Homemade Thandai + Video

Thandai is a traditional Indian beverage popular in North Indian states of UP and Rajasthan and made especially for the festival of Holi. It is quite refreshing to drink and is loaded with good ingredients like dry fruits, seeds and saffron. Here is how to make thandai drink at home (Step by Step).

Thandai is a traditional drink popular in UP and some parts of Rajasthan. It was traditionally made into a Bhang Thandai with a dose of Bhang in it. Even today, some people add the weed in it to make it intoxicating. This drink is very refreshing, and a perfect summer cooler.

My mom used to make this drink every Holi and her recipe was appreciated every time. I am sharing her recipe of making this drink today with you all and hope you make it this Holi and enjoy with friends and family.

There are many readymade version of thandai drink available in market like Guru Ji Thandai mix, Patanjali Thandai Powder and Haldiram have it too but nothing beats the taste that homemade one gives. Infact the taste of these readymade mixes is quite far from the real stuff and I highly suggest you making it from scratch at home.

It is best served chilled, so make sure to make a few hours before you plan to serve it. You can also add a few ice cubes in the glasses just before serving.

“Thandai and bhang have become synonymous over the year. Laced wih bhang, thandai was offered to Lord Shiva. It was first used in India around 1000 B.C. It has developed to be an integral part of the cultural celebration of holi. Thandai was consumed as a refreshment when people got tired playing holi and throwing each other in pond filled with color water.” – Food.Tv

Benefits of Thandai

Apart from it’s delicious taste, thandai has some great benefits for the body. I am listing a few here

• Boost Immunity
• Gives instant energy
• Cool down the body
• Aids in digestion

Thandai Ingredients

To make thandai, you will need seeds and nuts like almonds, cashew nuts, poppy seeds and melon seeds.

Lot of spices like cardamom, black peppercorn, fennel etc go into this drink.

Adding saffron is optional but it makes the drink even more richer.

Milk is added at last. For a vegan version, you can add almond milk or soy milk to it.

How to make Kesar Thandai Drink?

To make this recipe, dry fruits like almonds, cashew nuts etc are soaked over night along with seeds like khus khus, fennel seeds and black peppercorns and whole spices like black peppercorns. These are then ground to make a fine paste and mixed with milk. It is then garnished with slivered nuts and rose petals just before serving.

How to make Thandai Powder?

For those who don’t want to go through the process of preparing it, but have it instantly, making the Thandai Powder that can be added to milk, and enjoyed also works. All you have to do is add some powder in chilled milk and give it a good stir and your drink is ready to be served. I have another post on the blog to make this Powder. You can check it here.

How to make Bhang Thandai at home?

To make Thandai with Bhang, just soak 12-15 cannabis along with the remaining ingredients as mentioned below and follow the same process. However, I would like you to read this article before you decide to add it in your drink. Here you go.

You might also like these Holi recipes

Gujiya

Namak Para

Aloo Bhujia

Kanji

Basundi

How to make Thandai Step by Step

Soak the nuts and seeds in water for 5-6 hours.

Strain the water and grind the ingredients until smooth.

Add the  milk.

Strain the mixture.

Add sugar, saffron and rose water and mix well.

Thandai Video Recipe