Easy Soul-Warming Winter Drinks

As soon as the winter sets in it brings with it chilly winds, an urge to tuck ourselves in cozy blankets, and some hearty conversation over a cup of soul-warming winter drinks. Our ancestors understood the importance of seasonal beverages and food, and hence crafted recipes that not only brought warmth to the body but also boosted immunity against ailments. In this blog post, we bring you some winter drinks that pair tradition with taste, featuring our premium quality products like turmeric powder, kesar milk masala, black pepper powder, etc.

Winter drinks that you must definitely try:

1. Classic Kesar Masala Milk: A mandatory must have during winters is the classic Kesar Masala Milk that our grandmas used to prepare with all the warming ingredients along with a whole lot of love and care. Kesar Masala Milk is also prepared during Kojagiri Purnima as an offering to the moon, a night dedicated to moonlit celebrations and warm milk.

Here’s how you can prepare it:

Ingredients: (Serves 2)

• 2 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
• 1/4 tsp Ram Bandhu Kesar Milk Masala
• 5-6 strands of saffron
• 1-2 tbsp sugar (or jaggery, as per taste)
• 5-6 crushed almonds
• 2-3 crushed pistachios
• A pinch of cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium flame.
2. Add saffron strands to the warm milk and let it infuse for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the Ram Bandhu Kesar Milk Masala, sugar (or jaggery), crushed almonds, and pistachios.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the
5. Add a pinch of cardamom powder for enhanced flavour.
6. Garnish with a few strands of saffron.
7. Serve hot in a cup or kulhad (traditional clay cup) for an authentic experience and enjoy your cup of a Classic Kesar Milk Masala!

Health Benefits of Kesar Masala Milk:

• Enriched with Nutrients: It is loaded with nutrients required for our body. Saffron might help combat free radicals and promote overall health. Nuts like almonds, pistachios, and cashews are packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins B & E, and minerals like magnesium & zinc.
• Might Boost Immunity: The presence of antioxidants in saffron and vital nutrients in nuts may help strengthen immunity and might improve body’s resistance power.
• Might Promote Better Sleep: The calming properties of nutmeg and saffron might help relax and calm the mind. It might also help in reducing anxiety and improve the overall sleep quality. A warm glass of milk with kesar milk masala before bedtime might do wonders for those struggling with insomnia.
• Might Strengthen Bones: Milk enriched with kesar milk masala is an excellent source of calcium. When combined with the vitamin E and magnesium from nuts, it might support bone health and prevent issues like osteoporosis.
• Might Enhance Skin Health: The antioxidants present in saffron might help lighten skin tone, reduce pigmentation, and fight signs of aging. The healthy fats from nuts and saffron’s anti-inflammatory properties might also promote glowing and hydrated skin.

2. Kesar Almond Shake: This thick shake is ideal for those who prefer a richer, creamier indulgence with a hint of kesar. It is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants required for maintaining the body’s well-being. It is ideal for growing kids, athletes who need sustained energy throughout the day. It may also be a great pre or post-workout drink for sustained release of energy.

Ingredients: (Serves 2)

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp almond powder or soaked and
• ground almonds 1/2 tsp Ram Bandhu Kesar Milk Masala
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• 2-3 saffron strands

Instructions:

1. Blend milk, almond powder, kesar milk masala, and honey in a blender until smooth.
2. Heat the mixture on a stovetop for a warm version, or serve as is for a chilled shake.
3. Garnish with a few strands of saffron and a sprinkle of crushed almonds before serving. Enjoy your power-packed drink!

Health Benefits of Kesar Almond Shake:

• Energy Booster: It may help boost energy due to the presence of ingredients like almonds – it might help provide sustained energy, saffron might help in improving blood circulation.
• Might Boost Brain Development: Almonds are rich in vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, all of which support brain health. Saffron is also known to improve memory and concentration power.
• Might Support Heart Health: Almonds in Kesar Milk are a good source of LDL (good cholesterol) and saffron may help in regulating blood pressure levels, together all of it may help in supporting heart health.
• Might Improve Digestion & Gut Health: Almond Kesar Milk Shake might support healthy digestion and might help balance the gut flora, and might also prevent constipation.

3. Turmeric Milk: An ancient remedy for internal body warming especially during winters is the time-honoured Turmeric Milk or Haldi Doodh. It is ideal for growing kids, adults and old- age people, and can contribute in building immunity.

Ingredients: (Serves 2)

• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp Ram Bandhu Turmeric Powder
• 1/2 tsp Ram Bandhu Black Pepper Powder
• 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
• 1 tbsp honey or jaggery
• A pinch of cinnamon powder

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over low-medium heat.
2. Add turmeric powder, black pepper powder and grated ginger. Stir well.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.
4. Remove from heat and strain into cups. Sweeten it with honey or jaggery.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top and serve warm.

Health Benefits of Turmeric Milk or Haldi Doodh:

• Might Boost Immunity: Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties in Turmeric might help boost immunity, whereas the anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties in Turmeric helps fight infections and might prevent reoccurrence of viral flu.
• Might Relieve Joint Pain & Inflammation: Curcumin in turmeric has natural anti- inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain in conditions like
• Might Provide Better Sleep & Relaxation: Turmeric milk has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
• Might Improve Digestion: Warm milk infused with Turmeric acts as a gentle laxative, making turmeric milk helpful for those with constipation.

4. Vegetable Clear Soup: Nothing beats a warm cup of soul soothing Vegetable Clear Soup during winter. Packed with the goodness of vegetables and a sprinkle of spices, it is perfect to warm up your body and ease cold and sore throat.

Ingredients: (Serves 4)

• 4 cups vegetable stock or water
• 2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables (carrots, beans, peas etc.)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Ram Bandhu Black Pepper Powder
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ inch ginger, grated
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot. Add garlic and ginger, sauté until brown and fragrant.
2. Add the chopped vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock after straining the vegetables, season it with salt and black pepper powder.
4. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Health Benefits of Vegetable Clear Soup:

• Nutrient Dense: Vegetable clear soup is loaded with vital nutrients from all the veggies included in the soup. It is a nutrient-rich meal without being heavy on the stomach.
• Might Strengthen Immunity: A warm cup of vegetable soup might help in strengthening immunity, especially during flu seasons or while recovering from illness.
• Might Improve Digestion: Soups are an excellent appetizer. Fiber-rich vegetables like cabbage, zucchini and spinach support gut health and promote regular bowel movements.
• Might Hydrate & Rejuvenate the Body: Soup consists of water and hence it helps in hydration during illness or dehydration. This helps in rejuvenating and energizing the body (though it cannot be a substitute for oral rehydration solution).
• Might Aid In Detoxification: The natural diuretic properties of vegetables like celery, cabbage and parsley help flush out toxins from the body and helps in cleansing the gut.

5. Spiced Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: The winter chills bring with it the craving for sweet dishes. What better than a cup of Spiced Cinnamon Hot Chocolate? Here’s how you can make a great cup of hot chocolate.

Ingredients: (Serves 2)

• 2 cups milk
• 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping

Instructions:

1. Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg until fully dissolved.
3. Add vanilla extract and stir well to obtain the desired consistency.
4. Pour into cups and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.
5. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon for a finishing touch and serve warm.

Whether you are indulging in the creamy richness of our Kesar Masala Milk or the soothing comfort of Turmeric Milk, our premium products promise the perfect balance of flavour and wellness.

Follow us for more such soul-warming recipes. Get a varied range of spices, pickles, papads etc. on our official website, www.rambandhu.com. Order our quality products today!

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