Copyright timesnownews
There is a kind of magic in the transition from monsoon humidity to the coolness of the early autumn. The sun becomes less intense, the nights become longer, and that first hot sip of tea or coffee brings a new sense of comfort. This is the period when spices take over the kitchen, cinnamon sticks go through their annual cycle, and the scent of espresso shots gets wrapped around us like our old sweaters. Autumn drinks are a minute yet joyful ritual all over the world. They make you slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being warm. India is also going with the trend and offering a great choice of drinks, from the street-side stalls to cafes. There is a cup for every mood this fall, from the worldwide favourites like pumpkin spice lattes to the Indian delights like saffron milk. Pumpkin Spice Latte It was once a cult classic in the cafés of the USA. The pumpkin spice latte is now part of the desi coffee culture of India with a delicious local twist. Just visualise it as one of the most comfortable things to be in a liquid: an espresso made with hot milk, pumpkin purée, and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in a nice aromatic mixture. Local products such as pumpkins and jaggery instead of sugar are used by Indian cafés to create innovative versions of this popular autumn recipe, and they are also adding a pinch of cardamom to give it that typical Indian warmth. The outcome is a subtly sweetened, nicely spiced drink that is just right for a slow morning or a cool evening of the season. So, if you happen to be at home trying to make one, remember pumpkin purée and cinnamon can turn your daily coffee into an autumn indulgence in a matter of seconds. Masala Chai Before the trend of the pumpkin spice, India had already won with its masala chai the battle to be the warmest. Drinking chai isn't just a morning ritual; it's an emotion. This classic is loved by everyone, no matter the weather or mood you might be in. The thing about masala chai is that there are no hard and fast rules to make it. You can add or remove spices according to your liking. Traditionally, crushed cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and grated ginger are must-adds. Besides these, you can also add black pepper or fennel seeds. Haldi Doodh While the world knows it as a turmeric latte or golden milk, we have always called it haldi doodh. This ancient Indian remedy has made a successful journey from the household kitchen to café counters, where it is receiving praise for both its mild taste and its health-promoting properties. It is very rich in anti-inflammatory agents and is prepared by heating milk with turmeric, a small amount of black pepper, a little cinnamon, and, sometimes, a few strands of saffron. The final product is yellowish, has an earthy taste, and is very pleasing. Whether it is after a hard day at work or you have a sore throat, this little cup of sunshine is always there to help. Spiced Apple Cider Although spiced apple cider is not a traditionally Indian dish, it is becoming very popular quite fast among people who go to cafés and are looking for new and fragrant things. The recipe involves apple juice being slowly cooked with cinnamon, cloves, orange peel, and a little honey, and it is the perfect way to capture the smell of autumn, which is sweet, sour, and warmly spiced. In India, it is most pleasurable as a non-alcoholic holiday treat, particularly when it is served hot on cold nights. Making a straightforward homemade version is also quite easy: Just cook apple juice with some whole spices and wait for the smell to take over your kitchen. Serve it in transparent glass mugs, and you’ve got a great instant mood booster. Saffron Almond Milk What could be more luxurious than saffron, and kesar badam doodh proves that. The traditional Indian drink, which is typically prepared during festivals, is a combination of milk and saffron strands, almond paste, and a little cardamom. The end product is rich, fragrant, and very calming — just the right treat for a nighttime occasion. Besides the regal taste, saffron milk also has the power to evoke memories; for many, it reminds them of cold nights at home or festive celebrations. When decorated with pistachios, it not only tastes great but also looks nice and is a stylish alternative to hot chocolate for mature evenings.
