After sharing Thandai Powder recipe, I am sure you expected the Thandai Drink to show up soon. Holi festival is incomplete without a few glasses of this rich milk based Indian drink. Flavored with aromatic spices, nuts and rose water, it smells amazing perfumy and so refreshing.
What is Thandai?
This is a classic Indian drink that is specially prepared during Holi festival and then it keeps showing up all through Spring and Summer.
Traditionally bhang is added in Thandai. Bhang is made from the bud, leaves and flowers of the female cannabis. It is added in a small quantity when preparing Thandai and is known to create mild hallucination.
My Recipe has no bhang and it’s just purely aromatic and rich. Kids will love it too.
All I used to prepare this milk based drink is my homemade Thandai powder, milk, pinch of saffron and rose water.
Here is the link to my homemade easy Thandai Powder
Can you prepare this drink using dairy free milk?
Oh yes! You can use oat milk, almond milk or your choice of plant based milk.
Making in advance and Storing Thandai
The nut spice Powder can be store in a clean dry airtight jar. You don’t need to store in the refrigerator unless it very and humid where you live.
As for the Thandai Drink, I would highly recommend making a day in advance and store in the refrigerator as the flavors blend better overnight.
The drink can be kept for few days in the refrigerator.
Are there health benefit ?
Thandai is not only a refreshing thirst quencher, it comes with a few health benefit too.
Because of the all the nuts and spices that goes in making the Thandai powder, the drink helps to boost immunity, cool down your body during brutal summer and aids in digestion.
Can you prepare it without making the powder?
Yes!
Making the powder makes it easy and quick to prepare the drink.
The traditional way is done little differently where they soak almond and then peel off the skin. The rest of the spice and nuts is then grinding with some milk to make a smooth paste like consistency.
It is then simmered with milk along with rose water, sugar and saffron stands until the flavor blends in.
I told you two different ways to prepare Thandai and I prefer to make the spice powder in advance so I can use it to prepare not only the milk based drink but also cake, cookies, and other variety of desserts.
Thandai
After sharing Thandai Powder recipe, I am sure you expected the Thandai Drink to show up soon. Holi festival is incomplete without a few glasses of this rich milk based Indian drink. Flavored with aromatic spices, nuts and rose water, it smells amazing perfumy and so refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 liter whole milk
- 1/4 cup Thandai Masala Powder
- 3 tablespoons sugar (add more if you prefer it sweeter)
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- few strands of saffron
- chopped cuts and dried rose petals for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a heavy bottom pan pour the milk along with the thandai spice powder, sugar and rose water and saffron strands.
- Simmer in medium heat stirring continuously for 15 minutes.
- Once done, check for sugar and add more if you prefer.
- At this point based on your liking, you can choose to strain the milk and then chill it in the refrigerator. If you don't mind the course like texture, then chill the Thandai drink in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy it with chopped nuts and dried rose petal garnish.
Comments are closed.
Radhika @ foodfor7stages
August 15, 2011 at 7:43 PMHappy Independence day to you too Kankana. You reminded me of my school days where we celebrated this day year after year.
& This is a lovely summer drink. Your pictures are beautiful.
Baker Street
August 15, 2011 at 7:44 PMGorgeous gorgeous shots Kankana! And happy independence day to you too!
Manu
August 15, 2011 at 7:45 PMHappy Independence Day!!! 🙂
Great way to celebrate! Yet another must try recipe! I have never tasted thandai before but like all the ingredients listed, so I can easily imagine I’d love it!
Absolutely right about the Indian anthem, it is beautiful! 🙂
Jessica
August 15, 2011 at 8:59 PMThis is such a beautiful drink! No wonder it’s your husband’s favorite. I love the strands of saffron on top! Great choice for the celebration!
Nami | Just One Cookbook
August 15, 2011 at 9:16 PMHappy Independence Day! I’ve never heard of this drink but I enjoyed this entire post with good writing and beautiful photos. I’d love to try this milk…sounds delicious! And I really enjoyed you added different kinds themes (styling) of photography here – like some are ingredients only etc. Not to mention, your handmade flag is super cute! Love your creativity on this post.
