Nutty, aromatic, and refreshing Thandai is a popular Indian drink made with milk, nuts, and spices like black peppercorns, fennel, cardamom, and saffron. Garnished with dried rose petals and sliced nuts, this chilled milk is perfect for hot days. Here is my easy recipe to make refreshing Thandai using homemade Thandai Masala.
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What is Thandai
Thandai also known as “Shardai” is a traditional Indian drink, made especially during festivals like Holi and Maha Shivaratri. It is made from milk, nuts, poppy seeds, and various spices like cardamom, saffron, and fennel seeds with a hint of spice from black peppercorns. Often served chilled, Thandai is refreshing and it’s believed to have cooling properties, making it particularly good during warmer weather.
To make it Vegan, you can use plant-based milk of choice. Thandai powder or Thandai Masala is also available in stores but making it at home allows you to customize the choice of nuts, adjust the spices to your liking, use quality ingredients and best of all make the best-tasting refreshing Thandai.
Ingredients
- Nuts – Almonds, cashews and pistachios
- Char Magaz – these melon seeds are available in most Indian grocery stores. If you do not have them you can skip them for this recipe.
- White Poppy Seeds – In India, poppy seeds, known as “Khus Khus,” traditionally accompany Thandai but can be omitted if unavailable. If included, ensure they are not expired or rancid. The easiest way to tell is by chewing on a few, they should have a neutral nutty taste.
- Fennel Seeds – a must-have ingredient “badishep” adds the signature cooling taste to Thandai.
- Spices – Green Cardamom and Black Peppercorns. Grind the whole green cardamom for this recipe for the freshest aromas. Black peppercorns add a slight undertone of heat and you can always add more if you like.
- Saffron – a little goes a long way. If you do not have saffron use ground turmeric to the Thandai powder to add a touch of yellow color
- Dried Rose Petals – good quality dried rose petals add floral notes and a pop of pink to the drink
- Milk & Sugar – traditionally Whole milk is used for this recipe but feel free to use a vegan option if you like. Add sugar or your favorite sugar substitute for sweetness.
How to Make Thandai
Thandai Mix
- Add all the nuts and spices to a bowl and mix.
- Using a spice grinder (or a high-speed blender), grind the mixture in batches to make a fine powder. Note: Do not over-process the mixture as the nuts will start to release oils.
- Store in an airtight container preferably refrigerated for up to 2 months. this recipe makes 2 cups of Thandai powder.
Thandai Doodh
- Add ice, milk, sugar, rose essence(optional), and Thandai powder to a blender jar and blend until smooth.
- Optionally strain the Thandai for a smooth texture and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serving
Serve chilled with an optional garnish of sliced pistachios and dried rose petals.
Storing
You can make both Thandai powder and the Thandai drink ahead of time. Refrigerate the powder in an airtight container for up to 2 months. You can prepare the drink a day in advance and refrigerate it.
More Refreshing Indian Drinks
FAQ’s
Thandai offers health benefits from ingredients like nuts, seeds, and spices, providing essential nutrients and antioxidants. Consume in moderation as it is high in calorie and sugar content.
Thandai has a rich, creamy texture with a combination of flavors that include a hint of sweetness from sugar or sweeteners, a nutty undertone from the nuts and seeds, and a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, fennel, and black pepper. It offers a refreshing and mildly spicy taste with subtle floral notes, from cardamom, saffron and, rose petals.
To make vegan Thandai, substitute dairy milk with a plant-based milk alternative such as almond milk, cashew milk, or soy milk.
Recipe
Thandai
Quick and easy recipe to make a nutty, aromatic, and refreshing Thandai drink using homemade Thandai powder
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Thandai Drink
Optional Garnish
Instructions
Thandai Powder
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Add all the ingredients to a bowl and give a good mix. If using a small spice grinder, grind the nut mix to a fine powder in 2 to 3 batches. You can also grind it all at once in a biger blender. Make sure to not overgrind as the nuts will start to release oils.
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Store in an airtight container. Makes 2 cups of Thandai powder.
Thandai Drink
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To make the Thandai, add ice, milk, sugar, rose essence and Thandai Masala to a blender jar. Blend well until smooth.
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Strain the thandai if you like. Refrigerate and serve chilled. Garnish with sliced pistachios and rose petals.
Author: Archana
Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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Source: Ministry of Curry
