Timeless Charm of Indian Winter Drinks

When the winter chill seeps in across the Indian subcontinent, from the snow-kissed valleys of Kashmir to the chilly plains of Delhi, nothing feels as comforting as a warm, fragrant drink cradled in your hands. For generations, Indian households have turned to simple, home-brewed drinks not just for warmth, but for healing, immunity, digestion, and peace of mind. These drinks steeped in regional culture, Ayurvedic wisdom, and everyday practicality are now experiencing a comeback as people look for wholesome alternatives to coffee or processed beverages.

This blog explores some of India’s beloved hot winter drinks, from golden milk to Kashmiri kahwa and classic herbal kadhas.

Classic Hot Indian Winter Drinks

Here are some of the most popular traditional drinks , each with its background, what’s inside it, and why people drink it.

Haldi Doodh (Turmeric Milk / Golden Milk)

A simple mix of milk and turmeric (haldi), sometimes enriched with spices like black pepper, cardamom, or cinnamon. Haldi doodh is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, aids digestion, boosts immunity, supports bone health, and can even improve sleep quality.

Used for generations across India as a comforting, healing drink, for colds, coughs, aches, restlessness, or before bedtime. A warm mug of haldi doodh, especially before sleep, is a classic drink in Indian households. 

Kashmiri Kahwa (Kahwa / Kehwa)

Hailing from Kashmir, this traditional green-tea based drink features a blend of green tea leaves (or sometimes herbal bases), aromatic spices like saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and often includes crushed nuts or dried fruits. Kahwa likely arrived in Kashmir via the ancient Silk Route; it was historically consumed in brass kettles (samovar), especially during cold winters to keep hospitality warm and hearts welcoming.

Kadha / Herbal Decoctions

More of a herbal tradition than a single standardized drink, “kadha” refers to a decoction made by boiling herbs and spices (like tulsi, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, liquorice) in water to extract their healing properties.

Kadhas have long been a go-to remedy in Indian households for colds, coughs, sore throats, body aches, and early symptoms of seasonal sickness.

In times of seasonal changes, when cold and flu are common, kadha provides a simple, natural way to support health , no fancy ingredients needed.

A Classic Taste of Time & Tradition

What is today popularly called “golden milk” actually comes from the centuries-old practice of mixing turmeric with milk (or water), sometimes alongside spices, to soothe the body and ward off illness.

Over time, regional climates, locally available herbs, vegetables, and grains shaped other warming drinks,  from spiced teas in the mountains to grain-based drinks in rural areas. While colonial and global tastes introduced tea, coffee, and packaged drinks, many of these traditional drinks remained ingrained in Indian household routines, especially in winters.

In recent years, there’s a resurgence of interest in these beverages, driven by wellness trends, nostalgia, and a rediscovery of simple, natural remedies. The so-called “turmeric latte” served in cafés is one such example of how age-old tradition is being repackaged for a GenZ generation.

These drinks, whether it’s the golden glow of haldi doodh, the fragrant embrace of kahwa, or the healing warmth of a kadha are a celebration of India’s culinary and medicinal heritage. Every sip carries a piece of ancestral wisdom, a family’s winter memories, and a subtle yet powerful promise of care.

In a world rushing toward industrial beverages and instant gratification, these age-old drinks remind us: sometimes, the simplest combination of spices, herbs, and warmth is enough to heal, comfort, and connect.

So this winter, next time the cold bites or you feel under the weather,  maybe steep some kahwa or warm up with a mug of golden milk, and sip slowly.