Gulkand Rose Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Cooler Drink

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Gulkand Rose Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Cooler Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick and easy way to beat the summer heat. And honestly, nothing does it quite like a tall glass of chilled Rose Milk. This isn’t just any Rose Milk though – we’re taking it up a notch with the addition of gulkand, that sweet, fragrant rose petal jam that just screams summer in India. I first made this when my niece visited, and she absolutely adored it! It’s been a family favourite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gulkand Rose Milk is seriously the easiest thing you’ll make all week. It takes just 5 minutes to whip up, requires minimal ingredients, and is unbelievably refreshing. Plus, it’s a beautiful, naturally pink drink that just feels special. It’s perfect for a quick afternoon treat, a light dessert, or even to serve guests. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy drink:

• 500 ml milk (about 2 cups)
• 2 tbsp gulkand (rose petal jam)
• 1 tbsp rose syrup
• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients, because a few little things can make a big difference!

Gulkand (Rose Petal Jam) – Origin and Varieties

Gulkand is a traditional Indian confection made from rose petals and sugar. It’s known for its cooling properties and beautiful floral aroma. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or even online. There are different varieties – some are smoother, some have more rose petal pieces. I personally prefer a smoother gulkand for this recipe, but feel free to experiment!

Milk – Choosing the Right Type

Full-fat milk will give you the richest, creamiest Rose Milk, but you can absolutely use any kind of milk you prefer. I’ve made it with everything from whole milk to skim milk, and it’s always delicious.

Rose Syrup – Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Rose syrup adds an extra layer of rose flavour. You can easily find good quality rose syrup in most supermarkets or Indian stores. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own! There are tons of recipes online.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First, grab your blender. Add the chilled milk, gulkand, and rose syrup.
2. Now, blend everything together until it’s smooth and frothy. Don’t overblend, just until everything is nicely combined.
3. Pour the beautiful pink mixture into your favourite serving glasses.
4. If you like, add a few ice cubes to each glass.
5. For an extra indulgent treat, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. (Seriously, don’t skip this if you’re a fan of vanilla and rose together – it’s heavenly!)
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Chill everything! Using chilled milk and even chilling your glasses beforehand will make the drink extra refreshing.
• Adjust to your taste: Feel free to add more or less gulkand and rose syrup depending on how sweet and floral you like your drink.
• Don’t have a blender? You can also make this by hand! Just whisk the ingredients together vigorously until the gulkand dissolves. It’ll take a little more effort, but it’s totally doable.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

Vegan Rose Milk

Want to make this vegan? Simply swap the dairy milk for your favourite plant-based milk – almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work beautifully. Just make sure it’s unsweetened so you can control the sweetness level.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with 1 tablespoon of gulkand and adjust to your liking. You can also reduce the amount of rose syrup.

Spice Level – Adding a Hint of Cardamom or Saffron

My friend, Priya, loves to add a tiny pinch of cardamom powder or a few strands of saffron to her Rose Milk for a more complex flavour. It’s a lovely touch!

Festival Adaptations – Perfect for Holi or Summer Celebrations

This drink is amazing for Holi! The pink colour is perfect for the festival of colours. It’s also a fantastic way to cool down during any summer celebration.

Serving Suggestions

Gulkand Rose Milk is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with a light snack. Try it with:

• Biscuits or cookies
• A slice of fruit cake
• Namak pare (a savoury Indian snack)

Storage Instructions

This drink is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The colour might fade slightly, but it will still taste delicious!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is Gulkand and where can I find it?

Gulkand is a sweet preserve made from rose petals and sugar. It’s a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine and is known for its cooling properties. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online.

Can I make this recipe with almond milk or other plant-based milks?

Absolutely! Any plant-based milk will work well in this recipe. Almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk are all great options.

How can I adjust the rose flavor intensity?

You can adjust the rose flavour by adding more or less rose syrup. You can also experiment with different brands of rose syrup, as some are more potent than others.

Can I prepare this drink ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can blend the milk, gulkand, and rose syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.

What are sabja seeds and what do they add to the drink?

Sabja seeds (sweet basil seeds) are tiny black seeds that are often added to Indian summer drinks. They have a cooling effect and add a slightly gelatinous texture. You can find them at Indian grocery stores. They’re optional, but a nice addition!