Rose Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink with Pistachios

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rose Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink With Pistachios

Okay, let’s be real. When the Indian summer heat hits, nothing beats a glass of something cool, refreshing, and fragrant. And for me, that something is always Rose Milk! I remember my Nani (grandmother) making this for me as a kid, and honestly, it’s a taste of pure nostalgia. It’s unbelievably easy to make, and it’s the perfect little pick-me-up on a scorching day. Plus, it smells divine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rose Milk recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick – seriously, ready in under 5 minutes! It requires just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. And the flavour? A delicate floral sweetness that’s just… chef’s kiss. It’s a comforting, cooling drink that’s perfect for all ages.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a glass of this rosy goodness:

• ¾ cup milk (about 180ml)
• ¼ cup water (about 60ml)
• 1 ½ tbsp cornflour (about 18g)
• 1 tbsp sugar (about 12g)
• 1 tsp rose water (about 5ml)
• Cinnamon powder, for garnish
• Crushed pistachios, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Getting the right ones makes all the difference.

• Rose Water: This is key. Don’t skimp on quality here. Look for pure rose water, not rose flavouring. I prefer the rose water from Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh – it’s renowned for its fragrance. But any good quality rose water will do. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.
• Milk: You can use any kind of milk you like! Full-fat milk will give you a richer, creamier Rose Milk, which is how my Nani always made it. But toned milk or even skim milk works just fine if you’re watching your calories. We’ve even experimented with plant-based milks (more on that later!).

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s so simple, you’ll be sipping on Rose Milk in no time.

1. First, pour the milk into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. You don’t want it to boil, just get nice and warm.
2. While the milk is warming up, in a small bowl, mix the cornflour with the water to create a smooth slurry. Make sure there are no lumps! This is important for a silky-smooth Rose Milk.
3. Once the milk is warm, slowly pour in the cornflour slurry while stirring constantly. Seriously, don’t stop stirring! This prevents lumps from forming.
4. Keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to thicken. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
5. Now, add the sugar and rose water. Stir for another minute or so, until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.
6. Finally, pour the Rose Milk into a mug. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon powder and some crushed pistachios. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Lump-Free Guarantee: The key to avoiding lumps is constant stirring when you add the cornflour slurry.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
• Warm Milk is Best: Warming the milk first helps the cornflour dissolve properly.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations:

• Vegan Rose Milk: My friend, Priya, is vegan, and she swears by using almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. It works beautifully!
• Sugar-Free Rose Milk: If you’re avoiding sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
• Spice Level: A tiny pinch of cardamom powder adds a lovely warmth and complexity to the flavour. My family loves this!
• Summer Cooling Adaptations: For an extra cooling treat, add a few edible rose petals as a garnish. They look beautiful and add a subtle floral aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Rose Milk is best enjoyed chilled, but it’s also delicious warm, especially on a cool evening. It’s perfect as a standalone drink, or you can serve it with a light snack like biscuits or fruit.

Storage Instructions

While Rose Milk is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken slightly.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is this recipe suitable for children? Absolutely! It’s a gentle, comforting drink that kids love.
• Can I make Rose Milk ahead of time? You can, but the texture might change slightly. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
• What is the best type of rose water to use? Pure rose water is key! Avoid anything with artificial flavourings.
• How can I adjust the sweetness level? Simply add more or less sugar to suit your taste.
• Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk? Yes, absolutely! Almond milk (or any plant-based milk) works great for a vegan version.