Thandai: A Flavorful Journey to Festivity!

Name: Thandai
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup almonds; ¼ cup cashew nuts; ¼ cup pistachios; 2 tablespoons fennel Seeds; 14 peppercorns; 2 tablespoons watermelon seeds or chia seeds; 2 tablespoons white poppy seeds; 12 green cardamom pods; 3 ½ tablespoons dried rose petals; 24 saffron strands; ½ teaspoon nutmeg powder; ½ teaspoon cinnamon Powder; 1 cup milk (regular or plant-based), chilled; 2 tablespoon sugar

Thandai, is a delightful beverage with a refreshing blend of aromatic spices, cool milk, and nuts.

This invigorating drink holds a special place in Indian culture and is traditionally enjoyed during festivals and celebrations, most notably during the festival of Holi also known as the festival of colors and is a celbration of spring!

Why is it called Thandai?

Thandai means something that is cold.

Thandai is made not only with cold milk but is believed to have cooling properties, making it a popular choice to combat the scorching summer heat.

With its unique blend of flavors, Thandai is a beloved and rejuvenating drink that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also awakens the spirit of festivity in every sip.

Thandai Ingredients:

Milk – Whole milk adds richness to this drink.

To create vegan thandai, use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk.

Dried Nuts, Fruits & Seeds – Poppy seeds, fruits, and nuts such as almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios, raisins, and watermelon seeds or chia seeds are required.

Spices – Green cardamoms, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, black peppercorns, and fennel seeds are used to flavor this drink.

Saffron strands – The use of saffron threads is optional, but it enhances the drink’s flavor. It also gives Thandai a tint of yellow color.

Dried Rose Petals – I have used dried rose petals for garnishing. It adds a nice color and the drink looks more lavishing.

Sugar – Adjust the sugar to your liking. You can also add honey or maple syrup to sweeten it.

How to prepare Thandai?

Take a dry grinder and add all the nuts the poppy seeds and the watermelon or chia seeds, and spices and pulse to get a slightly coarse mix. This is out Thandai mix. Note: This drink has a bit of texture.

Then, in a glass, add cold milk, sugar, and two tablespoons of thandai mix and stir well.

Garnish with some rose petals and saffron if you’d like especially if you are serving it to guests.

Add 2-3 cubes of ice if you desire.

Print

Thandai

Author: Mish
Total Time: 12 mins
Yield: 2 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A traditional nut and milk-based drink enjoyed especially on Holi in India.

Instructions

In a blender or grinder add all the ingredients except rose petals and milk and grind into a coarse mix. This is your Thandai mix.
In a glass pour cold milk, sugar, and 2 tablespoons thandai mix and stir well.
Garnish with some rose petals.
You can also use 2-3 cubes of ice as well and enjoy.