Picture yourself holding a warm cup of tea on a breezy monsoon evening. The steam wafting gently towards your face, as the fragrant notes of ginger, cinnamon and cardamom envelop your senses. 

You feel the warmth running down your throat, soothing it. 

So, what’s special about this tea? Well, it’s the monsoon and the SPICES. 

Spices are not merely culinary additives; they are the secret keys that unlock a world of flavours and elevate our culinary experiences to new heights.  

They are vital ingredients not only in the culinary world but also in infused drinks because they enhance flavours, provide enticing aromas, carry cultural significance, offer potential health benefits, and contribute to the versatility and creativity of drink creations. 

Spice-infused drinks offer more than just tantalizing flavours; they also provide potential health benefits. From aiding digestion with ginger to harnessing the antioxidant properties of spices like turmeric, these drinks can nourish both your taste buds and your well-being.

In this blog, we embark on a flavorful exploration, uncovering the spices that are compatible with infused drinking. 

Get ready to awaken your taste buds and discover a new realm of possibilities, while also reaping the potential health benefits that these spice-infused drinks have to offer. 

Infused drinks have become a global sensation and the role spices play an important role in creating unforgettable flavour profiles making it a potent health drink with a twist of flavour. Whether you prefer a soothing cup of tea, a vibrant mocktail, or plain spice-infused water, these spices are here to ‘Spice everything Up!’

Spices to infuse in drinks

Spices offer an array of potential health benefits that go beyond their delightful flavours. Here are some spices and their notable health benefits :

1. Ginger

Known for its soothing properties, ginger can aid digestion, alleviate nausea, and reduce inflammation. It may also help relieve muscle soreness, improve blood circulation, be effective in cold coughs, and support immune function. 

How to infuse Ginger in drinks: 

• Heat Infusion: Boil it in water or add it to your tea.
• Cold Infusion: Add sliced or grated ginger in a jar or pitcher of water, cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. 
• If desired, add honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener.

2. Turmeric

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may assist in reducing chronic inflammation, supporting joint health, and promoting cognitive function. Turmeric also shows potential benefits for heart health and digestion.

How to infuse Turmeric in drinks: 

1. Place sliced or grated turmeric in a saucepan with water or milk, to make the golden milk. You can also use a good quality powder like the Aashirvaad Turmeric Powder.
2. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes to release the flavours of turmeric.
3. Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, and strain to remove turmeric solids.
4. Enhance the flavour with ingredients like ginger, honey, or black pepper. These spices also aid the benefit of turmeric infusion. 
5. Stir well and serve warm or chilled.

Read the benefits of turmeric milk here

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It may also possess anti-inflammatory properties, contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and offer antioxidant benefits.

How to infuse cinnamon in drinks:

1. Take cinnamon sticks or cinnamon powder and add them to a pot of boiling water.
2. Allow the water to boil for approximately 15-20 minutes, Strain and enjoy either hot or cold.
3. For added flavour, consider enhancing the cinnamon water by adding ingredients such as lemon, ginger, or honey. Adding lemon will provide a slightly sour taste to the drink, while honey will impart a sweet touch to the cinnamon water.

4. Cloves

Cloves are rich in antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties. They may aid in digestion, soothe toothaches, and provide relief from respiratory conditions. Cloves also have potential benefits for blood sugar control and promoting liver health.

How to infuse clove in drinks:

• Simmer the cloves in water for 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavours and beneficial compounds.
• Alternatively, steep clove buds in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
• For convenience, consider using tea infusers or tea bags containing clove and other desired herbs. You can try a spiced tea with clove, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom for a warming and invigorating blend.
• Experiment with an orange-infused clove tea by adding fresh orange peel for a citrusy twist.

5. Cardamom

This aromatic spice has been traditionally used for digestive support, alleviating symptoms like bloating and indigestion. It may also possess antimicrobial properties and assist in freshening breath.

How to infuse Cardamom in drinks:

• Use it in making traditional drinks like warm sweet milk, thandai and tea.
• Simply add the cardamom pods to the boiling liquid (water or milk) for making a warm drink. 
• For cool drinks like thandai, crush the cardamom pods into a fine powder and add it to the milk. 

