Authentic Almond-Rose Badam Milk Recipe – Indian Summer Cooler

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Almond-Rose Badam Milk Recipe – Indian Summer Cooler

Introduction

There’s just something about the Indian summer that calls for cooling, comforting drinks. And honestly, nothing beats a glass of badam milk – that creamy, fragrant almond and rose milk that instantly transports me back to my childhood summers at my grandmother’s place. She always had a batch chilling in the fridge, ready to offer a sweet respite from the heat. I’m so excited to share my version with you, a recipe that’s been passed down and perfected over the years! It’s incredibly easy to make, and the aroma alone is worth the effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s a hug in a glass, a little bit of luxury, and a taste of tradition all rolled into one. Plus, it’s naturally cooling, packed with nutrients, and utterly delicious. If you’re looking for a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas or a comforting bedtime drink, you’ve found it!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 3 tablespoons almonds
• 2 heaped tablespoons pistachios
• 2 tablespoons white poppy seeds (khus khus)
• 0.25 cup melon seeds (magaz) – about 30g
• 2 tablespoons dried rose petals
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds (saunf)
• 0.5 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 0.5 cup sugar – about 100g (adjust to taste)
• 3-4 green cardamoms (seeds only)
• 1 pinch saffron strands
• 1 cup milk – about 240ml (or almond milk for a vegan version)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting the right quality makes all the difference.

Almonds: Quality and Variety

I prefer using Californian almonds for their consistent quality and flavor. You can use any variety, though – just make sure they’re fresh!

Pistachios: Choosing the Best

Look for pistachios that are vibrant green and have a slightly open shell. This indicates freshness.

White Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus): Benefits and Flavor

These little seeds add a beautiful texture and a subtle, nutty flavor. They’re also known for their cooling properties, perfect for summer.

Melon Seeds (Magaz): Regional Significance & Nutritional Value

Magaz are a bit of a hidden gem! They’re commonly used in Unani medicine and are believed to be incredibly nourishing. You can find them at Indian grocery stores or online. They add a unique richness to the badam milk.

Dried Rose Petals: Sourcing and Aroma

Make sure your rose petals are culinary grade and have a strong, sweet fragrance. The aroma is key!

Fennel Seeds (Saunf): Digestive Benefits

Fennel seeds aren’t just for after-dinner refreshment. They aid digestion and add a lovely anise-like note to the drink.

Cardamom: Green vs. Black Cardamom – Which to Use?

We’re using green cardamom here. It has a sweeter, more floral aroma than black cardamom, which is more smoky and savory.

Saffron: The ‘Red Gold’ of India – Quality & Usage

A little saffron goes a long way! Look for deep red strands – that’s a sign of good quality. Don’t be tempted to use too much, as it can make the milk slightly bitter.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get started!

1. First, we’re going to soak our ingredients. Combine the almonds, pistachios, poppy seeds, melon seeds, rose petals, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns in a bowl with 1 cup (240ml) of warm water. Let this sit for 1-2 hours. This softens everything up and releases all those wonderful flavors.
2. Now, drain the soaked ingredients, but don’t throw away the water! We want to use that too. Add the soaked ingredients and the soaking water to a blender.
3. Add the sugar, cardamom seeds, and saffron to the blender.
4. Blend, blend, blend! You want a super smooth paste. This might take a few minutes, depending on your blender. If it’s too thick, add a splash more water.
5. To serve, mix 4 tablespoons of the paste with 1 cup (240ml) of chilled milk (or almond milk) in a glass. Give it a good stir.
6. Add a few ice cubes and garnish with extra rose petals or chopped nuts. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

Soaking Time: Optimizing Flavor Extraction

Don’t rush the soaking process! The longer you soak, the more flavorful your badam milk will be.

Blending Techniques: Achieving the Perfect Consistency

A high-speed blender is your friend here. If you don’t have one, you might need to blend for a longer time and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any gritty bits.

Adjusting Sweetness: Catering to Your Preference

I like my badam milk on the sweeter side, but feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.

Using Fresh vs. Dried Rose Petals

Dried rose petals are more convenient, but if you have access to fresh, organic rose petals, go for it! Use about ¼ cup of fresh petals.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Badam Milk (Using Almond Milk)

Simply substitute the dairy milk with your favorite almond milk. It works beautifully! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.

Sugar-Free Badam Milk

Omit the sugar entirely or use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.

Spice Level: Adding a Hint of Ginger or Nutmeg

For a warming twist, add a tiny pinch of grated ginger or nutmeg to the blender.

Festival Adaptations: Badam Milk for Special Occasions (Holi, Diwali)

During festivals, I like to add a sprinkle of edible silver leaf (varak) for a touch of extravagance.

Serving Suggestions

Badam milk is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Indian sweets like gulab jamun or rasgulla
• A light snack like biscuits
• Simply enjoyed as a soothing bedtime drink

Storage Instructions

Badam milk is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the almond paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply mix with chilled milk.

FAQs

What are the health benefits of Badam Milk?

Badam milk is a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. It’s also believed to improve brain health and boost energy levels.

Can I make Badam Milk ahead of time?

You can make the almond paste ahead of time and store it in the fridge. But the milk itself is best enjoyed fresh.

What is the best type of milk to use for Badam Milk?

Full-fat milk creates the richest, creamiest badam milk. But you can use any type of milk you prefer – skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc.

Can I use almond extract instead of almonds?

While you can use almond extract, it won’t have the same depth of flavor as using whole almonds. I highly recommend using the real thing!

How can I adjust the thickness of the Badam Milk?

Add more or less milk to adjust the consistency. If you want it thicker, use less milk. If you want it thinner, use more.

What are melon seeds (magaz) and where can I find them?

Melon seeds are small, flat, white seeds that are used in traditional Indian medicine. You can find them at Indian grocery stores or online.