Thandai Frappe is a classic and refreshing drink that is brimming with exotic Thandai flavors. Made with homemade Thandai Powder it comes together in just 5 minutes.
A blend of nuts, seeds, and spices not only makes it healthy and nutritious but also makes an excellent vegetarian, gluten-free beverage for Holi, hot summer days or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Sharing dishes family-style fosters a sense of togetherness and hospitality.
Table of contents
About Thandai Frappe
Thandai flavored frappe is a delectable Indian twist on the ageless frappe drink, blending the traditional thandai flavors with a modern frappe-style presentation. Prepared using basic ingredients, this classic drink gets done in just 5 minutes!
Whether you are looking for a refreshing drink to beat the summer heat or want to try a new festive drink recipe for Holi, this thandai flavored frappe is here to the rescue. Plus, it is also a great drink for parties and get-togethers.
Make this for a Holi party or at any gathering, and it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Thandai is one of the most popular Indian cooling drinks which is nutty and has an extravaganza of flavors. And Thandai flavored frappe turns out just the next level drink with the addition of ice, saffron, and rose water. It not only looks so pretty but tastes heavenly too!
To make thandai flavored frappe, start by blending together milk, ice cubes, thandai powder, saffron-soaked milk, kewra water, and sugar in a blender and blend until frothy and smooth. Pour the mixture into a glass and garnish with chopped pistachios or almonds. Your Indian style Thandai Flavoured frappe is now ready to serve! Done.
Not only is this frappe a delectable and reviving drink, but it also has distinct flavors. Also, it is laden with the goodness of nutrients and is a nourishing option for any time of year.
If you want to make it healthier, then you can skip ice-cream or add sugar alternatives such as honey or maple syrup.
So why not give this exquisite and bracing drink a try during your next Holi celebration or in summer? With its nutty texture, delightful taste, and thirst-quenching qualities, thandai flavored frappe is sure to become a new favorite in your collection of Indian cooling drinks.
This Thandai Frappe
✓ boosts energy & improves digestion
✓ is a refreshing & delicious drink
✓ is ideal for hot summer days
✓ is often served during Holi
✓ is an amazing twist on the frappe drink
✓ is nourishing and full of essential nutrients
✓ can also be made without ice cream & sugar
✓ has glorious Indian dessert flavors
✓ can be served at parties or gatherings
✓ can be customized to suit your taste preferences
Ingredients
Thandai flavored frappe is a delicious and refreshing drink that’s made with a blend of traditional Indian ingredients. Here are some of the key ingredients that go into making this delectable beverage:
- Thandai Powder/Masala: Thandai powder is a spice and nut blend Prepared by blending together a mixture of nuts, spices, and dried rose petals.
The main ingredients of Thandai powder include almonds, cashews, pistachios, green cardamom, saffron strands, fennel seeds, melon seeds, poppy seeds, and edible dried rose petals.
I have used homemade Thandai Powder for this recipe, but you can also use store-bought thandai powder.
- Milk: It is also a key ingredient in the thandai flavored frappe recipe. It adds a creamy and milky taste to this frappe drink. I used full-cream milk here, but you can surely use semi-skimmed here.
Don’t use fat-free milk as it wouldn’t give the required creamy texture to the frappe. You can also use non-dairy milk alternatives such as unsweetened almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk.
-
Vanilla ice cream: It adds sweetness and creamy texture to the frappe. I have used homemade vanilla ice cream, but you can also add store-bought vanilla ice cream, that would work just fine. For a more Indianized taste, you can also opt for kesar pista ice cream.
-
Sweetener: I have added some white sugar to sweeten and balance the nutty, spicy flavors of this frappe recipe, you can also use sugar alternatives here. However, to make the drink healthier, you can also use sugar alternatives such as honey or maple syrup.
-
Ice: Frappe is blended with ice and typically served chilled. You can also serve it over ice to help it make a refreshing and cooling drink.
-
Whipped Cream: It is used as a topping to give it an ideal frappe look and taste. Adding whipped cream is absolutely optional here.
-
Flavorings: I have used saffron-infused milk and kewra water for flavoring this Frappe. You can also use vanilla or almond extract here.
-
Garnish: To make it look festive, I have garnished this frappe with whipped cream, saffron-soaked milk, chopped pistachios, and dried rose petals. You can use any of your favorite toppings here.
Thandai Frappe Variations
Thandai flavored frappe tastes so delightful as it is, but if you like to experiment with flavors and ingredients, then this recipe is perfect for you because it is a flexible and customizable drink.
With a little experimentation and customization, you can create your own unique version of this classic Indian drink. That means you can easily adjust it to make it more suitable for your taste buds. Here are some variations of thandai flavored frappe that you can try:
-
Mango Thandai Frappe – If you’re into mango-flavored drinks or looking for a fruity variation such as a mango lassi or mango milkshake, then you are definitely going to enjoy mango-flavored thandai frappe. For this version, try adding some fresh or frozen mango to the blender along with other ingredients. This tropical version would certainly become your favorite summertime drink for sipping.
-
Strawberry Thandai Frappe – Love strawberry-flavored frappe or other strawberry drinks such as strawberry milkshake, or Korean strawberry milk? Then you should try this strawberry thandai frappe. To make this variation, you can add some fresh or frozen strawberries to the blender and blend them with other ingredients. Also, swap vanilla ice cream with strawberry ice cream.
