The festive spreads in India are quite heavy because they include many fried snacks, flatbread, paneer, non-veg, and desserts made with ghee. To accompany them, you need a beverage, and your usual sodas won’t complement the charm of Indian spices and flavours as they do with fast food.
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Hence, milk-based beverages are the best category to explore for every home chef. They are easy to make, boast a refreshing taste, and perfectly pair with your food. This festive season, try to prepare the recommended beverages for a soulful indulgence.
Masala Doodh
Serve masala doodh with breakfast, and you will not hear the end of praises. It is better than your everyday chai and will keep you full for a long time. It is prepared by grinding cloves, pistachios, cashews, almonds, saffron strands, walnuts, and cinnamon into a coarse mixture. Add two tablespoons of this blend into boiling milk, sprinkle sugar, and add grated nutmeg. This beverage is nourishing and delicious.
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Thandai
Thandai has caught a bad reputation for pairing with bhang during Holi celebrations. It is a refreshing drink that can be consumed at any festival. It can be served with snacks to guests for an energising indulgence. The mixture that goes inside the milk is made of poppy seeds, almonds, rose petals, fennel seeds, black pepper, cardamom, and sugar. You can also add more nuts to make it healthier.
Rose Milk
The essence of rose milk is intoxicating because it instantly uplifts your mood. All you need to prepare this beverage is some crushed cardamoms, rose petals, sugar, rose syrup, and vanilla extract. It is lightweight but has the potential to curb your cravings and prevent you from overindulging in the festive season. It is a popular choice of drink in South India and is often served cold.
Kesar Doodh
Kesar doodh is the easiest beverage recipe to whip up this festive season if you think you have invested all the time into preparing a lavish spread. Heat some milk, add sugar, and sprinkle some saffron strands on the top. The recipe is complete. You can either serve the beverage warm or cold. It is also associated with healing properties and will definitely energise your body.
Badam Milk
Much like kesar milk, you can also prepare badam milk. It pairs well with lightweight breakfast and snacks. The best thing about this recipe is you can consume it whenever you are hungry instead of ordering food or overindulging in snacks. It will keep your body upbeat and energise it so you can work with more efficiency this Diwali.
Lassi
Lassi is made with curd and milk. It is fulfilling, delicious, and nutritious. Whether you are making parathas or puri sabzi, it will fit perfectly in the menu of the festive spread. You can top it with rose syrup, mango syrup, crushed nuts, and even ground dry fruits to add oomph and improve the flavour profile. Serve it with some rose petals on the top for garnish.