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    Home » Recipes » Drinks and Beverages » Thandai Recipe

    Thandai Recipe

    Published On:March 10, 2019 By:Ruchi

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    Rich, refreshing, and super easy-to-make, this Thandai recipe is the perfect drink for the festive occasion of Holi and Shivratri.

    This thick and luscious drink is packed with dry nuts and flavored with fragrant spices. It’s completely gluten-free, vegetarian, and I promise it’s super addictive!

    Thandai recipe in a tray with rose petals

    It’s just one week short of Holi, and all I can think of besides desserts and savory snack is THAND…AI.

    What is Thandai

    ‘Thand’ in Hindi means cold, and therefore thandai refers to ‘a refreshing drink that has a cooling effect.’

    It is quite popular in the Northern part of India and is considered as a summer coolant too!

    In some places, Thandai is also known as ‘Bhang-thandai.’ Both terms Bhang and Thandai, at times, are mistakenly used interchangeably.

    But let me tell you, Bhang is NOT Thandai. 

    Bhang Thandai or Bhang ki thandai is a mildly intoxicating beverage prepared with the flower heads and buds of cannabis.

    It does include some of the ingredients used to make Thandai, but it is not Thandai. 

    What I am sharing today, is a non-alcoholic heirloom recipe of Thandai from my grandmother’s kitchen (biji). Thandai Recipe

    Growing up, our biji (grandmother) prepared a considerable pitcher of Thandai on Holi. Her thandai recipe was a hit in the neighborhood, and everyone just loved it.

    For kids, she used to skip some ingredients and would customize the recipe to our liking.

    This recipe brings backs so many childhood memories, and its taste and flavor are still afresh in my mouth.

    Health Benefits of Thandai

    Besides the fact, this Thandai recipe is yum, this luscious thirst quencher is packed with some healthy stuff. It – 

    • Provides energy – melon seeds, almonds, cashews, and pistachios.
    • Boost Immunity – spices like peppercorn, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
    • Helps fight infection
    • It has a cooling effect on the body – fennel seeds, saffron, and rose petals.
    • Detoxifies the body – cardamom.
    • Aids in digestion too – poppy seeds.

    Thandai Masala with Holi colors

    What’s in this Thandai Recipe

    To make Thandai masala or Thandai Mix, you will need a blend of 12 aromatic nuts and spices. They are-

    » Nuts and spice like Almonds, Cashews, Melon  Seeds, Cinnamon,  Saffron, Cardamom,  Fennel Seeds, Pistachios, Nutmeg, Poppy Seeds, Black Peppercorns,  Rose petal jam or gulkand – help boost the flavor quotient of Thandai.

    » Milk + water+ Half-n-half – This is going to form the base of our Thandai, therefore, please use half-n-half and milk combo. 

    » Sugar – to sweeten things up.

    » Rosewater – lends a nice rose flavor to this thandai.

    The addition of all these nuts and spices to Thandai is what makes it so soothing and refreshing.

    P.S. – (The above image is to give an idea of the ingredients used in this recipe. Exact measurements for all the ingredients are listed below) 

    How to make Thandai mix - in a bowl

    How to make Thandai Masala

    • Transfer almonds, cashews, melon  seeds, cardamom seeds, fennel seeds, pistachios, poppy seeds, and black peppercorns to a motor and pestle.
    • Pound the spices to a fine powder. 
    • Add nutmeg powder and cinnamon. Mix to combine. 
    • Set aside.
    Pound the Thandai Masala

    How to make Thandai Recipe

    1. Soak saffron in warm milk for 10 minutes. Mix and set aside.

    2. Meanwhile, combine milk + half-n-half in a large pot. 

    3. Add sugar.

    4. Whisk until well blended. 

    How to make Thandai recipe - boil milk

    5. Stir in Thandai Powder.

    6. Mix it well. 

    7. Stir in Rose petal jam or gulkand.

    8. Bring the milk mixture to a boil. Keep stirring the thandai. Once the thandai comes to a full boil, take it off the flame. 

    Allow the Thandai to sit for a while (an hour or more) so that it can soak in all the flavors. Stir in rose water and mix until well blended.

    Add Thandai powder

    9. Strain the mixture through a sieve.

    10. Press the leftover gritty stuff with a spoon and allow the thandai to drain through the sieve.

    11. Pour in saffron milk that we had prepared earlier in the recipe. Mix until well blended. 

    12. Cover the Thandai mix with a plastic cover. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight. 

    Chill Thandai recipe

    13. Chilled thandai is ready to be served.

    14. Give it a good stir.

    15. Pour in glasses.

    16. Garnish with slivered almonds, saffron strands and serve chilled. 

    Pour Sardai and serve chilled

    Cooking tips to make the best Sardai or Thandai Recipe

    » Soaking saffron strands in hot milk releases its color and flavor. 

    » Pour in rose water, after the thandai is cooled. You can go easy on the rose water- taste and then add more.

    » No rose spread/gulkand (sweet preserve of rose petals) on hand, no worries. Flavor thandai recipe with double the quantity of rose water. Also, add dried rose petal leaves to Thandai. This will elevate its taste and boost its flavor.

    » For an extra boost of flavor, you can dry roast all the nuts and seeds to enhance the flavor.

    » Water is optional. But if you find thandai too thick to drink. Add a little water to adjust the consistency to your liking

    » Thandai tastes best when served chilled. Therefore, chill it for a few hours or overnight before you plan to serve it.

    Sardai in glasses garnished with rose petals and saffron

    Now for some faq’s

    » What can you use instead of half-n-half? The closest substitute would be full-fat milk. Use 4 cups of whole milk instead.

    » Can you make this Thandai recipe vegan? Of course! Simply swap the half-n-half + milk with vegan milk. The rest of the recipe and process remain the same. Almond milk works the best. 

