North Indian Holi 2026 Recipes: Make Rich And Creamy Thandai At Home With This Easy Method

Celebrate Holi 2026 with a refreshing homemade thandai. Follow this easy recipe to prepare the festive drink and add a traditional touch to your celebrations.

Step 1

In a bowl, add almonds, pistachios, melon seeds, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, green cardamom, dry rose petals, and saffron. Pour enough water to completely submerge the ingredients. Cover and let them soak for 5–6 hours or overnight.

Step 2

Once soaked, transfer the mixture along with the soaking water into a mixer jar. Add Rock sugar, nutmeg, and 650-700 ml chilled milk. Blend into a fine paste, ensuring you do not over-blend so the mixture remains cool.

Step 3

Place a sieve over a large stock pot and line it with a muslin cloth. Pour the blended mixture onto the cloth.

Step 4

Stir gently and allow the milk to pass through the sieve. Gather the edges of the muslin cloth, twist, and squeeze well to extract all the remaining milk. The thandai concentrate will collect in the pot below.

Step 5

Return the leftover paste to the mixer jar. Add another 650-700 ml chilled milk and blend again. Strain once more using the same process to extract maximum flavour from the nuts and spices.

Step 6

At this stage, your basic thandai is ready. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Chill before serving.

Step 7

To enhance richness and texture, add rabdi, fresh curd, and the remaining milk into a bowl. Whisk until smooth.

Step 8

Strain this mixture directly into the prepared thandai using a sieve. Mix well to combine.

Step 9

Refrigerate for some time to chill naturally. Avoid adding ice to maintain the authentic flavour.

Step 10

Garnish with saffron strands and slivered nuts if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy your rich, creamy homemade thandai.