Priya Sreeram
August 15, 2011 at 9:18 PMHappy Independence Day kankana and just for your clicks I am willing to gulp down thandai from both the glasses u have displayed back to back & without guilt (tee hee) !!
Domestic Deepa
August 15, 2011 at 9:24 PMThat looks delicious and refreshing!
Manju
August 15, 2011 at 9:42 PMlove thandai! can you believe its only int he last few years that i first had it?!? Happy Indepepndence Day to you too. Jai Hind!
Spandana
August 15, 2011 at 10:32 PMLooks gorgeous… love the saffron on top….
Jamie @ Wokintime
August 15, 2011 at 10:44 PMHappy Independence Day! What an amazing drink! It’s like nothing I’ve ever tasted before I can’t even begin to imagine how all those flavors go together. Looks like I’m going to have to try it.
Gorgeous photography too.
Liren
August 16, 2011 at 12:49 AMHappy Independence Day! What a stunning beverage – just gorgeous. I can’t say I have ever had a drink with saffron on top, so beautiful.
Mythreyi
August 16, 2011 at 1:49 AMThandai looks super Good, Never knew Peppercons were part of this cool drink. Will try for sure… Happy Independence Day….
-Mythreyi
Eve
August 16, 2011 at 3:43 AMHello Kankana – I don’t think I’ve ever seen your site before but it’s absolutely gorgeous and I love all of your recipes so far. For the ice cube issue, have you thought about freezing some of the mixture into ice cubes and then adding them so that it doesn’t dilute the taste? I haven’t tried this myself but I’ve been seeing it all over the blogosphere so I’m sure it’s good.
I hope you enjoyed your Independence Day!
– Eve
Joanne
August 16, 2011 at 3:57 AMHappy independence day! And what a delicious drink to celebrate with!
chitra
August 16, 2011 at 4:08 AMThandai looks superb .. Nice , pretty clicks 🙂
Sissi
August 16, 2011 at 4:42 AMUnusual and beautiful drink! Happy independence day! (a bit late, sorry 🙁 )
Tes
August 16, 2011 at 5:31 AMHappy Independence day, Kankana! And this drink sounds really interesting 🙂
Sia
August 16, 2011 at 5:34 AMthe last pic with generous pinch of saffron just took my breath away!
Happy Independence day to u too Kankana and thank u for sharing ur hubby’s fav drink with us all 🙂
sayantani
August 16, 2011 at 5:47 AMlovely drink and beautiful clicks!
Stephanie @ okie dokie artichokie
August 16, 2011 at 6:11 AMGorgeous! Love the presentation and the strands of saffron on top really make it a showstopper. 🙂 Just discovered your site and am really excited to try some authentic Indian cuisine! Nice to meet yah!
Vimitha
August 16, 2011 at 7:12 AMBelated independence day wishes dear… Thats flavored milk looks to be a perfect chiller
Krithi
August 16, 2011 at 7:14 AMHappy Independence day Kankana… Nice way to celebrate with childhood favorite foods!
http://krithiskitchen.blogspot.com/
torviewtoronto
August 16, 2011 at 7:40 AMlooks fabulous Kankana and cooling
Happy independence day 🙂
Sandra's Easy Cooking
August 16, 2011 at 8:59 AMI wish you Happy Independence Day Kankana! This looks OMG reaction-hahaha Amazing really! I love your pictures and presentation..as for recipe I can only say wowwwwww!
chinmayie @ love food eat
August 16, 2011 at 9:31 AMLooks so good! That is a perfect treat on a summer afternoon!
Reem
August 16, 2011 at 10:00 AMOh I love this post Kankana…. It reminds me of home and holi 😉
Beautiful pictures dear…
Yummy delicious Thandai… perfect way to enjoy summer.
