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Thandai Recipe A Refreshing Indian Summer Drink You Must Try
Thandai recipe is a traditional Indian beverage made with milk, nuts, and aromatic spices. It’s mainly enjoyed during Holi and Maha Shivratri. The drink is known for its cooling properties and rich flavor.
Let’s explore how you can make this drink at home with ease.
What Is Thandai?
Thandai is a chilled Indian drink. It is made using milk, almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, pepper, and cardamom. The term “thandai” comes from “thanda,” meaning “cool” in Hindi.
People love to pair it with snacks like pav bhaji during festivals.
Why Try This Thandai Recipe at Home?
- It’s preservative-free.
- Full of natural cooling ingredients.
- Perfect for celebrations and rituals.
- Boosts immunity and digestion.
- Easy to pair with Indian meals like pav bhaji.
Ingredients Required for Thandai Recipe
To make authentic thandai, you’ll need:
- 1 liter chilled full-fat milk
- 3 tablespoons almonds
- 2 tablespoons cashews
- 2 tablespoons pistachios
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 8–10 black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 10 dried rose petals
- 3 tablespoons sugar or as needed
- A few saffron strands (optional)
- Ice cubes
How to Make Thandai Recipe – Step by Step
Step 1: Soak the Ingredients
Soak almonds, cashews, pistachios, poppy seeds, and fennel seeds in warm water. Soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Make the Thandai Paste
Drain the water. Add the soaked ingredients to a mixer. Add rose petals, black pepper, and cardamom powder. Grind to a smooth paste. Use little milk if needed.
Step 3: Add Paste to Milk
In a large bowl, pour the chilled milk. Mix in the paste. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Sweeten the Drink
Add sugar as per your taste. Stir till sugar dissolves. You can also use jaggery or honey.
Step 5: Strain the Thandai
Use a muslin cloth or fine sieve. Strain the drink to remove solid particles.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Add saffron strands and ice cubes. Garnish with chopped nuts or rose petals. Serve chilled.
Tips to Make the Best Thandai Recipe
- Always soak ingredients properly. It enhances taste and digestion.
- Use fresh full-fat milk for creaminess.
- You can add bhang during Holi for a traditional twist.
- Pair it with spicy pav bhaji for a balanced meal.
- Adjust spice level based on preference.
Health Benefits of Thandai
- Cooling effect: Fennel and rose petals cool the body.
- Rich in nutrients: Loaded with proteins and healthy fats.
- Boosts digestion: Pepper and cardamom help digestion.
- Good for skin: Nuts and milk give a natural glow.
- Energy booster: Perfect during summer or fasting.
When to Serve Thandai
Thandai is ideal for:
- Holi and Maha Shivratri
- Summer afternoons
- After spicy meals like pav bhaji
- As a welcome drink
- With Indian thalis
Variations of Thandai Recipe
- Rose Thandai – Add more rose petals and rose syrup.
- Badam Thandai – Use only almonds for a nutty flavor.
- Bhang Thandai – Infuse bhang for festive fun.
- Kesar Thandai – Add saffron for a royal taste.
- Vegan Thandai – Use almond milk instead of dairy.
Shelf Life and Storage
Store thandai in a refrigerator. It stays fresh for 2–3 days. Always use a glass bottle with a tight lid. Shake well before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve thandai in a clay cup for a rustic feel.
- Offer it with spicy snacks like pav bhaji or samosas.
- Garnish with silver vark and crushed nuts.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fats: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
- Calcium: 150mg
Note: Calories vary with ingredients and sugar.
Thandai Recipe Vs. Other Indian Drinks
| Feature | Thandai | Lassi | Jaljeera |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Milk | Curd | Water |
| Taste | Nutty, Spicy | Sweet/Sour | Tangy & Spicy |
| Occasion | Holi, Summer | Daily use | Summer drink |
| With Pav Bhaji | Yes | No | No |
Final Thoughts
This thandai recipe is perfect for your festive or summer needs. It’s tasty, healthy, and easy to make. The rich flavor of nuts and spices gives it a royal touch.
Pair it with spicy foods like pav bhaji for a satisfying meal.
FAQ
Yes, you can make and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
Yes, it’s safe for kids. Avoid bhang and adjust spices.
Yes, but poppy seeds add thickness and flavor.
Yes, it has nuts, milk, and spices. Great for summer.
Yes, thandai balances the spice in pav bhaji.
