Every year, as soon as the whistle of the chilly winds bangs our ear drum, something stirs inside and sniffs the air for something hot and warm. The winter-times are brimming with foods both savory and sweet that appease everyone’s taste buds but it's the drinks that actually steal the spotlight. After all, what’s better than cozying up in a blanket with something to gulp on, in one of those Christmas-y decorated mugs? So, here are five drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions) that will spruce up your winters like nothing else!

Chai

Starting with something that most Indians can’t survive without and Starbucks has started a latte for, is a delicious kicker-in-a-cup. Usually taken during breakfast and high tea, it’s not just an amazing drink, it’s a tradition, a routine, it’s simply… Chai!

Ingredients:

• Ginger, grated (or sliced, up to your taste)
• Cardamom
• One whole clove (optional)
• Pinch of pepper powder (optional)
• Fennel
• Tea leaves
• ½-¾ cup water
• Sugar
• ½ cup milk

Process:

1. In a pot of ½ cup boiling water, add a generous shaving of ginger (you can also grate it, it just needs to be thin) along with 1-2 cardamom seeds/powder sprinkle and some fennel seeds.
2. If you are feeling sick, add one clove along with a dash of pepper powder, otherwise skip this step.
3. Let the water boil for a good two minutes before adding the tea leaves.
4. After the concoction boils for another minute, add in ½ cup of milk.
5. Play with the water and milk quantity as per your own taste, for beginners, it's better to go fifty-fifty.
6. As the chai boils for another three to five minutes, add in 1 tablespoon of sugar, stir till it dissolves and serve!

Chai is usually enjoyed with biscuits, bun maska, pakora (fritters), butter toast, etc.

Matcha Latte

The earthy, warm taste of matcha is an absolute delight for those who prefer something strong. Packed with antioxidants, it's the best replacement for your early morning coffee, or just something vibrant to perk up your day.

Ingredients:

• Matcha Powder
• Milk
• Sweetener (optional)

Process:

1. Add 1 tablespoon of sifted matcha powder and whisk it in some hot water. Use either a bamboo whisk/chasen or a handheld frother. The whisking is an important part as you have to make either a W or an M motion with your hands and not the general circular motion. As the froth rises up, so does the flavor!
2. Add ½ cup of steamed milk on top and stir gently.
3. For a sweetener, you can add 1 teaspoon of honey/maple syrup.
4. For a cafe-style presentation, sprinkle some matcha powder or a swirl of honey on top.

Be mindful of your matcha choices, experiment with the milk-to-water ratio as well as the sweeteners.

Hot Toddy (non-alcoholic version also included)

A timeless classic at your parent’s table, Hot Toddy is the name of the drink that not only warms you inside out, but takes care of that occasional cough. Enjoyed with some flaky and buttery pastries, or right on the dinner table, it’s the perfect drink on the center and side!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz of whiskey (bourbon/scotch/rye/Irish or any kind of alcohol)
• 1 tablespoon honey/maple syrup
• Cloves
• Cinnamon stick
• Ginger
• Lemon
• Nutmeg

Process:

1. Boil a glass of water or herbal tea if you want to make it non-alcoholic. If you are using tea, make sure to brew it for a good two to four minutes.
2. Add some cloves, cinnamon stick, nutmeg and some ginger along with the whiskey (scotch/bourbon/rye/Irish or any kind). If you are using whiskey, skip the tea.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of honey (adjust the sweetness according to your taste) and enjoy!

A lemon wheel on the rim adds a nice little bartender touch. Try it with a slice of cake for that deliciousness overload!

Mulled Wine

Hosting a Christmas party and want to impress the guests? This sweet, spicy and boozy drink is your answer. Not only will it get you tipsy, but it will do that in all its fragrant delight!

Ingredients:

• Red wine (any full-bodied classic Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, etc. works)
• Sweetener (honey/sugar/maple syrup)
• Orange slices
• Spices (cinnamon, cloves, star anise, ginger, nutmeg, peppercorns/powder)

Process:

1. In a saucepan, add 1 ½ glasses of red wine along with 2 orange slices and a handful of spices.
2. Stir over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Don’t let it boil otherwise the alcohol will evaporate.
3. Taste and add the sweetener accordingly, otherwise go for 1 tablespoon per glass.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a burnt orange slice/shaving over the rim and serve!

Optional: Experiment with a shot of brandy into the drink before serving! Serve with roasted nuts, cheese and crackers for a hearty snack.

Wassail

It doesn’t say New Years without a strong Wassail. The punch is earthy and delicious, and yet warm and healing to combat that chill. It’s a traditional Old English Yuletide drink and a perfect drink for your NYE party.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup cranberry juice
• Honey
• Thyme
• Fruit cut slice (orange or apple)
• Spices (cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, peppercorns)
• Dark rum or brandy for the alcoholic version

Process:

1. In a saucepan, add the apple cider, orange and cranberry juice. Add the spices and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
2. In a classic cocktail glass pour the mixture and add the honey according to taste. Garnish with thyme as well as a fruit cut wheel over the rim and serve!

Serve with fruit cake or apple pie for that winery festive feel.