Refreshing Bhang Thandai: Traditional Indian Cannabis Drink for Holi

Bhang Thandai: A Festive Indian Cannabis Drink for Holi

Bhang Thandai, a popular festive drink from India, is a refreshing and indulgent cold beverage enjoyed during Holi, the vibrant festival of colors. This unique drink blends the richness of full-fat milk with aromatic spices, almonds, and the special twist of bhang paste, making it both flavorful and potent. Perfect for celebrating the joyous occasion of Holi, Bhang Thandai combines the goodness of traditional Indian spices with a twist of cannabis for an unforgettable drink experience.

Ingredients for Bhang Thandai

Preparation Time

Instructions to Prepare Bhang Thandai

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Begin by preparing all your ingredients. First, blanch the almonds by soaking them in hot water, peel the skin off, and set them aside for later use.

2. Grind the Masala:
   In a mixer grinder, combine the poppy seeds, fennel seeds, blanched almonds, whole black peppercorns, cardamom pods (or powder), and the essential bhang paste. Grind them together into a smooth powder or paste, ensuring everything is well-blended.

3. Boil the Milk:
   In a large saucepan, bring the full-fat milk to a brisk boil. Once the milk begins to rise and boil, add the saffron strands to infuse the milk with its aromatic essence.

4. Mix the Masala:
   Once the milk has come to a boil, stir in the prepared bhang masala paste and sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely, and the milk becomes infused with the flavors of the spices.

5. Whisk to Perfection:
   To ensure the masala is evenly mixed, either stir the mixture with a spoon or use an electric hand blender to whisk it well. This helps in achieving a smooth, uniform texture.

6. Cool and Refrigerate:
   Turn off the heat and allow the Bhang Thandai mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the beverage for at least 5 to 6 hours. This will help the flavors meld and give the drink a refreshing chill. If you’re in a hurry, feel free to add some ice cubes to speed up the cooling process.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve your chilled Bhang Thandai in glasses. It’s traditionally enjoyed during the Holi festival, paired with delicious Indian snacks like Baked Maddur Vada or Makki Paneer Pakora. This drink is the perfect festive refreshment for the occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Bhang Thandai is often served during Holi celebrations, where it is enjoyed with family and friends amidst the vibrant colors of the festival. For an extra special touch, pair it with traditional snacks like Baked Maddur Vada and Makki Paneer Pakora, which complement the drink’s rich and spicy flavor profile.

Dietary Information

• Cuisine: Indian
• Course: Snack
• Dietary: Vegetarian
• Servings: 4

This delightful drink not only celebrates the festive spirit of Holi but also offers a blend of health benefits from the traditional ingredients used. With its mix of almonds, fennel, and saffron, it can be a wonderful way to enjoy an indulgent yet nourishing treat.

Enjoy your Bhang Thandai responsibly and celebrate Holi with joy and flavor!