How to Craft the Exquisite Thandai- A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Iconic Indian Summer Drink

How to Prepare Thandai: A Refreshing and Traditional Indian Drink

Thandai is a delightful and refreshing drink that is particularly popular during the hot summer months in India. Made from a blend of milk, almonds, and a variety of spices, this drink is not only delicious but also has cooling properties that help alleviate the heat. If you’re interested in preparing thandai at home, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this traditional Indian beverage.

Ingredients

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

– 2 cups of milk
– 1/2 cup of almonds (soaked overnight)
– 1/4 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads
– 1/4 teaspoon of rose water
– 1/4 teaspoon of black salt
– Ice cubes (optional)

Soaking the Almonds

Begin by soaking the almonds in water overnight. This will make them easier to grind and extract the milk. After soaking, peel the almonds and set them aside.

Grinding the Almonds

In a blender, add the peeled almonds and 1 cup of milk. Blend until you get a smooth paste. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more milk while blending.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the almond paste, remaining milk, sugar, cardamom powder, saffron threads, rose water, and black salt. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.

Straining the Mixture

Using a fine sieve or cheesecloth, strain the mixture to remove any remaining bits of almond skin and impurities. This will ensure a smooth and creamy thandai.

Chilling the Drink

Pour the strained thandai into a serving bowl or glass. Add ice cubes if desired, and stir gently to combine. The ice will help keep the drink cold and refreshing.

Serving

Serve the thandai chilled, garnished with a few saffron threads or a sprig of mint. Enjoy this cooling beverage on a hot summer day or as a refreshing treat any time of the year.

By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare thandai at home and experience the delightful flavors of this traditional Indian drink. Enjoy!