Holi is all about colours, fun, food and selfies!  Add more flavours to your Holi celebration with these easy to make desi beverages. Try them.

Almond Thandai

For the mix:

Almonds 8/10,Green cardamom 2/3, Poppy seeds (khuskhus) 2 tbsp, Fennel seeds (saunf) 1 tsp, 5-6 black peppercorns (kali mirch), roasted watermelon seeds 1 tsp, A pinch of nutmeg – optional

For the drink:

• 4 /5 cups of Milk
• Sugar 3/4 tsp
• Pinch of Saffron

For Garnish:

Chopped Pistachios, Silver Leaves/rose petals

Method

• Take all the mix ingredients in a grinder and grind really fine.
• Boil the milk sugar and few strands of saffron.
• Add the spiced mix paste and mix it well. Add more water if needed.
• Strain the mixture to remove any particles to make a smooth Milk.
• Cool and let it refrigerate for a minimum of one hour or even overnight to let the spices infuse in the drink.
• Give it a mix before serving. Garnish and serve.
• If you have rose water or dried crushed rose petals, add some to taste.

Saffron Milk

Ingredients

• 5 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Few strands of saffron
• 4 green cardamoms - powdered

Garnish:

• Pistachios-blanched & shredded
• Almonds-blanched & shredded

Method

• Put milk in a pan and bring to a boil.
• Simmer over low heat, stirring a few times till it thickens (about 1/3 should be evaporated, at least).
• Add sugar, saffron and cardamom powder.
• Stir till the sugar is dissolved and simmer for about 5 min.
• Serve hot or cool down and add crushed ice
• Garnish with green cardamoms, pistachios and almonds.

Strawberry Lassi

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberry puree 1/2 cup
• Yoghurt 3-4 cups
• Granulated sugar, to taste
• Water or crushed ice, to top

Method

• Blend yoghurt, sugar and water or crushed ice.
• Pour into glass and add strawberry puree for a good color base.
• Garnish with a lemon slice or mint leaves.