Holi Special Drinks 2024: 7 Traditional Indian Drinks To Quench Your Thirst On The Festival | Food News News
Celebrate Holi 2024 with a refreshing twist as we unveil 7 traditional Indian drinks to quench your thirst and elevate your festive spirits. From revitalising sherbets to aromatic thandai, immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours and cultural richness of India’s time-honoured beverages this festive season.
Thandai, a Holi favourite drink
Across India, many people are gearing up to celebrate the colourful festival of Holi. Falling on the 25th of March, this Hindu festival marks the coming of spring and people celebrate by playing with colours, dancing and of course, feasting on delicious festive dishes.
With all that activity in the heat of the Indian sun, this high-energy festival demands you stay hydrated. This is where Holi’s special time-honoured beverage traditions come into play and across the country, special drinks are prepared through the day. From energising to giving a heady kick or just simply quenching your thirst so you can get back to the party, Holi can’t be imagined without these traditional beverages of India.
There’s no drink more synonymous with Holi than Thandai. It’s a mixture of milk, thandai powder, and sugar, making it a go-to refreshment during the festival. Besides being a festive treat, Thandai offers various health benefits, such as improving gut health and boosting immunity.
Another top choice for Holi refreshments, this drink is traditionally made with black carrots, but can also be prepared with red carrots and beetroot. This fermented drink is often compared to kombucha for its numerous health benefits, including boosting metabolism and immunity, making it an ideal beverage for Holi celebrations.
Kanji, a healthy fermented carrot drink
Beyond the culinary appeal, bhang holds cultural significance as a spiritual drink used in religious ceremonies, particularly during Holi. Dating back to ancient times, it’s an integral part of the festival. Bhang is made from the leaves and flowers of the female cannabis plant, mixed with milk, spices, and sweeteners. It’s essential to consume bhang in moderation due to its potent effects.
Summers are for mango appreciation, and Aam Panna is a perfect for Holi festivities. Known for its hydrating properties, it provides instant refreshment during hot weather. Made by boiling raw mangoes, extracting the pulp, and adding sugar syrup and spices, Aam Panna offers a delightful sweet and savoury experience.
After the excitement of Holi, a glass of jaljeera provides a refreshing way to cool down. This digestive drink is often served at the beginning of a meal. Made with cumin powder, tamarind pulp, mint leaves, jaggery, and spices, it’s quick and easy to prepare, offering bold flavours to excite your taste buds.
A popular yoghurt-based drink, is a popular choice for quenching thirst during the summer months. It’s also enjoyed in various flavours such as plain, salted, rose, strawberry, and chocolate, Lassi is best served chilled with ice cubes for added refreshment.
Kesar Doodh, also known as saffron milk, is a traditional Holi beverage made with milk, sugar, saffron, cardamom, pistachios, and almonds. This nutritious and delicious drink aids digestion, making it an ideal choice after indulging in festive feasts.