Wish you all a very happy Holi 2021!!!
I really don’t have much to explain in this post because I am sure if you are already following my blog, you will know what this drink is all about except for when to add the mango puree to the thandai base and what type of mangoes tastes the best. I have already explained in my last post about what Holi is, why Holi is celebrated, what is Thandai, and how to make thandai masala powder, and how to make thandai drink at home from scratch.
If you have missed all this please read my post on THANDAI DRINK. Mango Thandai or Aam Thandai is a quick and tasty twist or variation to the authentic thandai recipe. If you are a mango lover then you are going to love this simple mango drink recipe. I can go on with names of mangoes that are available in India, specially during the peak season from March to May, but I love Alphonso, Banganapalli, Badami, and Mundappa a lot and we buy the same from the market when mangoes are in season. If you are looking for color along with taste you cannot beat the king of mangoes, Alphonso. I prefer adding puree made from fresh mango pulp as it enhances the taste of the dish.
But if you want to make this recipe during the off-season to satisfy your craving or if fresh mangoes are not available then use canned mango pulp. But the taste will vary accordingly due to the preservatives added in canned mango pulp. Another important tip while using mango puree in milk-based drinks like this one or in kheer or pudding is that - always make sure you add mango puree only when the milk reaches room temperature else the milk may milk curdle and your drink is going to be a disaster.
The recipe for thandai masala remains the same. Vary the amount of spices, nuts, and seeds as per your taste. 15 to 18 Almonds or Badam 15 Cashews 16 to 20 Black peppercorns or Kali mirch 12 to 15 Green Cardamom pods or Elaichi 1 tablespoon Fennel seeds or Saunf 1 tablespoon Poppy seeds or Khus Khus 1 ½ tablespoon Watermelon seeds or Magaz 1 tablespoon Dried rose petals ⅛ teaspoon Saffron strands or Kesar 4 cups Whole milk ( 1 liter) ½ cup Sugar 1 ½ to 2 cups, Mango puree, as per taste Sliced Pistachios, for garnish Rose petals, for garnish
The steps to prepare mango thandai remain the same as the traditional and authentic THANDAI DRINK (that includes making thandai powder or masala, adding it to milk along with sugar, and then allowing milk to absorb all flavors, and finally straining it using a sieve or filter), except for a final step explained below. Once the traditional thandai is ready and chilled, you should add the mango puree and mix everything well. Keep it in the refrigerator till you are ready to serve. This drink tastes good only when served chilled. Room temperature thandai will not taste as good as the chilled one. To save time add chilled mango puree (from a tin) or puree from chilled mangoes.
Thandai or Traditional Thandai: Also called badam or almond thandai is prepared using assorted nuts, seeds, and spices. Rose Thandai: This is prepared by adding rose essence or syrup, rose petals, and also gulkand. Guava Thandai: Addition of guava juice in the drink Badaam Kesar Thandai or Pista Kesar Thandai: Made with extra saffron (kesar) and almonds or pistachios Bhang Thandai: Weed drink, cannabis-infused drink that includes the addition of bhang causing intoxicating effect when consumed.
All these variations of thandai taste best when prepared using whole milk. But feel free to use half and half, 2 % milk, or skim milk too. But if you want to make it vegan or dairy-free, then add coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk. What is your favorite thandai flavor? The choice does not end here. Since this drink is specially prepared in India during the Holi festival or from the beginning of the summer season, you can add fruit juice or puree from fresh fruits available in Summer like jambu, Jamun, melons, etc., to make thandai.
Best Indian sweets and desserts recipes Diwali snacks recipes Fasting or Vrat recipes Diwali sweets recipe
Recipe card
If you like this Indian Mango Thandai drink recipe
Don’t miss to check out some of my popular and delicious Indian recipes to try this festival and holiday season, special occasions, or any time of the year. For more recent updates, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter. Click below to save it on Pinterest