6. Black Pepper

Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that has been shown to enhance the absorption of certain nutrients in the body. It may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding digestion and promoting healthy skin.

How to infuse Black Pepper in drinks:

• Similar to cardamom, ginger, and clove, you can add pepper to your tea, and warm milk for a warm peppery drink 
• You can also add ground pepper to your cold buttermilk along with ginger to quench your thirst. 

7. Saffron

Saffron is rich in antioxidants and has been associated with potential mood-enhancing effects. It may also possess anti-depressant properties and aid in reducing PMS symptoms. 

How to infuse saffron in drinks:

• Soak 5 to 7 strands of saffron in hot water for 10 minutes, then drink the infused water on an empty stomach every morning for 15 days to potentially see results.
• Or go the traditional way by infusing warm milk with saffron and drinking it. 

8. Cumin

Cumin seeds are known for their distinctive warm and earthy flavour. They are rich in antioxidants and have been traditionally used to aid digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. Cumin may also have antimicrobial properties, support weight management, and help control blood sugar levels.

How to infuse Cumin into drinks:

• Soak a teaspoon of cumin seeds in water and let it rest overnight. You can drink this in the morning
• Or you can heat water in a pan, add a spoon of jeera, let it boil, infuse for an hour, strain, and savour the flavorful and refreshing jeera water at your own pace.

9. Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds have a slightly sweet, nutty flavour and are often used in Indian cuisine. They are known to have potential benefits for blood sugar control by improving insulin sensitivity. Fenugreek may also help reduce cholesterol levels, promote lactation in nursing mothers, and support digestive health. Additionally, it has been associated with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

How to infuse Fenugreek in drinks:

• Add one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to a glass of hot water and steep for approximately 10 minutes. 
• Strain the mixture and enhance the flavour by adding lemon juice and a pinch of honey. 
• Savour the delightful cup of hot tea and relish the benefits of fenugreek.

10. Ajwain (Carom Seeds)

Ajwain seeds have a pungent, slightly bitter taste and a strong aroma. They are commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Ajwain is believed to aid digestion by relieving bloating, indigestion, and stomach discomfort. It may also have antimicrobial properties and help alleviate respiratory conditions, such as cough and asthma.

How to infuse Ajwain into drinks:

• Soak 2 teaspoons of dry roasted Ajwain seeds in a cup of water overnight. 
• The next morning, you have two options: either boil the water, strain it, let it cool down, and then consume it, or simply mix the water well, strain it, and drink it on an empty stomach. 

11. Fennel

Fennel, a flavorful herb with a distinct licorice-like taste, offers numerous health benefits. It is known to aid digestion, reduce bloating and gas, and promote overall gastrointestinal health. Fennel is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to its potential anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Incorporating fennel into your diet can be a delicious way to support your well-being and enjoy its refreshing and aromatic flavour.

How to infuse fennel in drinks:

• You can make yourself a fennel-infused tea. Add one teaspoon of fennel seeds to two cups of boiling water. Let the seeds steep for a few minutes before enjoying the flavorful beverage.
• Or you can add it to your thandai and buttermilk for a cool drink fragrant with the cooling sweet notes of fennel

Benefits of Infusing Water and Beverages With Spices

Now, we know that spices serve us more than just making our food delicious. They serve as a source of potent health accelerators. As we see, most spices are infused into water and some into beverages, here are some benefits that you will enjoy apart from the individual benefits of the spice. 

Infusing spices not only enhances its taste but also offers various benefits. 