-
Vegan Thandai Frappe – If you are into vegan drinks, then you can simply make it by replacing milk with a plant-based milk alternative such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Also, swap regular vanilla ice cream with vegan vanilla ice cream
-
Chocolate Thandai Frappe – Love chocolate flavors in drinks and desserts? Then, for a decadent twist on the thandai frappe, add some chocolate syrup and cocoa powder to the blender and pulse to make chocolate thandai frappe.
This is going to be a perfect treat for chocolate lovers.
- Paan Thandai Frappes – for this version, add some paan leaves and a few drops of paan extract to the blender along with other thandai flavored frappe ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour it into the glass, and top with whipped cream, tutti fruitti, and mukhwas.
Serving Suggestions
This Indian style Thandai flavored frappe is usually served chilled in a glass. You can always garnish it with any of your favorite toppings for added flavors and textures. Serve it at festive occasions like Holi, or as a refreshing summer drink to enjoy anytime. You can also pair it with some festive snacks such as gujiya, besan paara, and chana dal namkeen.
If you are serving it to a crowd, then make a large pitcher ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Then place a variety of toppings and garnishes at the drink bar along with the thandai milkshake, a classic thandai drink, and let your guests customize their own thandai flavored frappe drinks to their liking.
Storage suggestions
For the best flavor and texture, it is best to consume Thandai frappe immediately after making it. However, if you end up with some leftovers, then add it to an airtight pitcher/bottle and store them for up to 24 hours.
When you want to drink, give it a good stir or shake it well and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks to make the best Thandai Frappe
Below are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect thandai frappe every time:
1. Use fresh powder and other ingredients – To get the best-tasting thandai frappe flavors it is suggested to use fresh and high-quality thandai powder and other ingredients. Also, when making thandai powder, be sure to use fresh nuts and seeds that are not rancid.
2. Strain it – If you want a smooth and uniform frappe without texture, then you can strain the mixture to remove any large pieces or grittiness after blending the frappe.
3. Adjust the sweetness to your liking – I have added 2 tablespoons of sugar to this frappe. But you can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup depending on your taste preferences.
4. Customize it – You can easily customize it to your taste. This frappe is a versatile drink that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different variations and flavors to create your own unique version of the drink.
5. Add fruits – To give it a fruity flavor, add any of your favorite fruits. The fruits that taste good in this recipe are mango, apple, banana, strawberries, blueberries, and papaya.
6. Flavour it up – You can add any of your favorite flavorings to this thandai flavored frappe. The flavors that go well in this frappe recipe are saffron, gulkand (rose jam), cinnamon, cardamom, rose water, kewra water, vanilla extract, almond extract, or rose syrup.
FAQ
What is thandai frappe?
Thandai Flavored Frappe is a classic spin on frappe drink. Due to the addition of thandai powder, it is a way more refreshing, nutritious, and flavorsome drink than the regular Frappe. This Indian cooling drink is typically served chilled.
Is Thandai Frappe a healthy drink?
Due to the ingredients used in thandai powder, this frappe is considered a healthy drink when consumed in moderation. To make it a healthy drink, skip adding ice cream and also skip adding sugar or use sugar-free alternatives.
What are the health benefits of thandai frappe?
This frappe is a healthy drink when made without ice cream and refined sugar-free alternatives. It is loaded with a good source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
It is also rich in nutrients, including fiber, protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. The nuts and species and this drink also improve digestion, enhance immune function, and reduce the inflammation.
Can I make thandai frappe in advance?
Thandai flavored frappe tastes really good when served immediately after blending. But if you are making it for a party or get-together, then you can make it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
When you want to serve, stir it, pour in serving glasses, and top it with whipped cream, and nuts.
Thandai Frappe (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How to make Thandai Frappe
- In a blender, combine the ice cubes, thandai powder, milk, sugar, saffron-soaked milk, vanilla ice cream, and rose water. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the drink into serving glasses. It would make 3 large or 6 small servings. Top with whipped cream, chopped pistachios, and dried rose petals. If desired. drizzle with some saffron-soaked milk. Serve immediately and enjoy chilled.
Recipe Card
Thandai Frappe [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 3 reviews)
Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
---|---|---|
4 mins | ||
Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
Drinks | Indian | 3 large |
Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
321 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Thandai Frappe
- 3 cups chilled whole milk (full-fat milk)
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
- 3 tablespoons thandai powder
- 13-14 ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon warm milk, soaked in a pinch of saffron for 10 minutes
- 1/2 teaspoon rose/kewra water
For serving (optional):
- Whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon dried rose petals
- 1 tablespoon saffron-soaked milk
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to make Thandai Frappe
- In a blender, combine the ice cubes, thandai powder, milk, sugar, saffron-soaked milk, vanilla ice cream, and rose water. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the drink into serving glasses. It would make 3 large or 6 small servings. Top with whipped cream, chopped pistachios, and dried rose petals. If desired. drizzle with some saffron-soaked milk. Serve immediately and enjoy chilled.
WATCH RECIPE VIDEO: Click the play button and video will load ...
NOTES:
- You can find thandai masala powder at an Indian grocery store or make your own by grinding together almonds, cashews, pistachios, cardamom, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, and rose petals. If you're making your own thandai powder, make sure to use fresh ingredients and grind them fine to get the best flavor and texture.
- If you want a thicker consistency, then increase the number of ice cubes or reduce the amount of milk.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the frappe to your liking by adding more or less sugar. You can also avoid adding sugar completely.
- If you want to make this recipe vegan, then swap milk with plant-based milk such as almond milk or oat milk. And vanilla ice cream with vegan ice cream.
- You can easily double or triple this recipe if you are making it for a crowd. Making this recipe in a larger batch is very simple, just double or triple the ingredients and blend in batches.