There`s a frosty chill in the air; the tips of our noses are red in protest and our cheeks are a hearty shade of red thanks to the nippy winter breeze. Waking up in the morning as the sun peeks out hesitatingly from the horizon is a Herculean task. Everyone feels like snuggling even closer into the woolly depths of their blankets.

The morning shower is an even bigger ordeal as one enters the spray of water with chattering teeth. The warm shower is bliss, but alas, only for a few minutes. Once it`s over, you have to think 10 times before venturing out from the warm blast of the shower back into the harsh winter chill.

But one thing that drives away the winter chills is a steaming cup of hot tea early in the morning. Tea is a perfect stimulant to help you start off the day with a bang. Medically, the tea leaf contains tannic acid which is advantageous because it is anti-inflammatory and contains germicidal properties. It also contains an alkaloid (five per cent, mainly caffeine), which stimulates the nerve centre and the process of metabolism. Aromatic tea is even said to aid digestion.

Many youngsters prefer a glass of hot milk in an assortment of flavours not merely in winter but throughout the year. Milk is a rich source of calcium which is vital for strong bones and teeth especially in growing children. Half a litre of milk a day gives the body all the calcium it needs. In winters, many mothers prepare a special blend of milk mixed with a concoction of finely ground dry fruits. This is a creamy, thick drink which provides energy and is highly enjoyable.

Hot chocolate is a popular favourite for children and you can heighten the fun of a mug of steaming cocoa by adding a few pieces of soft, cushy marshmallows. The melted sugar of the marshmallows floating atop the chocolate milk is a delightful treat, which gives you a sugar rush which will leave you licking your lips and asking for more.

Coffee is one of the world`s most popular beverages but has a bad reputation of being high on caffeine. However, a Canadian study shows that coffee may prevent gout. Diabetes has been the latest focus of research, and studies also have suggested coffee could lower the risk of developing Parkinson`s disease and Alzheimer`s disease. Coffee may also lessen the risk of depression and suicide.

Thus, drinking coffee in moderation is fine. So, go ahead, you may treat yourself to the bitter sweet delight of expressos, lattes or cappuccinos this winter.

Another healthy winter drink is a piping hot bowl of soup. Right from a bowl of a simple clear soup to the hot favourite chicken corn soup or tangy hot and sour soup it`s all thoroughly appealing as it warms the body and provides a welcome buffer from the crisp winter wind.

Many youngsters prefer to relish a bowl of soup from roadside vendors sitting on the pavements. These soups offer a mouth-watering garnish of not just coriander or other fragrant herbs, but also spicy finger chips, crisply fried popadums and even slices of half-boiled eggs. These soup-walas even provide you a wide range of sauces like chilli sauce, vinegar and soya sauce to add to your soup and make it even more enticing.

So this winter, don`t fret the winter chills and revel in the array of winter drinks this season has to offer. Cheers!