Shumaila
August 16, 2011 at 10:13 AMWe celebrated Independence day with Kebabs and Naan! Wish had made thandai too! Lovely clicks and a great recipe! thanks for sharing Kankana!
Maris (In Good Taste)
August 16, 2011 at 10:39 AMHappy Independence Day to you! This looks like a delicious way to celebrate!
Tiffany
August 16, 2011 at 11:22 AMCardamom, saffron, pistachios, and almonds! These are some of my FAVORITE flavors in one lovely drink! 😀
Luv'n Spoonfuls
August 16, 2011 at 1:14 PMThis sounds so absolutely delicious…I am astounded at all the wonderful spices and flavors and can almost taste them just reading your post. I am bookmarking this as it seems very special. Happy Day as well!
Priyanka
August 16, 2011 at 1:59 PMYummy…!!!!
Loved it 🙂
Ana Eugenio
August 16, 2011 at 2:30 PMeverything looks so yummy 🙂
Cheryl and Adam @ pictureperfectmeals.com
August 16, 2011 at 2:55 PMHappy Independence day to you both! . As many places as we have been through Adam’s work, we’ve not gotten there yet, but raveling to India is right at the top of the to-do list. And that is reinforced every time we see a new post of yours… such amazing flavors and beautiful colors! Great photos, too. Smiles on our faces… again!
Najla
August 16, 2011 at 3:19 PMHappy Independence Day !!! Amazing snaps and nice combination of flavours.. would love to try it out …
tigerfish
August 16, 2011 at 3:20 PMHave not heard of this drink too. I just know this is absolutely exotic. And the infusion sounds amazing. Can’t wait to try it if I get a chance to.
Najla
August 16, 2011 at 3:20 PMHappy Independence Day !!! Amazing snaps and nice combination of flavours !!! would love to try it out ….
gloria
August 16, 2011 at 3:34 PMhappy Independence day!! look delicious! gloria
Swathi
August 16, 2011 at 4:26 PMThandai looks delicious. i love this drink.
rebecca
August 16, 2011 at 4:54 PMthis drink looks so good, happy independence day 🙂
Candace
August 16, 2011 at 5:26 PMHappy Independence Day to you! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and commenting. It was so nice to have you visit. Your photos are absolutely fantastic. I would love to try this drink sometime. It looks delicious. Anything with cardamom and I’m in!
foodwanderings
August 16, 2011 at 5:38 PMKankana, what a nice tribute for India’s Independence Day. Goegrous drink andp photos. & best anthem in th eworld, that I didn’t know! 🙂
Roxana GreenGirl
August 16, 2011 at 5:40 PMHappy independence day Kankana. My favorite non dairy milk is almond milk but I’d love to spice it up a little.
p.s. I really need to take some photo lessons, your photos are AMAZING!!!
Kim Bee
August 16, 2011 at 8:08 PMHappy Independence Day Kankana!!! Love this post!
Tadka Pasta
August 16, 2011 at 9:06 PMAll the pics are so beautiful, and can’t say enough good things about this wonderful drink! Love it! This is on our to-do list.
elle marie
August 16, 2011 at 11:17 PMDelish, I love how you utilized the topping, such lovely colors and contrast.
Anamika
August 17, 2011 at 12:52 AMThis is one drink that’s a must try for all whio haven’t been lucky enough till now. So rich, creamy and delicious. I want it right now 🙂
Kitchen Belleicious
August 17, 2011 at 6:52 AMI am just going to make this for me, myself and I since the hubby doesn’t really like milky stuff. Seriously it looks amazing, out of this world and I am craving it now
sukanya
August 17, 2011 at 8:35 AMloved your wonderful and gorgeous summer drink..we used to make this specially for hoil..and definitely a great way to celebrate Independence day..jai ho
mustardseedmeadow
August 17, 2011 at 8:39 AMWow!! What beautiful photographs. I will have to make this now!
Treat and Trick
August 17, 2011 at 9:50 AMFantastic clicks and wonderful drink!
