There’s something special about every Holi celebration. It begins with colours spread out on plates, music playing in the background and early morning excitement as friends and family start showing up. Soon, there’s laughter in every room, water balloons flying and old clothes turned into bright canvases. Then, there are Holi sweets displayed at the counter to relish.

In the middle of all this fun, there’s always a break. People settle down, looking for something cool to drink. That’s when thandai makes its way into the scene. Cold, creamy and full of flavour, it brings a little calm to the colourful chaos. This is where the story of a traditional thandai recipe begins.

What You’ll Need to Make Traditional Thandai

Before you start, make sure your nuts, seeds and spices are fresh. This is because Stale or rancid ingredients can affect both the flavour and the feel of the drink.

For soaking and grinding:

·       1 cup warm water

·       3 tablespoons almonds (peeled or unpeeled)

·       2 tablespoons pistachios (unsalted)

·       2 tablespoons white poppy seeds (khus khus)

·       ¼ cup melon seeds (magaz)

·       2 tablespoons dried rose petals (or gulkand/rose water)

·       1 tablespoon fennel seeds (saunf)

·       ½ teaspoon black peppercorns

• 1 cup warm water
• 3 tablespoons almonds (peeled or unpeeled)
• tablespoons pistachios (unsalted)
• tablespoons white poppy seeds (khus khus)
• ¼ cup melon seeds (magaz)
• 2 tablespoons dried rose petals (or gulkand/rose water)
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds (saunf)
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns

For blending and serving:

• ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• Seeds from 3 to 4 green cardamoms
• A pinch of saffron (optional)
• 1 cup chilled milk (you can also use almond milk or a mix of milk and water)
• Ice cubes
• Rose petals or chopped nuts for garnish

How to Make Traditional Thandai: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Soak the Ingredients

Add almonds, pistachios, melon seeds, poppy seeds, rose petals, fennel seeds and peppercorns to a bowl with 1 cup warm water. Let everything soak for 1 to 2 hours. You can also keep it overnight in the fridge for stronger flavour.

Step 2: Blend into a Paste

Transfer the soaked mix along with the water into a blender. Add sugar, cardamom seeds and saffron if using. Blend until smooth and fine, without any grainy bits.

Step 3: Mix with Milk

Scoop 3 to 4 tablespoons of the paste into a glass. Add 1 cup of chilled milk and stir well. Make sure the paste dissolves fully into the milk.

Step 4: Add Ice and Garnish

Drop in a few ice cubes for an extra chill. Top with rose petals, chopped almonds or pistachios. This makes it look festive and taste richer.

Step 5: Serve Fresh

Serve immediately for the best experience. You can also chill it further in a jug and pour into glasses when needed. Always stir before serving if stored ahead.

Other Variants You Can Test Out with Traditional Thandai

Once you’ve aced the traditional recipe, you can experiment and make a drink of your own. For a fruity twist, you could blend some ripe mango pulp. Then, there are options like lychee and strawberry puree that can add a sweet and slightly tangy layer. For those who enjoy a floral note, a few drops of rose water or a hint of lavender syrup for a cooling effect.

For a modern makeover, turn it into a smoothie. For that, blend the paste with chilled milk, a banana and a few ice cubes. On the other hand, if you are making it for kids, mix in a spoon of drinking chocolate or cocoa powder. This chocolate thandai is both fun and festive. And for something indulgent, top your glass with a scoop of vanilla or kesar pista ice cream and serve it as a Holi-special dessert.

Get in the Festive Mood with a Good Thandai Drink

Holi is all about colour, joy and sharing what you love. While the water fights and gulaal bring out the playful side, it’s the food and drinks that bring everyone back to the table. A well-made thandai does exactly that—it cools you down, lifts your mood and ties the whole celebration together.

As you plan your Holi foods, from gujiyas to chaat, don’t forget this timeless drink. And if you’re packing Holi gifts this year, a homemade bottle of thandai mix can be a thoughtful surprise that carries the festive spirit with it. If you’re short on time or don’t want to get into grinding and blending, a chilled glass of flavoured milk from Ksheer can also be a simple yet festive addition to your Holi spread.

How to Make Traditional Thandai: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Soak the Ingredients

Add almonds, pistachios, melon seeds, poppy seeds, rose petals, fennel seeds and peppercorns to a bowl with 1 cup warm water. Let everything soak for 1 to 2 hours. You can also keep it overnight in the fridge for stronger flavour.

Step 2: Blend into a Paste

Transfer the soaked mix along with the water into a blender. Add sugar, cardamom seeds and saffron if using. Blend until smooth and fine, without any grainy bits.

Step 3: Mix with Milk

Scoop 3 to 4 tablespoons of the paste into a glass. Add 1 cup of chilled milk and stir well. Make sure the paste dissolves fully into the milk.

Step 4: Add Ice and Garnish

Drop in a few ice cubes for an extra chill. Top with rose petals, chopped almonds or pistachios. This makes it look festive and taste richer.

Step 5: Serve Fresh

Serve immediately for the best experience. You can also chill it further in a jug and pour into glasses when needed. Always stir before serving if stored ahead.

Other Variants You Can Test Out with Traditional Thandai

Once you’ve aced the traditional recipe, you can experiment and make a drink of your own. For a fruity twist, you could blend some ripe mango pulp. Then, there are options like lychee and strawberry puree that can add a sweet and slightly tangy layer. For those who enjoy a floral note, a few drops of rose water or a hint of lavender syrup for a cooling effect.

For a modern makeover, turn it into a smoothie. For that, blend the paste with chilled milk, a banana and a few ice cubes. On the other hand, if you are making it for kids, mix in a spoon of drinking chocolate or cocoa powder. This chocolate thandai is both fun and festive. And for something indulgent, top your glass with a scoop of vanilla or kesar pista ice cream and serve it as a Holi-special dessert.

Get in the Festive Mood with a Good Thandai Drink

Holi is all about colour, joy and sharing what you love. While the water fights and gulaal bring out the playful side, it’s the food and drinks that bring everyone back to the table. A well-made thandai does exactly that—it cools you down, lifts your mood and ties the whole celebration together.

As you plan your Holi foods, from gujiyas to chaat, don’t forget this timeless drink. And if you’re packing Holi gifts this year, a homemade bottle of thandai mix can be a thoughtful surprise that carries the festive spirit with it. If you’re short on time or don’t want to get into grinding and blending, a chilled glass of flavoured milk from Ksheer can also be a simple yet festive addition to your Holi spread.