Thandai Recipe with Khandsari Sugar: A Perfect Holi Drink

Holi is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate this colourful festival than with a traditional, refreshing Holi drink recipe? This Thandai recipe takes a healthy twist by infusing Khandsari sugar for a rich, smooth, and natural flavour. Plus, if you’re wondering when is Holi in 2025, it will be celebrated on March 14th. So, why not get a head start on preparing this wholesome drink to enjoy with your loved ones?

Thandai Recipe Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 2 tablespoons melon seeds (magaz)
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (khus khus)
• 10-12 black peppercorns
• 4-5 cardamom pods
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rose petals (dried, optional)
• 1/2 cup Khandsari sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups full cream milk
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak the Ingredients: Soak the almonds, cashews, melon seeds, and poppy seeds in water for 4-5 hours or overnight. This softens them, making ingredients easier to blend.
   
2. Prepare the Spice Paste: Blend the soaked ingredients along with cardamom, black peppercorns, saffron (if using), and rose petals into a smooth paste. Add a little water to help blend.
   
   (Pro Tip: In a small pan, heat the A2 desi cow ghee on low heat until it melts. Add the spice paste to the ghee and sauté for 1-2 minutes to bring out the flavours.)
   
3. Make the Thandai Milk: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then, allow the milk to cool down for a bit.
   
4. Mix the Paste with Milk: Add the prepared spice paste to the milk and stir in the Khandsari sugar. This natural sugar gives the Thandai a rich, earthy sweetness without being too overpowering.
   
5. Chill and Serve: Let the drink chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. Serve it over ice cubes, and garnish with rose petals or saffron strands for an extra festive touch.
   

This Holi drink recipe using Khandsari sugar offers a wholesome twist to the traditional Thandai. It’s the perfect drink to celebrate the colourful spirit of Holi while staying true to authentic flavours!