When I say cold drinks, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Fizzy? Or sugary? Well, today’s Thandai recipe breaks that stereotype- it’s a spicy, creamy, and nourishing drink that cools you off the natural way, without the extra bubbles or sweetness!
So, what sets Thandai apart? There better be some good reasons why you should whip up this drink instead of just reaching for another soda, right?
Well, unlike fizzy drinks that are just cold cause they have been chilling in the fridge, Thandai actually contains ingredients that cool your body from within! The powerful blend of fennel seeds, poppy seeds, and rose water helps lower your body heat naturally and leaves you feeling refreshed. Combined with nuts, seeds, and aromatic spices, this drink nourishes you in a way that sugary sodas simply can’t compete!
What Is Thandai?
The word ‘Thandai’ comes from the word ‘thanda’, which means cold in the local Indian language. Thandai is a traditional Indian drink which is made in indian summer festivals of Holi. Just as the name suggests, Thandai is a cool and refreshing drink that soothes your senses, especially on hot summer days!
Served mainly at festivals, Thandai is traditionally made from a special blend of nuts, seeds, and aromatic spices. All the ingredients are ground into a fine powder, so anytime you want a Thandai drink, all you have to do is mix the masala with milk and sugar.
For extra flavor, rose water, saffron, and pistachios are often added, but they are totally optional if you prefer it simple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and bursting with nutty goodness.
- Refreshing with a hint of spice and sweetness.
- Great for sharing with friends and family.
- Packed with nutrients from nuts and seeds.
- Make the Thandai masala once, enjoy it anytime!
Creative Ways to Make Thandai in Delicious Variations
Want to go beyond the traditional? Here are some fun and flavorful Thandai-inspired treats you can try!
Thandai Latte
Mocha latte isn’t the only one that can give you a flavor kick! Mix a little chocolate and coffee with the Thandai masala for a cozy, spicy, and nutty latte drink.
Thandai Kulfi
Ready to enjoy a fresh and unique flavor of kulfi? Try Thandai Kulfi- a fun and frozen version of the classic drink that’s rich, nutty, and perfectly spiced!
Thandai Panna Cotta
Turn Thandai into a wobbly, creamy, and sweet little delight with panna cotta. The recipe? Simmer milk and cream with Thandai masala and sugar, stir in gelatin, pour into molds and chill until set for a delicious treat!
Thandai Cupcake
Enjoy the fun of Thandai in bite-sized forms with Thandai cupcakes. Fill the soft, spiced cake with Thandai masala and top with pistachios for a crunchy, flavorful finish.
Thandai Ice Cream
Cool down with a scoop of creamy Thandai ice cream- full of nutty goodness and warm spices. Mix the Thandai masala with sweetened cream and milk, freeze, and serve chilled for a refreshing scoop of happiness!
Thandai Cheesecake
Celebrate your special moments with a deliciously different treat- a Thandai Cheesecake! Mix the Thandai masala with cream cheese, sugar, and whipped cream, pour over a crunchy biscuit base, and chill until set for a creamy delight.
Tips For Making Perfect Thandai!
Not sure where to start? Use these handy tips for making the perfect Thandai- creamy, refreshing, and totally irresistible!
- Use fresh, good-quality spices for making the Thandai masala.
- Soak the cashews, almonds, poppy seeds, and fennel seeds in warm water for 30 minutes to soften them before blending.
- Use full-fat milk to enjoy a creamy and rich texture in your drink.
- Add ice cubes just before serving to keep your Thandai chilled.
- Store the Thandai masala in an airtight container, away from heat and moisture, to preserve its freshness.
Health Benefits Of Thandai | Badam Milk
Need more reasons to give this recipe a go? If the amazing flavor doesn’t win you over, these powerful health benefits definitely will:
Rich In Nutrients
Just the almonds and cashews alone provide vitamins, protein, and healthy fats! Plus, the fennel seeds and poppy seeds add fiber and minerals that support gut health and overall wellness.
Reduces Bloating
Feeling a bit bloated lately? Try drinking Thandai regularly for a few days- the fennel, cardamom, and other spices in it will help reduce bloating and soothe your digestive system.
Promotes Relaxation
Thandai contains ingredients like fennel seeds, poppy seeds, and rose water that promote an instant cooling effect! After a long, summer day, a glass of Thandai may help you unwind and feel relaxed inside and out.
Supports The Immune System
If your immune system needs a boost, then drinking Thandai is a good choice! Packed with medicinal spices like cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and fennel seeds, Thandai helps strengthen your body’s natural defenses.
Thandai Recipe | Masala Milk
Ingredients
For Thandai Masala
- 1 tsp / 5 g Whole Black Pepper
- 4 pieces Green Cardamom
- 1 small Cinnamon Stick
- 20-25 pieces Almonds
- 20-25 pieces Cashew Nuts
- 1 tbsp / 9 g Poppy Seeds
- 1 tbsp / 6 g Fennel Seeds
For Thandai
- 3 cups / 750 ml Whole Milk
- ¼ cup / 50 g Sugar
- 3 tbsp / 18 g Thandai Masala (Prepared)
- 1 tsp / 5 ml Rose Water
For Garnish
- Pistachios
- Saffron
- Rose Petals
Equipments
- Milk Pan
Instructions
Prepare The Thandai Masala
- Place whole black peppercorns, green cardamom, and a small cinnamon stick into a blender jar.
- Toss in almonds and cashew nuts for a rich, creamy texture.
- Sprinkle in poppy seeds and fennel seeds for aroma and sweetness.
- Close the lid and blend everything into a fine Thandai masala powder. Transfer the masala to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place.
Make The Thandai Drink
- Pour milk into a saucepan and place it on medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the milk starts boiling, add sugar and stir until it completely dissolves.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the milk simmer until it slightly thickens.
- Add some of the Thandai masala you prepared earlier and use a whisk to combine everything.
- Add a splash of rose water and stir to mix.
Strain and Cool The Thandai
- Turn off the heat and place a fine strainer over a jug. Carefully pour the hot drink through the strainer to catch any coarse bits.
- Use a spatula to press the remaining mixture in the strainer and discard the residue.
- Allow the strainer Thandai to come to room temperature.
Garnish, Serve, and Enjoy!
- Place a few ice cubes in your serving glasses. Pour the Thandai over the ice.
- Garnish each serving with a few saffron strands, chopped pistachios, and rose petals.
- Enjoy nutty, aromatic, and refreshing Thandai with every sip!
I love keeping a jar of Thandai masala ready on hand. That way, whenever I am in the mood, I can whip up a delicious glass within minutes! The best part for me is probably the cozy flavor and creamy texture- all without a drop of artificial color or flavor. It’s not every day you find something traditional, refreshing, nourishing, and yummy all at once, but that’s exactly what you get from Thandai.
My advice? Even if you have never tried Thandai before, give it a shot- once you taste it, you will be refilling your jar of masala again and again!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Skip The Nuts in Thandai?
You can skip the nuts if you don’t mind a lighter version. I recommend using soaked melon seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain the creaminess.
How Long Does Thandai Last In The Fridge?
Thandai lasts for 2-3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
What’s The Best Way To Store The Thandai Masala?
The best way to store the masala is to keep it in a cool, dry place. At room temperature, it lasts for about 4 weeks and up to 2 months if refrigerated.
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