Tired of aerated drinks that aren't even healthy? On Holi a traditional Thandai goes a long way. Pour it into tall earthen glasses, garnish with fruit and nuts, and serve this ambrosial delight that not only tastes great but is also very healthy. In fact, this adaptable beverage can be made in a variety of ways. Here are some Thandai variations to try this Holi season.

The Classic Thandai

The classic thandai is an aromatic drink made by mixing several exotic spices and nuts, adding them to a concoction of milk, water and cream and finally straining them to draw a drink that tastes heavenly!

Ingredients:

Soaking Nuts, Seeds ,almonds

white poppy seeds

pistachios (unsalted)

melon seeds

peeled pumpkin seeds (unsalted)

fennel seeds

black pepper

Milk

Sugar

Method:

In a bowl, pour 1 cup of warm water.

Add rinsed nuts, seeds, almonds, white poppy seeds, pistachios, melon seeds, pumpkin seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper to warm water and leave it for 90 minutes.

Now pour the whole mixture including the soaking water in a grinder or blender jar. Do make sure to use a good grinder or blender.

Add sugar according to your taste.

Then add seeds from 3 to 4 green cardamoms.

Grind the mixture to a very smooth and fine paste. Remove in a bowl and keep aside.

Take 4 tablespoons of the thandai paste in a glass. You can add less or more as per your requirements.

Add 1 cup of cold or chilled milk. You can also use half-half combination of milk and water.

Mango Thandai

Do you want to add a creative twist to your thandai? Try this incredible is rich and delicious; a must-have in the summer. Mango adds a rich, luxurious flavour!

Ingredients:

Soaking Nuts, Seeds ,almonds

white poppy seeds

pistachios (unsalted)

melon seeds

peeled pumpkin seeds (unsalted)

fennel seeds

black pepper

Milk

Sugar

Mango Pulp

Method:

In a bowl, pour 1 cup of warm water.

Add rinsed nuts, seeds, almonds, white poppy seeds, pistachios, melon seeds, pumpkin seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper to warm water and leave it for 90 minutes.

Now pour the whole mixture including the soaking water in a grinder or blender jar. Do make sure to use a good grinder or blender.

Add sugar according to your taste.

Then add seeds from 3 to 4 green cardamoms.

Grind the mixture to a very smooth and fine paste. Remove in a bowl and keep aside.

Take 4 tablespoons of the thandai paste in a glass. You can add less or more as per your requirements.

Add Mango pulp according to your taste.

Add 1 cup of cold or chilled milk. You can also use half-half combination of milk and water.

Badam Kesar Thandai

This Thandai, made with almonds and saffron, is pleasing to both the eyes and the palate. This celebrated drink's colour and flavour make it one of the most sought-after Holi preparations.

Ingredients:

Soaking Nuts, Seeds ,almonds

white poppy seeds

pistachios (unsalted)

melon seeds

peeled pumpkin seeds (unsalted)

fennel seeds

black pepper

Milk

Sugar

Saffron

Method:

In a bowl, pour 1 cup of warm water.

Add rinsed nuts, seeds, almonds, white poppy seeds, pistachios, melon seeds, pumpkin seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper, saffron to warm water and leave it for 90 minutes.

Now pour the whole mixture including the soaking water in a grinder or blender jar. Do make sure to use a good grinder or blender.

Add sugar according to your taste.

Then add seeds from 3 to 4 green cardamoms.

Grind the mixture to a very smooth and fine paste. Remove in a bowl and keep aside.

Take 4 tablespoons of the thandai paste in a glass. You can add less or more as per your requirements.

Add 1 cup of cold or chilled milk. You can also use half-half combination of milk and water.

Rose Thandai

Rose Thandai is a delectable variation on the traditional Thandai. This drink is so sweet, spicy, and flavorful that you will never be able to stop drinking it. So delectable!

Ingredients:

Soaking Nuts, Seeds ,almonds

white poppy seeds

pistachios (unsalted)

melon seeds

peeled pumpkin seeds (unsalted)

fennel seeds

black pepper

Milk

Sugar

Rose petals (dried)

Method:

In a bowl, pour 1 cup of warm water.

Add rinsed nuts, seeds, almonds, white poppy seeds, pistachios, melon seeds, pumpkin seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper, rose petals to warm water and leave it for 90 minutes.

Now pour the whole mixture including the soaking water in a grinder or blender jar. Do make sure to use a good grinder or blender.

Add sugar according to your taste.

Then add seeds from 3 to 4 green cardamoms.

Grind the mixture to a very smooth and fine paste. Remove in a bowl and keep aside.

Take 4 tablespoons of the thandai paste in a glass. You can add less or more as per your requirements.

Add 1 cup of cold or chilled milk. You can also use half-half combination of milk and water.

Soya Thandai

If you're a vegetarian, this is the one for you! Here's a fragrant treat that even you can't resist. Soya milk boiled with thandai spice mix of cardamom, fennel seeds, and dry fruits is a soul-satisfying treat.

Ingredients:

Soaking Nuts, Seeds ,almonds

white poppy seeds

pistachios (unsalted)

melon seeds

peeled pumpkin seeds (unsalted)

fennel seeds

black pepper

Soya Milk

Sugar

Method:

In a bowl, pour 1 cup of warm water.

Add rinsed nuts, seeds, almonds, white poppy seeds, pistachios, melon seeds, pumpkin seeds, fennel seeds, black pepper to warm water and leave it for 90 minutes.

Now pour the whole mixture including the soaking water in a grinder or blender jar. Do make sure to use a good grinder or blender.

Add sugar according to your taste.

Then add seeds from 3 to 4 green cardamoms.

Grind the mixture to a very smooth and fine paste. Remove in a bowl and keep aside.

Take 4 tablespoons of the thandai paste in a glass. You can add less or more as per your requirements.

Add 1 cup of cold or chilled soya milk. You can also use half-half combination of milk and water.

Source - IANS