Here are some:

1. Hydration with Flavor: Infusing spices adds natural flavours to plain water and beverages, making them more enjoyable to drink. This can also encourage you to consume an adequate amount of water throughout the day, promoting hydration and overall well-being.
2. Low Calories and Sugar: Infused water or beverage is a healthy alternative to sugary beverages since it contains no added calories or sugars. It allows you to quench your thirst without the harmful effects of excess sugar consumption, helping to maintain a balanced diet and potentially support weight management.
3. Antioxidant Boost: Many spices used for water infusions, such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body against oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support cellular health. Infusing these spices into water or a beverage allows you to benefit from their antioxidant properties while staying hydrated.
4. Digestive Support: Spices like ginger, fennel, ajwain, fenugreek, cumin, ginger, black pepper, etc have been traditionally used to aid digestion. Infusing water and drinks with these spices can help promote healthy digestion, soothe an upset stomach, and alleviate bloating or indigestion.
5. Immune System Support: Some spices used for water infusion, like turmeric, possess immune-boosting properties. These spices contain compounds that may help support a healthy immune system, protect against infections, and reduce inflammation.
6. Detoxification: Certain spices, such as cinnamon, and turmeric are known for their detoxifying properties. Infusing water with these spices can help cleanse the body by aiding in the elimination of toxins, supporting liver function, and promoting a healthy metabolism.
7. Natural Refreshment: Infused water and drinks offers a refreshing and revitalizing option that is free from artificial flavours or additives. It allows you to enjoy the natural essence of spices and herbs, providing a burst of flavour and a rejuvenating experience.

Also read – Why proper hydration is important for digestion ?

Recipes to infuse spices into bevereges 

We discussed drinks like Golden Milk or Turmeric milk and various spice-infused water. Let’s try some more recipes from India and abroad, that use a combination of spices 

1. Jaljeera: Roast and grind cumin seeds, black pepper, mint leaves, and dried mango powder. Mix this spice blend with water, add lemon juice, black salt, and a pinch of sugar. Stir well and serve chilled for a tangy and flavorful thirst quencher.
2. Thandai: A popular drink during festivals like Holi, Thandai is a creamy and aromatic beverage. Soak a mixture of almonds, cashews, melon seeds, poppy seeds, and saffron strands in water for a few hours. Grind this mixture into a fine paste and add it to chilled milk. Stir in sugar, cardamom powder, fennel powder, rose water, and a pinch of nutmeg. Serve this fragrant drink garnished with chopped nuts.
3. Saffron Lassi: Lassi is a traditional yogurt-based drink, and saffron adds a touch of luxury to it. Blend yoghurt, chilled water, sugar, and a few strands of saffron until smooth and frothy. Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or saffron strands for a creamy and delightful saffron-infused treat.
4. Aam Panna: This tangy and refreshing summer drink is made from raw mangoes. Boil raw mangoes until soft, peel and mash the pulp. Add roasted cumin powder, black salt, sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well and dilute with water as desired. Serve chilled with ice cubes for a rejuvenating and thirst-quenching experience.
5. Spiced Hot Chocolate: Elevate your hot chocolate experience by infusing it with spices. In a saucepan, heat milk and add cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Whisk until smooth and steaming. Pour into mugs and garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon.
6. Italian Spiced Coffee: Give your coffee a touch of Italian flair with spices. Brew a strong cup of coffee and add a pinch of ground cinnamon and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Stir well, and if desired, top with frothed milk and a dusting of cinnamon for an indulgent and aromatic coffee experience.

Some precautions when infusing spices 

1. Use fresh and high-quality spices.
2. Be aware of allergies and sensitivities.
3. Maintain a balance in the quantity and number of spices used.
4. Strain and filter the infused liquid.
5. Consider personal tolerance levels to spices.
6. Practice hygiene and cleanliness in preparation.

Conclusion 

The art of infusing spices into drinks opens up a world of captivating flavours, enticing aromas, and numerous health benefits. From the comforting warmth of cinnamon to the zesty kick of ginger, each spice adds its unique touch to elevate the drinking experience.

By exploring the spices suitable for infusions, we have discovered how they can transform ordinary beverages into extraordinary delights. The health benefits that come with spice-infused drinks are an added bonus, providing a natural and flavorful way to enhance our well-being.

So, let’s embark on this flavorful journey, embracing the fusion of spices and drinks. Experiment with combinations, tailor the intensity to your liking and create your own signature spice-infused concoctions. Unleash the power of spices and elevate your drinking experience to new heights.

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