With the first raindrop kissing the earth and dark monsoon clouds, our taste buds are tantalised and crave something warm, comforting and nostalgic. In India, monsoon is beyond weather; it is a shift in mood. One of the most iconic aspects of this season is sipping on a warm Indian beverage that warms you from within and evokes childhood memories.

Whether you're curled up with a book, watching the rain dance on your windowpane, or catching up with family during a power cut, these monsoon drinks provide both comfort and immunity. From the fiery Kaadha to the earthy Bhedku, from spicy Adrak Chai to a classic Hot Toddy with an Indian twist, here’s our list of heart-warming warm drinks for rain.

1. Bhedku (Traditional Herbal Monsoon Drink)

Bhedku, also known as Bhedki, is a traditional herbal hot drink prepared from the wild herb Triumfetta. Bhedku is a hidden gem from Maharashtra and Karnataka, known for its digestive and immunity-boosting benefits during the rainy season.

Ingredients for bhedku:

• 1 cup Bhedku leaves (cleaned and chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (crushed)
• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp or 2 dried kokum petals
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp sesame oil or ghee
• Salt to taste

Method to make bhedku:

1. In a saucepan, add Bhedku leaves, garlic, black pepper, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes.
3. Add tamarind pulp or kokum and continue simmering.
4. Finish with sesame oil or ghee and salt.
5. Strain and serve the Bhedku hot.

Pro Tip: Drink Bhedku hot with steamed rice or as a broth. Always use fresh Bhedku leaves for the best flavour.

2. Hot Toddy with Indian Spices

Hot Toddy is a warming drink that originated in Scotland, but has a spiced Indian version perfect for monsoon nights. Hot Toddy is ideal for relaxing the throat and boosting warmth.

Ingredients for hot toddy:

• 60 ml dark rum or whiskey (optional)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1 slice ginger
• 1.5 cups boiling water

Method to make hot toddy:

1. Lightly crush the cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
2. Place them in a cup or teapot.
3. Add honey and lemon juice.
4. Pour over boiling water and add alcohol if using.
5. Let it steep for 5 minutes, strain, and serve the Hot Toddy.

Pro Tip: For a non-alcoholic Hot Toddy, use hot apple juice or green tea. Always steep the spices properly for full flavour.

3. Adrak Chai (Ginger Tea)

Adrak Chai is a classic Indian beverage for the monsoon. Adrak Chai is flavorful, spicy, and perfect as a warm drink for rain.

Ingredients for adrak chai:

• 2 cups water
• 1-inch ginger (crushed)
• 2 tsp black tea leaves
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tsp sugar or jaggery

Method to make adrak chai:

1. Boil water and add crushed ginger.
2. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add tea leaves and let them brew.
4. Add milk and sugar; boil until frothy.
5. Strain and serve Adrak Chai hot.

Pro Tip: Use fresh ginger for a strong flavour. Pair Adrak Chai with pakoras for a perfect monsoon snack combo.

4. Kaadha (Ayurvedic Immunity Drink)

Kaadha is a medicinal monsoon beverage made using Indian herbs and spices. Kaadha is ideal for preventing colds and infections.

Ingredients for kaadha:

• 2 cups water
• 6–8 tulsi leaves
• 1-inch ginger (crushed)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 clove
• 1-inch cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp jaggery or honey

Method to make kaadha:

1. Add all ingredients to the water and bring to a boil.
2. Simmer until reduced to half.
3. Strain and serve the Kaadha warm.

Pro Tip: Make a batch of Kaadha concentrate and dilute when needed. Drink Kaadha daily for seasonal immunity.

5. Tulsi Adrak Chai (Basil Ginger Tea)

Tulsi Adrak Chai combines the goodness of tulsi and ginger in one immune-boosting chai. Tulsi Adrak Chai is comforting and aromatic.

Ingredients for tulsi adrak chai:

• 2 cups water
• 6 tulsi leaves
• 1-inch ginger (crushed)
• 2 tsp tea leaves
• 1/2 cup milk
• Sugar to taste

Method to make tulsi adrak chai:

1. Boil tulsi and ginger in water for 5–6 minutes.
2. Add tea leaves and simmer.
3. Add milk and sugar; boil and strain.
4. Serve Tulsi Adrak Chai hot.

