Thandai

Thandai is an Indian cold drink prepared with a mixture of poppy seeds, fennel seeds, melon seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, cashew, almonds, pistachio, rose petals, saffron, sugar and milk. It is native to India and associated with the Hindu festival of colors and spring — Holi. There are variants of Thandai and the most common are Badam (Almond) Thandai and Bhaang (Cannabis) Thandai. Alcohol is optional but a good floral gin like Hendrick’s will accentuate the nutty and spicy flavors of the drink.

Recipe • Serving Size: 1

Ingredients + Directions

⇁ Thandai Mix

• Poppy Seeds — 1.5 tsp

• Fennel Seeds — just a pinch

• Melon Seeds - 1.5 tsp

• Cardamom Pods - 2

• Black Peppercorn - 3

• Cinnamon - just a pinch

• Cashew - 1 tsp

• Almonds - 1 tsp

• Pistachio - 1 tsp

• Rose Petals - 2

Lightly toast and grind the nuts and spices to a fine grind.

⇁ Assembling the drink

• Thandai Mix * Sugar - 1 tbsp or more to taste

• Milk - 8 oz

• Hendrick’s Gin - 1-2 oz (optional)

• Rose Water - 1/4 tsp (optional)

Thandai tastes best when served chilled for a few hours, it can soak up all the flavors. You may also strain the drink to remove any leftover gritty stuff from the nuts and spices. Garnish with rose petals, pistachios and saffron. Enjoy and Happy Holi! 🎉