    » Can’t find poppy seeds? No worries. Leave them out and proceed with the recipe. 

    » Can you store Thandai masala in the fridge? Absolutely! For a longer shelf-life store Thandai Masala in an airtight jar.

    • Sterilize a glass jar.
    • Air-dry it completely. 
    • Transfer the thandai mix or masala to the cleaned jar and store it in your refrigerator. Stays good for a month.
    • Whenever you crave for thandai, you can make instant, fresh Thandai using the Thandai masala.

    Sardai recipe

    This season, discover the tastiest Thandai recipe infused with a perfect balance of aromatic Indian spices and flavor. 

    Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe. Feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries, and I would be happy to answer them.

    CRAVING FOR MORE, TRY MY OTHER HOLI RECIPES-

    • Paneer Burfi
    • Thandai Gulab Jamun Mousse cups
    • Kaju Gulkand Ladoo
    • Dahi Vada
    • Gulkand filled Rose Ladoo
    • Jalebi Recipe
    • Gulkand Strawberry Milkshake
    Have you tried this recipe?
    Leave a star rating by clicking on the ⭐ below!

    Thandai Recipe

    Author : Ruchi
    Rich, refreshing, and super easy-to-make, this Thandai recipe is the perfect drink for the festive occasion of Holi and Shivratri. This thick and luscious drink is packed with dry nuts and flavored with fragrant spices.
    4.95 from 19 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 6
    Calories 235 kcal

    INGREDIENTS
     

    • ½ teaspoon Saffron strands
    • ¼ cup Warm milk

    THANDAI INGREDIENTS

    • 2 cups Half and Half (use regular milk)
    • 1¾ cup Whole milk
    • ¾ tablespoon Rose water
    • 1/4 cup Sugar + 2 tablespoons (adjust according to taste)
    • ½ cup Water (optional)

    THANDAI MASALA INGREDIENTS- YIELDS ¾ CUPS OF THANDAI MIX

    • 12 – Almonds
    • 12 – Cashews
    • 10 – Pistachios
    • ¾ teaspoon Black Peppercorns (adjust according to taste)
    • 10 – Cardamom Powder (or use 1½ teaspoons of Cardamom Powder)
    • 1 teaspoon Poppy Seeds
    • 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds (or use 1½ teaspoons of fennel seeds powder)
    • 1 tablespoon Melon Seeds (chaar magaz)
    • ½ teaspoon Cinnamon powder
    • ½ teaspoon Nutmeg Powder
    • 1¼ teaspoons Rose petal spread (gulkand)
    US Customary – Metric

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    THANDAI MASALA

    • Transfer Almonds, Cashews, Melon  Seeds, cardamom seeds, Fennel Seeds, Pistachios, Poppy Seeds, and Black Peppercorns to a motor and pestle.
    • Pound the spices to a fine powder. 
    • Add nutmeg powder and cinnamon. Mix to combine. Set aside.

    THANDAI PREPARATION

    • Soak saffron in warm milk for 10 minutes. Set aside.
    • Meanwhile, combine milk + half-n-half in a large pot. 
    • Add sugar and whisk to combine. 
    • Stir in Thandai Powder. Whisk it well.
    • Stir in Rose petal jam or gulkand.
    • Bring the milk mixture to a boil. Keep whisking the thandai. Once the thandai comes to a full boil, take it off the flame. 
    • Allow the Thandai to sit for a while (an hour or more) so that it can soak in all the flavors. Stir in rose water and mix it well.
    • Strain the mixture through a sieve. Press the leftover gritty stuff with a spoon and allow the thandai to drain through the sieve.
    • Pour in saffron milk that we had prepared earlier in the recipe.  Mix to combine. 
    • Cover the Thandai mix with a plastic cover. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight. 
    • Chilled thandai is ready to be served. Give it a good stir.
    • Pour in glasses. Garnish with slivered almonds, saffron strands and serve chilled. 

    VIDEO

    RECIPE NOTES

     
     
    Cooking tips to make the best Thandai Recipe
    » Soaking saffron strands in hot milk releases its color and flavor. 
    » Pour in rose water, after the thandai is cooled. You can go easy on the rose water- taste and then add more.
    » No rose spread/gulkand (sweet preserve of rose petals) on hand, no worries. Flavor thandai recipe with double the quantity of rose water. Also, add dried rose petal leaves to Thandai. This will elevate its taste and boost its flavor.
    » Water is optional. But if you find thandai too thick to drink. Add a little water to adjust consistency to your liking.
    » Thandai tastes best when served chilled.
     
    FAQ’s
     
    » What can you use instead of half-n-half? The closest substitute would be full-fat milk. Use 3 cups of whole milk instead.
     
    » Can you make this Thandai recipe vegan? Of course! Simply swap the half-n-half + milk with vegan milk. The rest of the recipe and process remain the same. 
     
    » Can’t find poppy seeds? No worries. Leave them out and proceed with the recipe. 
     
    » Can you store Thandai masala in the fridge? Absolutely, in an airtight jar.
    • Sterilize a glass jar.
    • Air-dry it completely. 
    • Transfer the thandai mix or masala to this jar and store it in your refrigerator.
     

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 291mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 428IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 205mg | Iron: 1mg
    Disclaimer: Nutritional information provided above is approximate. Variations may exist due to the ingredients/brands used. Please refer to a Registered Dietitian or Nutritionists if you have any health issues.

    Are you Going to make this recipe? Take a picture and mention @ruchiskitchen! I would LOVE to see how it turned out for you!
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    Hi, I am Ruchi!

    I am so glad that you're here! This is my happy little food paradise where you will find lots of yummy recipes ranging from healthy dinners to blissful sweet delights. So, grab your aprons and let's cook together. ❤ More About Me
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