If there’s one thing that is synonymous with a refreshing summer drink, it is the quintessential Thandai! As much as we identify summertime with sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and face wraps, Thandai, the flavoured, spicy dry fruit beverage that almost every Indian home is incomplete without, is an equal summertime companion.

As the month of April begins to unfurl, the progressively rising temperatures start to cause a tonne of complications for our bodies . And when the heat is at its peak, we want to internally cool down our body, filling our glasses to the brim with cold, reviving drinks; and the Thandai perfectly fits the bill.

True to its name, Thandai has a cooling effect on the body, with the elevated aromatics and flavours of rose petals and saffron only making the drink more irresistible! The incredible combination of milk, almonds, seeds, and spices creates a flavorful drink in one glass; and the cashews, almonds, raisins, melon seeds, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, cardamom, and peppercorns provide the beverage depth while also adding to its overall health in a special way. This wonderful beverage not only revitalizes the body and mind but also improves digestion, immunity, and body detoxification.

Make sure to sip on a glass of Thandai every summer day to reap its health advantages and help you get through the day, whether you want it plain, topped with some rose syrup, or even a scoop of ice cream. Moreover, MAS Drink Mixes, which expertly blend the excellence and authenticity of Indian cuisine, can be used to make this drink if you’re looking for more itnensity in the beverage. This way, you can enjoy delectableness in every sip of milk! Make your thandai in regular rose flavour with the Rose Drink Mix, or intensify the dry fruit flavours by combining it with Badam, Pista, and Kesar Pista Drink Mixes; or go one step ahead to try your traditional Thandai in a more contemporary chocolate flavour with the addition of the Chocolate Drink Mix – the choice is entirely yours to make!

Cooking Time: 15 Mins (14 hours for soaking dry fruits)

Ingredients:

Pistachios 2 tbsp
Almond 4 tbsp
Raisins 2 tbsp
Muskmelon seeds 2 tbsp
Poppy seeds 2 tbsp
Fennel Seeds 1 tbsp
Cardamom 7 pieces
Black pepper 1 tbsp
MAS Kesar Pista Drink 6 tbsp
MAS Almond Drink Mix 8 tbsp

Method:

  1. Soak all the dry fruits overnight.
  2. Add the soaked and blanched nuts to a blender and then add the poppy seeds. Next add fennel seeds, muskmelon seeds, black pepper, cardamoms and saffron. Make a coarse paste.
  3. Pour milk and blend to a smooth consistency.
  4. Add in the MAS Kesar Pista & MAS Almond Drink Mix and mix well.
  5. Pour the thandai in a glass, garnish with saffron strands and dry fruits.