Thandai Surprise

Thandai Surprise Recipe from India with Johnnie Walker® Gold Label™

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thandai Surprise is a traditional Indian drink that is perfect for special occasions and celebrations. This refreshing and flavorful drink is made with a unique blend of ingredients that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

History

Thandai Surprise has been enjoyed in India for centuries, especially during festivals like Holi and Diwali. It is believed to have originated in the northern regions of India, where it is a popular drink during the hot summer months.

Ingredients

2 oz (57 g) of Johnnie Walker® Gold Label™
1.5 liters of water
1.5 cups of sugar
1 cup of milk
1 tbsp of almonds
1 tbsp of dried and skinned watermelon/cantaloupe seeds
0.5 tbsp of poppy seeds
0.5 tbsp of aniseed
0.5 tsp of cardamom powder
1 tsp of whole peppercorns
0.25 cups of fresh rose petals (Gulkand variety)

How to prepare

Freeze the gold label for 24 hours.
Soak the sugar in 0.5 liter of water and all other dry ingredients in 2 cups of water for 2 hours.
Grind all soaked ingredients (except sugar) to a very fine paste.
Mix the remaining water with the paste and strain it using a strong muslin strainer to extract the liquid into a vessel until the residue becomes dry.
Add milk and sugar to the extracted liquid.
Mix cardamom powder and whiskey into the milk.
Chill for two hours before serving.

Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the Johnnie Walker® Gold Label™ and add more milk or water instead.
You can also experiment with different nuts and seeds to create your own unique flavor profile for Thandai Surprise.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to freeze the Johnnie Walker® Gold Label™ for 24 hours before using it in the recipe to enhance the flavor.

- Soaking the dry ingredients in water helps to soften them and release their flavors more effectively.

- Straining the mixture through a muslin strainer ensures a smooth and creamy texture for the drink.

Serving Suggestions

Thandai Surprise is best served chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cardamom powder or rose petals for a touch of elegance.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Thandai Surprise include soaking, grinding, straining, and chilling the mixture before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Johnnie Walker® Gold Label™, you can use any other whiskey or alcohol of your choice. You can also substitute the almonds with cashews or pistachios for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Thandai Surprise can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Thandai Surprise in elegant glasses garnished with a sprinkle of cardamom powder or rose petals for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Thandai Surprise pairs well with traditional Indian snacks like samosas, pakoras, and chaat. It also goes well with spicy curries and biryanis.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Thandai Surprise in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best served chilled, so make sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Thandai Surprise contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying and indulgent treat.

Carbohydrates

Thandai Surprise is a carbohydrate-rich drink, with the sugar and milk providing the majority of the carbs in the recipe.

Fats

The main source of fat in Thandai Surprise comes from the almonds and milk used in the recipe.

Proteins

The almonds and milk also contribute to the protein content of Thandai Surprise, making it a nutritious and filling drink.

Vitamins and minerals

Thandai Surprise is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially from the almonds, cantaloupe seeds, and rose petals used in the recipe.

Alergens

Thandai Surprise contains almonds and milk, which are common allergens. It is important to be mindful of any allergies when preparing and serving this drink.

Summary

Thandai Surprise is a delicious and nutritious drink that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a perfect treat for special occasions and celebrations.

Summary

Thandai Surprise is a delightful and refreshing drink that is perfect for special occasions and celebrations. With its unique blend of flavors and nutritious ingredients, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this traditional Indian drink and savor the rich flavors of Thandai Surprise!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend in India. As I entered her home, I was greeted by the sweet aroma of spices and milk wafting through the air. Curious, I asked my friend what she was making and she smiled and said it was a special drink called Thandai Surprise.

Intrigued, I watched as she carefully measured out the ingredients - almonds, pistachios, cardamom, saffron, and rose petals. She explained that Thandai Surprise was a traditional Indian drink made during the festival of Holi, a celebration of colors and love. As she ground the nuts and spices together, the kitchen filled with a fragrant and intoxicating blend of flavors.

As my friend poured the mixture into a pitcher and added cold milk, I couldn't help but be captivated by the vibrant colors and inviting scent. She then handed me a glass and said, "Try it. It's a taste of India in a glass."

I took a sip and was immediately transported to a world of exotic spices and creamy sweetness. The Thandai Surprise was like nothing I had ever tasted before - a perfect balance of flavors that danced on my taste buds and left me craving more.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this magical drink. My friend graciously shared her recipe with me, and I eagerly scribbled it down in my recipe book. Little did I know that this simple act of curiosity would lead me on a culinary journey that would shape my love for cooking and sharing delicious meals with others.

Back home, I set out to recreate the Thandai Surprise in my own kitchen. I gathered the ingredients and carefully followed the steps, grinding the nuts and spices to create a fragrant paste. As I poured the mixture into a pitcher and added cold milk, I couldn't help but smile at the memories of my time in India and the warm hospitality I had experienced.

When I took my first sip of the Thandai Surprise that I had made myself, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The flavors were just as rich and complex as I remembered, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my collection.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Thandai Surprise with friends and family, passing down the tradition of this special drink from generation to generation. Each time I make it, I am reminded of the warm summer day in India when I first discovered the magic of this delicious beverage.

As I sit here now, sipping on a glass of Thandai Surprise and reminiscing about my culinary adventures, I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped my love for cooking and the joy of sharing delicious meals with others. I may have learned this recipe from a friend in India, but it has become a part of my own culinary identity, a symbol of the connection between food, culture, and memories. And for that, I am truly thankful.