Navratri Thandai
Blend soaked nuts and spices into milk for a small batch of chilled festive thandai.
- Prep
- 15 min (+2 hr soak + about 2 hr chilling)
- Cook
- 10 min
- Serves
- 4 glasses
About 4 hr 25 min total elapsed time, including 4 hr for soaking, resting or cooling. Times are estimates; already boiled ingredients need separate preparation.
⚖️ Milk-based; some vrat rules allow milk
This is a non-alcoholic nut-and-milk drink, with no intoxicating ingredients. Nuts, poppy seeds, dairy and sweeteners are not part of every fasting menu, so check your household’s ingredients first. Allow separate soaking, cooling and chilling time before serving.
Ingredients 🧂
- Milk1 litre
- Sugar3–4 tbsp, adjust to taste
- Cardamom¼ tsp ground
- Poppy seeds1 tsp, if used at home
- Saffron strands (optional)6–8
- Almonds2 tbsp
- Pistachios1 tbsp
- Water for soakingenough to cover the nuts and seeds
Method 👨🍳
- 1
Soak almonds, pistachios and poppy seeds in clean water in the refrigerator for about two hours, then drain.
- 2
Peel almonds if preferred and blend the soaked mixture with a little of the measured milk until smooth.
- 3
Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan just to a boil, stirring the base, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- 4
Stir in the nut paste, sugar, cardamom and optional saffron. Simmer for about five minutes while stirring.
- 5
Transfer to shallow containers and refrigerate promptly once suitable for your container, allowing it to chill fully before serving.
- 6
Stir before pouring. Strain if you prefer a smoother texture, and keep any remaining drink refrigerated.
💡 Pro tips
- Do not leave dairy soaking at room temperature for hours.
- If a nut-free drink is needed, choose a different recipe rather than simply calling this one allergy-safe.
Plan ahead
Start the soak in advance and allow time for the heated drink to cool and chill. Keep refrigerated until pouring and use clean utensils.
Common questions
Does this Navratri thandai contain bhang?
No. This recipe uses milk, nuts and spices without intoxicating ingredients.
Can I serve it immediately after blending?
This method heats the blended paste with milk, then chills the drink. Include soaking and chilling in your schedule rather than counting only active preparation.