Winter drinks Rajasthan: Top 11 beverages

Savor the Warmth: Winter drinks Rajasthan

Introduction

Rajasthan, a land of vibrant traditions and delectable cuisines, is not only known for its scorching summers but also for its chilly winters. As the temperatures drop, the people of Rajasthan have a unique way of keeping warm – through a delightful array of winter drinks Rajasthan. Just as Rajasthan’s summer drinks provide respite from the heat, winter in this state brings forth a collection of heartwarming elixirs to keep the cold at bay. Join us on a journey through Rajasthan’s winter wonderland, where we explore the comforting and delicious drinks that define this season.

1. Bajra Ki Raab – Traditional Comfort:

One of the traditional Rajasthani winter drinks that deserves the spotlight is Bajra Ki Raab. Made from pearl millet flour and buttermilk, this drink is the perfect blend of nutrition and warmth. It’s renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness in keeping the cold at bay. Here’s how you can make it:

Bajra Ki Raab Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Bajra (Pearl millet) flour: 2-3 tablespoons
• Buttermilk: 1 cup
• Water: 2 cups
• Ghee (clarified butter): 1 tablespoon
• Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: To taste

Instructions:

• Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them crackle.
• Add pearl millet flour and roast it until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma.
• Gradually add water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
• Bring it to a boil and simmer until the mixture thickens.
• Add buttermilk and salt, and continue to cook until the Raab is heated through.
• Serve hot.

2. Gur Ka Sharbat – Jaggery Nectar:

During the winter season, the locals also relish Gur Ka Sherbat, a drink made from jaggery. Jaggery is a natural sweetener known for its warming properties, making it an ideal choice for a winter beverage. The process of making Gur Ka Sherbat is relatively simple, and it brings a touch of nostalgia with each sip. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Gur Ka Sherbat Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Jaggery: 100 grams
• Water: 1 cup
• Cardamom powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, melt jaggery in water over low heat.
• Add cardamom powder and lemon juice.
• Stir until the jaggery is fully dissolved.
• Let it cool and serve chilled.

3. Kalli Mirchi Ka Pani – Warming Spice Infusion:

Kalli Mirchi Ka Pani, or Black Pepper Water, is a traditional and invigorating winter drink enjoyed in Rajasthan. Known for its warming properties and spicy kick, it’s perfect for combating the winter chill. Black pepper, a key ingredient, has been used for centuries in Ayurveda for its therapeutic qualities. This drink is not only a flavorful experience but also a remedy to keep the body warm. Here’s how to prepare it:

Kalli Mirchi Ka Pani Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Black pepper: 1-2 teaspoons (adjust according to spice preference)
• Water: 1 cup
• Ghee: 1 spoon
• Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Honey: 1-2 teaspoons (optional)
• Rock salt: A pinch

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
• Add the black pepper and grated ginger.
• Add the desi ghee to make it less spicy.
• Let it simmer for a few minutes to infuse the flavors.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Add lemon juice, honey (if desired), and a pinch of rock salt.
• Stir well and strain the mixture into a cup.
• Serve hot.

4. Kesar Badam Milk – Saffron Almond Elixir:

Kesar Badam Milk is a rich and creamy winter drink that’s infused with saffron and almonds. It’s known for its luxurious flavor and is often enjoyed as a dessert-like beverage. The saffron lends a beautiful aroma and color to the milk, making it a favorite during the winter season. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Kesar Badam Milk Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Milk: 1 cup
• Almonds (Badam): 10-12, soaked and peeled
• Saffron (Kesar) strands: A pinch
• Sugar: To taste
• Cardamom powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions:

• Blend the soaked and peeled almonds into a fine paste.
• Heat milk in a saucepan and add the almond paste, saffron strands, and cardamom powder.
• Simmer the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens.
• Add sugar to taste.
• Garnish with a few saffron strands and serve warm.

5. Khajoor Ka Milkshake – Date Milkshake:

Khajoor Ka Milkshake, or Date Milkshake, is a wholesome and nourishing beverage made from dates, milk, and a touch of sweetness. Dates are known for their natural sugars and energy-boosting properties, making this drink perfect for winter mornings. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Khajoor Ka Milkshake Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Dates (Khajoor): 8-10, deseeded
• Milk: 1 cup
• Sugar or honey: To taste
• Ice cubes: A few (optional)

Instructions:

• Blend the deseeded dates and milk until smooth.
• Add sugar or honey to taste.
• If desired, add ice cubes to make it a chilled milkshake.
• Serve and enjoy!

6. Aloo Bukhara Sharbat – Warming Plum Delight:

Another delightful winter drink in Rajasthan is Aloo Bukhara Sharbat. This refreshing drink is made from plums and is known for its natural sweetness and warming properties. As the winter chill settles in, a glass of Aloo Bukhara Sharbat can be a comforting companion. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare this delightful drink:

Aloo Bukhara Sharbat Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Plums (Aloo Bukhara): 8-10, deseeded
• Sugar: 2-3 tablespoons
• Water: 1 cup
• Black salt: A pinch
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon

Instructions:

• Blend plums, sugar, and water in a blender until smooth.
• Strain the mixture to remove any pulp or seeds.
• Add a pinch of black salt and lemon juice for a balanced flavor.
• Serve chilled.

