What’s going to face us soon in November? Well, surely a cold weather.. at least in some of the attractiv countries! But this does not necessarily mean that we have to freeze. After all, today we will talk about the 10 unusual warming beverages that are consumed in different countries. Of course, it is best to use them where they are originated, although some may well be to try to make them at home.
Bolivia: Api Morado or Blanco
When in the heat of Bolivia it’s turning cold, the locals bask strange purple api Morado. It’s a special brew of purple corn and pineapple, adding aromatic spices: cinnamon, cloves and orange peel. Api Morado is very thick, you can eat and drink it simultaneously. It is usually served for breakfast with biscuits. There is also a white version of it, which is made from milk, sugar, cinnamon and white bread. They say that in ancient times the indigenous inhabitants of these lands – the Incas – used it to keep themselves warm. After them, api Morado can be found even if you suddenly find yourself in the morning somewhere in the Andes in central or western Bolivia.
Australia: Wattleccino
Traveling to Australia, be sure to try this drink! It is unknown anywhere else in the world except the Green Continent, because it is brewed from the Australian acacia tree, a recognized national flower. When the seeds ripen, they are going to make a pleasant-tasting substitute of the decaffeinated coffee. It’s being prepared just like a cappuccino: first, you make an espresso in the coffee machine, then add milk or cream and sprinkle with cinnamon for decoration. The taste of wattleccino reminds coffee with hazelnut and chocolate.
Egypt: Sahlab
You will definitely find these drink peddlers on the Egyptian streets: they trade sahlab, pouring it out of the big brass “Samovar” similar to the Russian case of kvas. Sahlab is being prepared with milk, adding a special starch from cassava, and cinnamon. Such a hot drink is popular in other countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. So, if you have been to Turkey in winter you surely, have already tried this rich delicious drink that’s called salep, which is exactly the same drink.
The Netherlands: Anijsmelk
As soon as you get accustomed to the name of the drink, the recipe becomes obvious: the classic Dutch drink is made from milk. Firstly you take the pre-soaked seeds of anise, and then cut them, add sugar and bring to a boil. However, in recent times the Dutch make it easier: instead of soaking the grain in the milk, they simply dissolve in it aniseed sugar cubes, which you can easily find at local stores. Milk softens the sharp spicy flavor of the seasoning, though, if you hate licorice, then you will hardly mind this drink.
India: Masala tea
Those who have been in India, certainly find the spicy aromatic masala tea rather memorable. Many even have to cook it at home, because it is so simple: the milk is heated, then you add cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and pepper, and then when the spices are well warmed up they give the drink its aroma, topped up with strong brewed black tea. However, the set of spices is rather arbitrary: some people like to throw in the pot a pinch of nutmeg, vanilla and anise. Masala tea can be anywhere in India: street vendors offer it at every corner. By the way, if you are invited to masala tea, is considered impolite to refuse!
Tibet and Nepal: The Cha
For the unaccustomed strangers the salty, spicy and a little rancid butter tea with milk a yak might seem a sheer filth. But you’ll have plenty of time to get used to it, because it is a very common drink in Tibet and Nepal, and because it will be offered to you at every step. Meanwhile, you can hardly refuse it. The oil is well treating the chapped lips, restores energy spent on a walk along mountain paths, helps the body to keep yourself warm. While all of these syndromes are really easy to find here.
Iceland: Kumenkafe
If the Dutch drink milk with cumin, then it’s not surprising that whle making the traditional coffee the Icelanders add to the favorite drink cumin seeds. There is a wide range of varieties but the especially popular on the island option is when liquor brennivin is being poured into the finished coffee – a kind of potato schnapps, flavored with caraway seeds, also called “black death”. This name explains a lot: drink is incredibly tart and spicy.
Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru: Coco tea
Greenish-yellow slightly bitter tea is made from coco leaves to help you get used to the Andes. This is a wonder drug that cures altitude sickness, it helps with muscle and headaches, fatigue and many other ailments. Locals say that the coco tea – the perfect remedy for indigestion, intestinal problems, as well as longevity. The main thing – do not make the drink outside the home, because it is banned in many places.
Morocco: Green mint tea
This drink in Morocco is being drunk all day and night: during, before and after eating, when you meet with friends and as a greeting to the dear guests. In short green mint tea – it is part of local culture. It is being brewed at least thrice. And each time the taste of tea takes some changes: the first cup is bitter, like life, the second – as strong as love, the third – a gentle, like death. And the visitor must see the whole process of cooking and enjoy this kind of “tea ceremony” in Moroccan.
China: Hot soy milk
Five thousand years ago, soybean was considered one of the five sacred grains of the Chinese emperor and remains just as popular up to this day. During the traditional Chinese breakfast they always serve hot soy milk. It can be sweetened with sugar, flavored with the juice of ginger or pandan leaves of the local bush. And sometimes you will be offered salty soy milk, and then you hardly realize what is being added here: just salt or dried shrimp, vinegar or pickled mustard.
