Paan Thandai

Turn your Holi Special Thandai Drink extra refreshing by using the flavor of paan (fresh betel leaves)! Paan Thandai is a quick milk based drink prepared with paan, gulkand (rose petal sweet preserve) and homemade Thandai Powder.

What is Paan Thandai ?

Paan is made from betal leaves, and it is a very popular mouth freshener, often enjoyed after a heavy meal. It is a symbol of hospitality and there are several Paan shops in India who are known for their skills in making a perfect paan.

You will find one paan shop in almost every other lane.

Thandai is a very popular Holi drink which you prepare with nuts, aromatic spices, rose petal and milk.

RECIPE LINK for Homemade Thandai Powder and Homemade Thandai Drink

You prepare Paan Thandai by adding fresh betal leaves and gulkand. Gulkand is made from preserved rose petals which is used in filling sweetened pan (mitha pan)

How to make Paan Thandai ?

In a blender add fresh betel leaves, thandai powder, gulkand, milk and sugar. Blend it. You can choose to strain, add ice as per your liking.

I always feel that Thandai taste better after letting it rest in the fridge for a while for the flavors to enhance further.

So make a big batch and store in the refrigerator.

You can use Paan in several kinds of Indian desserts, and it gives a very refreshing flavor to it. This is actually my first time using paan in beverage, and we loved it.

This Holi Festival Betel Leaves drink is easy to make, and you can make in advance. It’s a perfect drink for summer parties.

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Where to find Paan?

Here in US, I see paan only in Indian stores. I haven’t seen it in any other store. Remember to store paan in a ziplock in the fridge, as it can dry out and lose its freshness if kept outside.

Adjust as per your liking

You can adjust the sweetness of the drink based on your taste bud. I added less betel leaves and that’s why didn’t get the vibrant green color.

I liked the measurement I used, as it wasn’t too overpowering but still had a lovely refreshing taste and flavor to it.

Can you use Non Dairy Milk

Yes, you absolutely can use Non dairy milk too.

Here are few more Thandai recipe you can try:

Yogurt Panna Cotta with Thandai

Thandai Custard

Thandai Holi Rainbow Cake

We often associate Thandai typically with Holi Frestival, however you can enjoy this drink all summer long. A great coolant to enjoy on a warm day.

Print Recipe

Paan Thandai

Turn your Holi Special Thandai Drink extra refreshing by using the flavor of paan (fresh betal leaves)! Paan Thandai is a quick milk based drink prepared with paan, gulkand (rose petal sweet preserve) and homemade Thandai Powder.

Prep Time10 mins

Total Time10 mins

Course: Beverage

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: drinks, holi festival, Indian drinks, Indian food, milk based

Servings: 2 cups

Calories: 113kcal

Author: Playful Cooking

Ingredients

• 4 betel leaves
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons gulkand
• 1.5 tablespoons thandai power

Instructions

• Place everything in a blender and blend to a smooth consistency.
• Based on your liking, you can choose to strain the drinks and enjoy it cold.

Notes

Based on your taste bud, you might want to add more betel leaves or more gulkand. We don't like super sweet drinks, so I kept it less sweet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 61mg | Sugar: 17g