7. Haldi Doodh – Turmeric Milk:

Haldi Doodh, or Turmeric Milk, is a classic Indian winter drink known for its numerous health benefits. It’s particularly popular during the winter season for its immune-boosting and warming properties. Here’s how to make this golden elixir:

Haldi Doodh Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Milk: 1 cup
• Turmeric (Haldi) powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Honey or jaggery: To taste
• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

• Heat milk in a saucepan and add turmeric powder.
• Stir continuously as the milk warms up.
• Add honey or jaggery to taste and a pinch of black pepper.
• Mix well and serve hot.

8. Jeera Water – Cumin Spice Infusion:

Jeera Water, or cumin water, is a simple and effective winter drink commonly consumed in Rajasthan. Cumin seeds are known for their warmth and digestive properties, making this beverage ideal for the colder months. It’s also believed to aid in digestion. Here’s a straightforward recipe to prepare Jeera Water:

Jeera Water Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Cumin seeds (Jeera): 1 teaspoon
• Water: 1 cup

Instructions:

• Dry roast cumin seeds in a pan until they release their aroma.
• Crush the roasted cumin seeds slightly.
• Add the crushed cumin seeds to a cup of water and let it steep for a few hours.
• Strain the water and serve it at room temperature or slightly warm.

9. Methi (Fenugreek) Lassi – A Nutritious Indulgence:

During winter, Rajasthan serves up Methi Lassi, a unique yogurt-based drink infused with the goodness of fenugreek seeds. Methi, or fenugreek, is renowned for its warming properties and health benefits. In Rajasthan, it’s a customary practice to prepare Methi Lassi to combat the winter chill. The aromatic spices and other ingredients create a one-of-a-kind flavor profile. To make this wholesome winter beverage, follow the recipe below:

Methi Lassi Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Yogurt: 1 cup
• Water: 1/2 cup
• Methi (Fenugreek) seeds: 1 tablespoon
• Cumin seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
• Black salt: To taste

Roasted cumin powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions:

• Soak the Methi seeds in water overnight.
• In a blender, combine the soaked Methi seeds, yogurt, water, and roasted cumin powder.
• Blend until smooth.
• Add black salt and stir well.
• Serve chilled.

10. Adrak Chai – The Warming Elixir:

As the winter season kicks in, Rajasthan awakens to the soothing aroma of Adrak Chai or ginger tea. This steaming cup of goodness not only warms the body but also enlivens the senses. The ginger, which is locally grown, adds a distinct flavor and a zing of heat to the tea. A touch of cardamom and cloves further enhances its aromatic appeal. For those looking to bring the warmth of Adrak Chai to their own homes, here’s a simple recipe:

Adrak Chai Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Water: 1 cup
• Milk: 1 cup
• Tea leaves or tea bags: 2-3
• Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
• Cardamom: 2-3 pods, crushed
• Cloves: 2-3
• Sugar: As per taste

Instructions:

• Boil water and milk in a saucepan.
• Add tea leaves or tea bags, grated ginger, crushed cardamom pods, and cloves.
• Let it simmer for a few minutes until the tea takes on the desired flavor.
• Add sugar to taste.
• Strain the tea into cups and serve hot.

11. Spiced Coffee – A Modern Twist:

While traditional Rajasthani beverages take center stage during the winter season, the modern influence has brought hot coffee into the mix. Coffee houses and cafes have become increasingly popular in Rajasthan, offering locals and tourists a comforting and warming drink with a twist. Spiced coffee, in particular, has gained popularity during the colder months.

Spiced Coffee Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Ground coffee: 1-2 tablespoons
• Water: 1 cup
• Milk: 1 cup
• Cinnamon powder: 1/4 teaspoon
• Cardamom powder: 1/4 teaspoon
• Nutmeg: A pinch
• Sugar: To taste

Instructions:

• Brew a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method.
• In a saucepan, heat milk over low heat.
• Add cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, and a pinch of nutmeg to the milk.
• Stir the spiced milk until it’s well-infused and heated through.
• Pour the brewed coffee into a cup and add the spiced milk.
• Sweeten with sugar to taste.
• Serve hot.

Conclusion:

Winter in Rajasthan is not just about chilly weather; it’s a time for indulging in the heartwarming and delightful drinks that are an integral part of the state’s cultural heritage. From the authentic Bajra-Raab to the nutritious Kesar Badam Milk, and from the energy-boosting Khajoor-Milkshake to the hot favourite Hot-Coffee, each beverage carries a unique charm that adds warmth and flavor to the season. So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of Rajasthan’s winter, don’t forget to explore these delightful elixirs. They not only warm your body but also fill your heart with the essence of Rajasthan’s traditions and culinary richness. A good place to enjoy these beverages is at the best hotels & resorts in Rajasthan!

If you want to know about the best summer drinks of Rajasthan, check out this blog post:

Top 11 Summer Drinks to Survive the summers in Rajasthan