It’s time again when chilly winds would try to break in through the tiniest of spaces, to numb our bones. As the horribly cold time of the year approaches, so does the desperate need to keep one cosy. But with the chill, these long winter months also bring with them the joy of warmth, the joy of togetherness, and the joy of being home and snuggling with our loved ones by the fire. The spirit of Christmas and Thanksgiving rightly barge in to light up our souls, and make it a season of merriment. It’s that time of the year for which we have saved, and it’s that time of the year when we got to celebrate, and this best be done with something that would help us stay warm and in the pink of health. Every region that braves cold, wet weather brews its own cup of hot beverage to make it bearable and enjoyable. We will venture out to get the taste of different virgin and non-virgin drinks that people across different countries use to beat the chill.

Hot Buttered Rum, United States

An essential classic winter cocktail, traces its roots back to New England, eventually landing up in America. Colonists in America used molasses to produce this rum, which was treated with caramelized sugar or honey, hot water, brewing it with spices, and topping it up with a dollop of butter, which melts away to blend with the hot mix. Colonists, in America have been celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and Twelfth night with this intoxicating cocktail.

Hot Toddy, Scotland

Scottish like their cocktails hot in winters. The classic, cuddly drink is made bitter-sweet using Scottish whiskey along with lemon, cinnamon, honey and hot water. This heady mix is a perfect soother to cure common colds and to give you a restful sleep.

Eggnog, Canada and United States

This creamy drink can be served spiked or non-spiked and this makes it a big hit in all kinds of gatherings. This healthy mix traditionally consists of raw eggs, sugar and milk topped with powdered nutmeg or cinnamon, and a hint of rum or bourbon, beaten to achieve a frothy texture. The availability of dairy farm products in United States, on large scale made this drink very popular in that region.

Wassail, Southern England 

The famous tradition of wassailing or singing the Christmas carols, as we fondly know it, revolves around preparing this popular winter drink. Mulled cider made of apples, is simmered along with some spices on stove and served in big steaming pots. Traditionally, people would sing to ward off evil spirits among apple orchards, make merry and drink to health, thereby ensuring a healthy harvest for the next season. The tradition still prevails in Devon and Somerset.

Aquavit, Scandinavia

Danish and Swedish drink this as a white spirit. For Norwegians it needs to mature in casks on ships going all the way to Australia and passing through equator twice! Imagine all the effort, for a perfect glass of aquavit which is a grain and potato based spirit, infused with caraway and dill. The winter bashed countries of Scandinavia thrive on this drink to brave the cold, and to add cheer.

Boza, Turkey

Loaded with carbs, and rich in other nutrients, this drink is prepared and sold on stands, between the months of October and April in Turkey. It is available in the streets and cafes as a pre-made drink, topped with chickpeas and cinnamon. Boza is a thick and creamy Turkish delight which is prepared using fermented grains like Durum wheat and maize, which gives a full feeling in the gut.

Salep, Turkey

Since, consuming alcohol is forbidden in Islam, therefore the sultans came up with a health-boosting drink that would provide them the much required warmth sans ethanol. Strange enough, this drink is prepared out of some wild orchids, which are high on nutrients, and the rare flower is considered to treat colds and keeping bronchitis at bay. This drink with medicinal properties is prepared using hot milk or water to which the powdered orchid tubers are added. Just one cup of this drink provides enough nutrients to keep you going for the whole day; what better drink to sip on a cold and frosty day.

Kahwah, Kashmir and Pakistan

Kahwah is a legacy to Kashmir; it’s the staple beverage for Kashmiris, and has been used for ages to beat the cold in this region. Also known as Kehwa or qehwa this drink is prepared out of green tea leaves, infused with cinnamon, cardamom, saffron and rose petals. In Pakistan, this tea is mostly popular among Pakhtuns and is also fondly consumed in Afghanistan. Traditionally it is prepared in copper kettles known as Samovars.

Glühwein, Germany

Typically, a glorified red wine, this involves roasting the spices on the stovetop, adding a sweetener, cider and brandy with gradually adding wine to the mix. Gluhwein essentially means sparkling wine, and a glass or two of this is just right to take your mood notches up to match the spirit of a festive winter.

Chocolate en Leche de Coco, Colombia

Chocolate en Leche de Coco translates to chocolate in coconut milk, in Columbia. This traditional beverage is prepared largely from coconut milk, but it also consists of dairy milk along with chocolate, forming delicious layers to be savoured hot, thus making it a winter classic in Colombia.

A cosy cottage with a fireplace and a supper table laid with good food, sounds very inviting in winters. The spirit of living and enjoying it all is what makes winters bearable for us all. And doing this over a cup of steaming hot beverage or a boozy cocktail converts the cold and wet to comfortable and snug. So, raise a toast and drink to your health this winter!

Deepti Ahuja Balani

People professionally know me as a copy editor, correspondent and a writer, but writing is something I do even when I am not professionally engaged. I like to visit new places, explore, experience different cultures and share my perspective through words. Writing for food, travel and books is something that comes naturally, and is close to my heart.