Cold winds and hot food… nothing can be more seductive than winters. To make winters more interesting, we at Freshmen’s Valley have brought together few easy to make drinks that will help you include milk in your diet innovatively, and at the same time keep you warm.

Cold Buster Power-house

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• Small stick of cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sugar/honey/stevia as required

Method

• Heat milk in a saucepan with all the ingredients.
• Strain and then whisk using a hand-held blender before serving.

Twisted Turmeric Milk (another recipe that uses turmeric)

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup fresh coconut milk
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ginger powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 2-3 crushed peppercorns
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoon chia seeds
• Sugar/honey/stevia as required

Method

• Blend all the ingredients except chia seeds.
• Strain and heat the mixture until it has come to the desired temperature.
• Add chia seeds to the serving glass/mug and pour the liquid over it.

Masala Chai Tea Latte

Ingredients

• 3 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 5 powdered cloves
• 3 powdered cardamom pods
• 2-3 powdered peppercorns
• ½ teaspoon powdered cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon powdered white tea
• 2 cups milk
• Sugar/honey/stevia as required

Method

• Heat water in a saucepan. Add all ingredients except milk, sweetener, and tea in it.
• Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Add the tea leaves and simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Add milk and bring to a boil.
• Adjust sweetener, strain, and serve hot.

Peppermint Mocha

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon coffee powder
• 2-3 drops peppermint extract
• 5 tablespoon dark chocolate syrup

Method

• Brew the coffee in ¼ cup of water.
• Stir in peppermint extract and chocolate syrup. Taste and adjust to your liking.
• Stir in the milk. Serve when the liquid reaches desired temperature.

Warm Apple Pie Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 apple, cored and cut into chunks
• ½ cup yogurt
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon powdered cinnamon
• Small pinch of allspice
• Whipped cream

Method

• Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
• Pour in a mug and microwave on high.
• Stir with a spoon every 30 seconds. It should be warm enough in 2 minutes.
• Garnish with whipped cream before serving

Snuggle in your blankets in front of the fireplace with a mug full of these amazing drinks, and enjoy winters to the fullest!