Kankana Saxena
August 17, 2011 at 11:33 AMThank you guys! All these words makes me so happy and motivated all the time 🙂
Vijitha
August 17, 2011 at 11:53 AMGorgeous pictures. This dish is new to me. I make badam milk with same ingredients but no peppercorns.Did you draw the flag?
Kankana Saxena
August 17, 2011 at 12:27 PMOohh i love badam milk too! Yeah I drew that flag .. so silly .. looks like a work done by 2 year old kid.
Juliana
August 17, 2011 at 2:20 PMKankana, Happy Independence Day!
This almond drink is so interesting…I never had anything like this and would love to try it.
Hope you are having a great week 🙂
blackbookkitchendiaries
August 17, 2011 at 3:43 PMhi! this is my first time checking out your blog too:) its beautiful. i am so glad to have found you. your talent is truly inspiring! thank you for sharing this.
Christine
August 17, 2011 at 5:40 PMA belated independence day Kankana! These drinks look wonderfully delicious! I never tried that. Very tempting.
Lisa H.
August 17, 2011 at 6:39 PMHappy Independence Day (belated)…
This drink looks very appetising… as well as healthy, flavoursome with the nuts and spices, yum…
[email protected] in disguise
August 18, 2011 at 4:32 AMHappy independence day!
I have never heard of thandai before but now it is on my must try list!
Sweet Artichoke
August 18, 2011 at 6:38 AMWoaw, your pictures are always so beautiful! This set is not exception!
The drink looks delicious and so festive!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
August 18, 2011 at 11:07 AMHappy Independence Day Kankana – sorry yaar, meri tabiat theek nahi thi. Sigh.
That thandai looks too beautiful to even consume!!! Love the photos 🙂
the good soup
August 19, 2011 at 3:50 AMwhat a lovely drink. I’ve made plenty of almond milk (one of Oliver’s favourites, but never used almonds and spices to flavour cow’s milk before. thanks for sharing your Independence Day with us, dear Kankana! x
Michelle
August 19, 2011 at 3:43 PMThat sounds (and looks) really good! In our family of 6 we have one that is allergic to nuts, so I don’t often make things with them. She would understand if I gave her chocolate milk and served the rest of us this, right?!
sally
August 20, 2011 at 2:41 PMIt sounds delcious and the the saffron looks so pretty on top! What a great beverage to celebrate with!
foodingdo
August 22, 2011 at 9:02 PMHello! great recipe and yummy pictures, we would be glad if you could submit it to our site. Cheers 🙂
visda
August 26, 2011 at 9:18 AMtoo bad I missed this post. What a wonderful drink and congratulations for the day of freedom.
Yasmeen @ Wandering Spice
August 30, 2011 at 4:52 AMThis is among the most beautiful posts I’ve ever seen. And congratulations! What a great thing to celebrate.
Rosa
August 30, 2011 at 11:57 AMAn amazing drink! What heavenly flavors, mmmhhhh.
Cheers,
Rosa
[email protected]
October 11, 2011 at 1:19 AMA rich drink! Looks great and too tempting…thandai is my all time fav drink, we have it on Holi, cant wait for next Holi festival to prepare this one….will plan it over the weekend! Your clicks are FAB 🙂
tannita
November 30, 2011 at 4:44 AMHi – Can you drink this hot? and if so does one to chill it and reheat it?
Priya
March 27, 2012 at 5:54 AMOMG…this is the exact same picture on that guy’s blog! report him or something…i’m gonna comment on his page to take the picture off
mjskitchen
March 15, 2021 at 9:40 AMIt’s recipes like this that reminds me of how little I know about other types of cuisine, especially Indian cuisine. I’m amazed by the different ingredients and flavors that come from different regions. This beverage is a prime example. I would absolutely love to try it or, even better, make myself. Thank you for the link to the Thandai Powder. Since there are only adults in this house, I wonder if I could the Bhang. 🙂