Easy Thandai Recipe (with Homemade Thandai Masala Powder) Recipe
This Easy Thandai Recipe features a fragrant and flavorful Indian spiced milk drink made with a homemade Thandai masala powder. Combining a blend of nuts, seeds, spices, and floral notes, this refreshing beverage is perfect for celebrations or a cooling treat during warm weather. The recipe includes making the Thandai powder from scratch followed by blending it with chilled milk and ice for a smooth, delicious drink.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Thandai Masala Powder
- ⅓ cup almonds
- ⅓ cup cashews
- ¼ cup pistachios
- 2 tablespoons melon seeds (char magaz)
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoons fennel seeds
- ¼ cup dried rose petals
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
- 20 green cardamoms (approx. 2 teaspoons of seeds)
- 1 teaspoon saffron
Thandai Drink
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 4 cups whole milk (or vegan milk for dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 8 tablespoons homemade Thandai Powder
- 1 tablespoon pistachios (sliced, for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons dried rose petals (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Thandai Powder: Combine all the ingredients listed under Thandai Masala Powder in a bowl and mix well to ensure even distribution of nuts, seeds, spices, and dried rose petals.
- Grind the spice mix: Using a small spice grinder or a blender, grind the nut and spice mixture into a fine powder. Do this in 2 to 3 batches if using a small grinder or all at once in a larger blender, taking care not to overgrind, as the nuts may release their oils, affecting the texture.
- Store the powder: Transfer the freshly ground Thandai masala powder to an airtight container. This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of the spice mix, which can be stored for future use.
- Make the Thandai drink: In a blender jar, combine the ice cubes, milk, sugar, rose water, and 8 tablespoons of the homemade Thandai powder. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Strain the beverage: If a smoother texture is preferred, strain the blended Thandai through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove any coarse bits.
- Serve chilled: Pour the prepared Thandai into serving glasses, garnish with sliced pistachios and dried rose petals, then refrigerate until cold. Serve immediately for a refreshing and aromatic drink.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with almond, cashew, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste or replace with a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
- Saffron adds a subtle aroma and color; you can soak it in a tablespoon of warm milk before adding for enhanced flavor.
- Store the Thandai powder in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to maintain freshness for up to one month.
- Straining the drink is optional but recommended for a smoother and more elegant texture.
- The spice grinder or blender should not be overused during grinding to avoid oily powder.
