nidigallu
Winter has been playing havoc with my throat! I really need that Kadha! Thanks for the recipe, Surbhi.
earlymomage
Such a well written post, it’s a must to eat and drink right during winters. These are some great options.
Harjeet Kaur
Very informative post about winter drinks, Surbhi. I am lactose intolerant so I keep having kadha all the time. Golden or turmeric milk is as old as the vedas and the west is minting money out of it by selling it as a bottled drink but we in India dont appreciate our culture.
Blogaberry Foo
Wow my hubby has all of these in a week. I have had none of them till date. Maybe I should start now.
Ruchie
I really like to have lemon and honey but kids are crazy for hot chocolate..This list is really great for winter drinks !!
Yogita Joshi
Lemon water and turmeric milk are important part of my daily routine every winter. And my son is crazy for hot chocolate. Was thinking to include ACV to my routine… Will start with ACV and warm water.
Jhilmil
Those are some really cool options. I love hot chocolate but haven’t tried at home, gonna do that now:)
Snigdha
Wow… So many drink options. My son loves hot chocolate during winter .
Upasana Sharma
Thanks for sharing such lovely drinks. Hot cups and Winters goes hand in hand and golden milk is my favorite.
Varsh
Haldi doodh and ghar ka kadha are winter buddies for us! Thanks to Covid, we’re all accustomed to having warm water throughout the day now. Have to try it with ACV yet though.
TheMomSagas
Lemon and honey water is my fav. I can have it all year round. Especially donot miss in winters. Very effective for skin and health.
Neha
These are some easy and simple recipes. I do drink warm water in the mornings.. will try and add some lemon and honey to it 🙂 I did bring apple cider vinegar, but I have not gotten around to liking its taste as yet.
MeenalSonal
Winters and hot cup is pure combo to cherish, out of 5 it’s only Yogi Tea I need to try.
ritecontent
Really useful post. The instructions and benefits are clearly explained. A great guide during the cold season
Rashmi Singh
Really great list for winter drinks. I would love to try these all but lemon one is my favorite. Thanks for sharing
preety85
Wow…that’s a very informative post. I used to make turmeric milk and Yogi tea (tea with some spices) in winters . These drinks seems healthy and refreshing, I would love to try acv ,as it’s good for weight loss too.
jhilmildsaha
Yogi tea is the recipe that attracted me the most. I will definitely try it out soon.
Rakhi Jayashankar
I am a sucker for hot chocolate. I thought it is possible to make it only with chocolate syrup. But this idea of adding cocoa powder is great. I have to try this new recipe. Thanks for sharing
Varsh
So good that you shared the recipes too. I would like to make the kadha for my family. These extended winters are being truly bad for health.
Tina Basu
Right now I am sipping through my ACV morning drink as I read. This is such a lovely post. I like the occasional hot chocolate too!
Outset Books
Wow. You have shared a variety of drinks. Though we don’t have winters in Kerala, I can use these drinks for my diet journey. Thank you so much. I am looking forward to more such recipes.
Snehalata
These are 5 amazing winter drinks.especiallyTurmeric drink and I would like to taste all of them. Tea is my all time favorite
nooranandchawla
Each of these drinks have been popular in Indian households for decades! A healthy way to beat the cold!
Arushi Seth
Lovely informative post. Lemon honey and hot chocolate are my favourite. I have now acquired the taste of apple cider though I still can’t get myself to have haldi and milk. As a substitute I have haldi water daily at night. Thanks for listing the options
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The Champa Tree
You have actually shared a lot of detox drinks. Winter drinks doubling as detox is a great idea. Loved every recipe. All are perfect for boosting immunity and health. Thank you so much for sharing this .
Sweetannu
Your grandmother’s kasha recipe is fabulous. Not many people share their swceet recipes. I am thankful that you did. Turmeric milk is another favorite of mine
Metamorphosis
All these five winter drinks are healthy and quick to make. I do make all of them but apple cider vinegar is something I have never tried but will give it a try soon. During winters we need to be more conscious about our food intakes as we are more vulnerable.
Neha Sharma
Turmeric milk is my favorite in winters, otherwise I really don’t like drinking milk and hot chocolate milk is my son’s favorite. I have tried all of these healthy drinks except apple cider vinegar, have heard a lot of benefits.
TripleAmommy
That’s a good list. My favourite would be hot chocolate, though in reality I have just ended up increasing my chai consumption! And thanks to covid, kadha has now become an all season drink!!
myworldwitheira
These winter help alot during the season to keep us away from flus and cold. I do follow a few of them and turmeric latte is one of our favourites. Even my daughter enjoys it. The medicinal benefits of these drinks are tremendous.
Doctor mommy
Our traditional golden milk and after kids, hot chocolate are my favorites. Not only winters i can have them anytime. Heard a lot about the benefits of apple cider vinegar but apprehensive of the sour taste ?
MeenalSonal Mathur
Winters and the hot drinks are synonyms to me. I do have lemon honey water but I am to get used to AVC, can’t get over the pungent smell. You list stands complete with home made Kadha and Tumeric milk.
Harjeet Kaur
All five are great winter drinks, Surbhi.Do you follow Adrienne’s yoga as well? I was planning to make a video on the tea or kadha. Maybe I will soon 🙂 Golden milk is our desi traditional Haldi ka doodh which has become popular and bottled now in the west.
LifeCoachPreet
I really like the options shared by you. We regularly have the kadha recipe shared by your here. Thanks for sharing such nice recipes.
Ruchie
I was thinking to start honey lemon drink from months and now your post really motivates me. Thanks for such healthy winter drinks!!
Isheeria's Healing Circles
very good suggestion for rings in this weather and especially as alternatives to tea and coffee or a fizzy drinks.
I have nt had acv but heard of its benefits.
Will try the kadha too
Judy Morris
from childhood I love drinking golden milk with many Kharaks.. Also ginger tea is my go too drink despite people saying that drinking tea more is not good but it works for me
Amritha Srinath
Wow, what a choice of healthy drinks for winter Surbhi. I love having the kadhas during winter, the composition of course changes as per the availability of the ingredients. Hot Chocolate is indeed all time favorite. I begin my day by drinking lemon and honey water in the morning. And the all time favorite haldi doodh is a bedtime routine.