5 Must-Try Traditional Indian Teas to Keep You Warm This Winter

Because when winter gets chilly, a cup of Indian tea is like a warm, spiced hug for your soul.

Once the temperature drops, you can only think of a cozy drink to hold in a palm. There is nothing like a cup of hot spiced Indian tea, famously called "Chai." From its aromatic spices to its soul-soothing flavors, traditional Indian teas have warmed hearts and hands for centuries. Whether cuddled up with a book on your couch or just catching up with friends, these teas will shield you from the winter chills and bring that cultural twist to your everyday grind.

Indian teas offer more than just comfort—they bring a perfect balance of flavor, warmth, and health benefits. Whether you need a morning energy boost, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a calming evening sip, these teas deliver it all. From aiding digestion and boosting immunity to reducing stress and fighting the winter chills, here are 5 Indian teas worth trying this season—each with its unique blend of spices and goodness to elevate your tea experience.

• Masala Chai (Indian Masala Tea)

OG Masala Chai is for Indian tea culture, so start with that. It is a slay and glossy drink: hot milk and sugar in cardamom, clove, and cinnamon-laced black tea, made into an ogre, liquid silky drink.

Why You Should Try It: That is a bold, spicy, warm hug in a mug. Ginger and cardamom warm you, and spice helps with digestion. Bold and spicy, then it warms like a warm hug in a mug. Masala Chai is a good one to help with digestion; hot spices and ginger mix warm you up and help ginger, too; masala chai helps in immunity and is a good warm-up drink that fights inflammation. It’s better for a Monday morning slugging your way out of bed or more a late afternoon pick-me-up to recharge your day.

For Vegans: Replace the dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a creamy, dairy-free Vegan Indian Chai Tea.

How To Make it:

1. Boil water along with crushed ginger, cardamom, clover, and a stick of cinnamon.

2. Add black tea leaves and let it simmer.

3. Pour in your milk (dairy or vegan), sweeten with sugar, and strain into cups. 

• Ginger Tea (Adrak Chai)

Ginger Tea is for you if you have a bit of zing in your life. Black tea, milk, and sliced fresh ginger simmer, and you will hold an earthy, warming, bracing drink as the earth sleeps in the early morning when it dreams. 

Why You Should Try It: Ginger also has a ton of anti-inflammatory properties for winter cough and sore throat. Ginger tea aids digestion, cuts nausea, and warms you with anti-inflammatory and immunity-enhancing properties. The best time to take it is in the morning to get you going or after a large meal to digest.

Vegan Twist: For a vegan version, substitute oat or almond milk, retaining all its creamy goodness.

How To Make It: 

1. Take a piece of ginger the size of a thumb, crush it, and simmer with water.

2. Add some black tea and let it brew.

3. Pour in milk, add sweetener, and consume.

• Tulsi Tea (Holy Basil Chai)

Tulsi tea is highly regarded in Indian households. This herbal tea with holy basil leaves has a mild, earthy taste punctuated by a hint of peppery warmth.

Why You Should Try It: Good for winter blahs and colds Tulsi is a natural stress buster and an immune booster. With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps promote respiratory health and support immunity. It’s caffeine-free, and enjoy it best in the morning, or even at night while sipping to unwind.

Vegan Twist: Tulsi Tea is the vegan beverage of the world! For gentle sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.

How to Make It:

1. Boil water and steep fresh or dried Tulsi leaves for 5-7 minutes.

2. Add honey or lemon for extra flavor.

• Kashmiri Kahwa

Saffron, cinnamon, and almonds give this Kashmiri green tea a traditional, luxurious twist. It's mildly sweet, aromatic, and gloriously golden.

Why You Should Try It: Kashmiri Kahwa is heavy on antioxidants, good for digestion, and feels indulgent - sipping liquid gold. It boosts immunity and reduces stress, while saffron promotes glowing skin. Perfect for chilly mornings or as a midday refreshment to energize your senses.

Vegan Twist: Add a splash of almond milk to boost the saffron and give it a very creamy but somewhat nutty texture.

How to Make It:

1. Add saffron strands, cinnamon, and cardamom, and boil this water.

2. But add the green tea and let it steep.

3. Sliver your almonds and drizzle with honey.

• Saffron and Cardamom Milk Tea

This sublime (but decadent) tea tucks black tea leaves into the floral aspect of saffron with the bolder aromatic taste of cardamom. It's the milder of the bunch to sit and sleep in the evenings.

Why You Should Try It: Saffron is packed with antioxidants, and cardamom aids digestion—plus, it's fancy enough for your next holiday gathering! Saffron is known for reducing bloating and promoting relaxation. It is best enjoyed in the evening as a calming, sleep-inducing tea.

Vegan Twist: Use oat or almond milk for an utterly plant-based drink.

How to Make It:

1. Heat milk (or vegan alternative) with crushed cardamom pods and a pinch of saffron.

2. Add some brewed black tea, sweeten, and serve warm.

Where to Find Authentic Ingredients

If you’re ready to brew these delightful teas, but not sure where to find the ingredients, look no further! Quicklly is a place that brings the best Indian groceries to your doorstep. No matter what you’re seeking from aromatic spices to premium tea leaves or vegan-friendly staples like almond or oat milk, you’ve got everything you need to drink in style from home.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy a Cup of Indian Comfort. You can Warm Up with

With winter rolling in, these traditional Indian teas are perfect for curling up and staying warm. From Masala Chai to Kashmiri Kahwa, a delicate luxury, there's a tea for every mood and moment. Well, such is the season: ditch the ordinary and drink something extraordinary this season!

My warmers are ready to brew! To get all these authentic ingredients, you can check an online Indian grocery store or choose convenient Indian grocery delivery in the USA. This winter, let the magic of Indian tea come to you and comfort you as you sip slowly and stay warm.  

Ready to brew these cozy delights and add some spice to your winter? Shop for all your favorite teas, spices, and vegan alternatives like almond and oat milk from Quicklly—your go-to platform for Indian grocery delivery in the USA. Get everything you need delivered straight to your door and enjoy winter one comforting cup at a time!