Holi is incomplete without vibrant colours, lively celebrations, and of course, a refreshing glass of thandai! While the classic saffron and almond-infused thandai are a staple, why not experiment with new flavours this year? Here are five unique thandai recipes to add a twist to your Holi celebrations.
Classic Kesar Badam Thandai
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chilled milk
- ¼ cup almonds (soaked overnight)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron (soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk)
- 4-5 black peppercorns
Garnish:
- Sliced almonds
- A few saffron strands
Method:
- Blend soaked almonds, fennel seeds, cardamom powder, black peppercorns, and sugar with ½ cup milk into a smooth paste.
- Add the remaining milk and saffron-infused milk, blend again, and strain.
- Chill for an hour before serving. Garnish with sliced almonds and saffron strands.
Paan Thandai
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chilled milk
- 2 paan (betel) leaves
- ¼ cup almonds (soaked overnight)
- 1 tbsp gulkand
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
Garnish:
- Chopped betel leaves
- Rose petals
Method:
- Blend soaked almonds, paan leaves, gulkand, fennel seeds, cardamom powder, and sugar with ½ cup milk into a paste.
- Add the remaining milk, blend again, and strain.
- Chill before serving. Garnish with chopped betel leaves and rose petals.
Longitude77 Kashmiri Saffron Sour
INGREDIENTS:
- Longitude 77 Indian Single Malt Whisky – 60ml
- Kashmiri Saffron Syrup – 30ml
- Lime Juice – 20ml
- Egg White / Magic Velvet – 3 drops
- 1 Lemon Green
- Grapes
GARNISH:
- Kashmiri Chilli Oil
- Kashmiri Saffron Strands
METHOD:
- Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, dry shake
- Add ice and shake well
- Fine strain in a chilled Nick & Nora glass
- Garnish with saffron/chili oil using a dropper
Rose & Gulkand Thandai
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chilled milk
- ¼ cup almonds (soaked overnight)
- 1 tbsp gulkand
- 1 tsp dried rose petals
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
Garnish:
- Fresh rose petals
- Chopped pistachios
Method:
- Blend soaked almonds, gulkand, rose petals, fennel seeds, cardamom powder, and sugar with ½ cup milk into a smooth paste.
- Add the remaining milk, blend again, and strain.
- Chill before serving. Garnish with fresh rose petals and chopped pistachios.
Appletini
INGREDIENTS:
- 45 ml Khukri White Rum
- 15 ml Green Apple Syrup
- 15 ml Triple Sec
- 15 ml Lemon Juice
- 20 ml Apple Juice
GARNISH:
- Garnish with an Apple Slice
METHOD:
- Shake all the ingredients
- Serve in a Martini Glass to enjoy Holi celebrations
These flavorful thandai & cocktail recipes will add a unique touch to your Holi celebrations! Which one will you try first?
