As soon as the festival of Holi arrives, colors, enthusiasm and sweetness dissolve everywhere. It is not just a day to play with colours, but it is also a special occasion to share happiness with family and friends. Gujiya, namkeen and various other dishes are prepared in homes, but if we talk about the special identity of Holi, then the name of Thandai comes first. Holi celebration seems incomplete without Thandai.

On the occasion of Holi 2026, if you also want to make something traditional and special in your home, then definitely try the recipe of traditional thandai given by famous chef Sanjeev Kapoor. This recipe is a great combination of taste, aroma and health. It has such a balance of milk, dry fruits and aromatic spices that everyone will like. So let us know the easy way to make it.

Make traditional thandai with Sanjeev Kapoor

1. To make Sanjeev Kapoor’s traditional Thandai, first pour milk in a deep non-stick pan and boil it on medium flame.

2. After this, add almonds, pistachios, poppy seeds, melon seeds and cashew nuts with 2-3 tablespoons of hot milk in a mixer and make a fine paste. Keep this paste aside in a bowl.

3. Now grind green cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon and dry rose petals together and prepare a fine powder.

4. When the milk starts boiling well, add saffron threads in it, then add sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

5. Now add prepared dry fruits paste in milk and cook for 2-3 minutes. After this, add a little prepared masala powder and cook for 1-2 minutes more, so that all the aromas get mixed well in the milk.

6. Turn off the gas and let the thandai cool down, then fill it in a jar and keep it in the refrigerator. While serving, garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios and enjoy cold thandai.

Also read – Holi 2026 Special: Make saffron-almond sherbet at home for guests on Holi, know the easy recipe.

Importance of Thandai in Holi

Thandai is not just a drink but a tradition during Holi. It is especially made to cool the body in spring season. Made from milk, dry fruits and spices, this drink is not only tasty but also nutritious. Spices like cardamom and black pepper help in digestion, while almonds and pistachios provide energy to the body. At many places, on the occasion of Holi, a small amount of bhang is also added to the thandai, which adds to the excitement and fun of the festival, however, it is used thoughtfully and in limited quantities only.

Also read – Holi 2026: Why is Gujiya made on Holi? Know its history and easy way to make it at home