Pro Tip: Use organic tulsi for the best aroma. Tulsi Adrak Chai is excellent for colds and coughs.

6. Kesar Badam Doodh (Saffron Almond Milk)

Kesar Badam Doodh is a royal hot drink made with saffron and almonds. Kesar Badam Doodh is nourishing and delicious.

Ingredients for kesar badam doodh:

• 2 cups milk
• 10 almonds (soaked and peeled)
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands
• 1 tsp sugar or jaggery

Method to make kesar badam doodh:

1. Blend almonds into a paste.
2. Boil milk with saffron.
3. Add almond paste and cardamom.
4. Sweeten and simmer.
5. Serve Kesar Badam Doodh hot.

Pro Tip: Pre-soak almonds overnight for creamier Kesar Badam Doodh. Ideal before bedtime during the monsoon.

7. Masala Milk (Masala Doodh)

Masala Milk is a flavorful, spiced Indian beverage made with aromatic spices. Masala Doodh is rich and energizing.

Ingredients for masala milk:

• 2 cups milk
• 1 tbsp mixed nuts (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cardamom
• 2 tsp sugar
• A few saffron strands

Method to make masala milk:

1. Heat milk and add saffron.
2. Add nuts, nutmeg, and cardamom.
3. Stir in sugar and simmer.
4. Serve Masala Milk hot.

Pro Tip: Make a spice mix for instant Masala Doodh anytime. Great for rainy evenings.

8. Sonth Wali Chai (Dry Ginger Tea)

Sonth Wali Chai is a dry ginger tea ideal for digestion during monsoon. Sonth Wali Chai is spicy, warming, and aromatic.

Ingredients for sonth wali chai:

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp sonth (dry ginger powder)
• 1 tsp tea leaves
• 1/2 cup milk
• Jaggery to taste

Method to sonth wali chai:

1. Boil water with some salt.
2. Add tea leaves and simmer.
3. Add milk and jaggery; boil.
4. Strain and serve Sonth Wali Chai.

Pro Tip: Use jaggery instead of sugar for extra warmth in Sonth Wali Chai.

9. Ajwain and Tulsi Herbal Brew

Ajwain and Tulsi Herbal Brew is a detoxifying and immunity-boosting Indian beverage perfect for monsoon.

Ingredients for ajwain and tulsi herbal brew:

• 1 tsp ajwain
• 10 tulsi leaves
• 1-inch ginger
• 2 cups water
• Honey or lemon juice (optional)

Method to make ajwain and tulsi herbal brew:

1. Boil water with ajwain, tulsi, and ginger.
2. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain and sweeten if desired.
4. Serve Ajwain and Tulsi Brew hot.

Pro Tip: Ajwain and Tulsi Brew is best on an empty stomach. Avoid adding milk.

10. Spiced Pepper Rasam

Spiced Pepper Rasam is a hot South Indian soup-drink with pepper and tamarind. Spiced Pepper Rasam is warming and immune-boosting.

Ingredients to make spiced pepper rasam:

• 2 cups tamarind water
• 1 tsp crushed black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 4 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 1 tsp ghee
• A few curry leaves
• Salt and hing

Method to make spiced pepper rasam:

1. Heat ghee, crackle mustard seeds.
2. Add garlic, curry leaves, pepper, and cumin.
3. Pour the tamarind water, add salt and hing.
4. Simmer and serve Spiced Pepper Rasam hot.

Pro Tip: Drink Spiced Pepper Rasam like a hot beverage, not just soup. Serve in tumblers for a traditional feel.

These monsoon drinks do more than warm you - they comfort, heal, and connect. Whether you're looking for immunity, nostalgia, or just something cosy to sip on, these warm drinks for rain are your perfect monsoon companions. So, if you have your version of monsoon Indian beverage, then download Foodism and share it with other food enthusiasts.