4 British Columbians from different cultures share their favourite drinks to cozy up with this winter

Getting through another snowy winter can mean finding the perfect drink to sip and savour.

In British Columbia,  different cultures have diverse drinks to keep warm or feel fresh in the winter, among them Indigenous Labrador Tea, Indian Cha or Chai, Chinese Pu'erh Tea, and Russian Kvass.

T'uy't'tanat-Cease Wyss is an Indigenous ethnobotanist who has fond memories of searching for and drinking Labrador tea, also known as swamp tea. 

"It's very soothing, calming, very good for the respiratory system … it's the things you want most in winter, said Wyss.

Labrador tea leaves are found all over North America which Indigenous people refer to as Turtle Island. 

The plant commonly grows in bogs and is most fragrant in the winter explains Wyss. 

While Labrador tea can be made in a variety of ways, Wyss and her daughter Senaqwila boil water and add five to seven leaves. After boiling for about 15 minutes, the tea is ready to be served. 

"Working with plants is like bringing your ancestors to the table, says Senaqwila. 

"You can close your eyes and picture … loving words, a warm hug, words of encouragement keeping you warm during the long winter months. "

The pair reflect on how the tea binds Indigenous people all across the continent. 

"When we drink this tea we are thinking about all the stories that are shared," said Wyss. 

Baljit Singh Brar prepares chai every day starting at 6 a.m. at the Gurdwara Baba Banda Singh Bahadar Sikh Society in Abbotsford 

Chai has a black tea base with milk and spices. The drink is enjoyed widely across India year-round but its aroma, warmth, and spices make it perfect for the winter, Brar explains. 

Brar adds black tea bags, fennel, cardamom, cloves, carom seed, ginger, and waits for it to simmer in a pot of boiling water.