Thandai

Tired of playing Holi? Have a drink!

The ‘Festival of Colors’ is here and it is time we celebrate it with a special drink- ‘Thandai.’ Thandai is a refreshing drink popular in India and is served mainly during Holi and Mahashivaratri.

The traditional recipe for thandai includes bhang in it. But, I haven’t used it in my version. This drink is said to have a cooling effect on the body and that is why it is consumed during holi because holi signifies the start of the spring or the summer season. The recipe uses a few spices along with nuts and the main ingredient is milk.

Traditionally, the nuts used are soaked overnight and ground to a fine paste but in modern times, most of us really do not have the time to prepare an elaborate recipe. We all prefer “shortcuts!” Yeah, even I prefer the same and hence this version of Thandai with instant Thandai powder. You can make this powder in no time and store the powder in an airtight container to use it as needed. Mix, chill, serve and enjoy this delicious drink during the summer months in India.

I know it tastes delicious, but apart from its taste it has some benefits too! First of all, it is a summer drink so it helps to cool the body down and since we use rose petals and fennel seeds, it also aids in digestion. The poppy seeds control constipation and the presence of nuts and seeds boosts energy. The peppercorns and cinnamon used boosts immunity and cardamom helps in detoxifying the body. There are number of benefits adding to its delicious taste. So, enjoy the drink and celebrate the Festival of colors with your loved ones. Let your life be filled with colors of love and happiness always. Happy Holi!

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Thandai

Abhipriya Raghav

A refreshing summer drink prepared during Holi.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Indian

Servings 5 people

Ingredients

  

For the Thandai powder

• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup pistachios
• 2 tbsp fennel seeds
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds
• 2 tbsp melon seeds
• 2 tbsp dried rose petals
• 15 pods green cardamoms
• 1 tsp whole peppercorns
• 1/4 tsp saffron strands
• a small piece of nutmeg
• 1 2-inch stick cinnamon

For the Thandai

• 1 glass whole milk
• sugar or any sweetener, as per taste
• 1.5 tbsp prepared thandai powder
• rose water, optional

Instructions

 

To prepare the powder

• Add all the ingredients into a blender and grind it to a fine powder.
  

To prepare the drink

• Bring a glass of milk to boil. Switch off the stove.
  
• When it is still warm, add sweetener as per taste and 1.5 tbsp of the Thandai powder and rose water (if needed). Mix well and refrigerate.
  
• Serve chilled.
  

Notes

• The amount of spices can be adjusted as per liking.
• Any sweetener can be added instead of sugar.
• Adding rose water is completely optional. 

Keyword beverages, chia seeds, nuts, spices, thandai