🌺 Thandai White Russian

Vodka, Kahlúa & thandai-spiced cream — Holi in a glass

Vodka
10 min
Built, cream float
Old Fashioned Glass
~21%
Ingredients
  • 60ml (2 oz) vodka, chilled
  • 30ml (1 oz) Kahlúa (coffee liqueur)
  • 45ml (1½ oz) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 1 tsp thandai masala powder (see tips)
  • 6–8 saffron strands
  • 1 large ice cube
  • Saffron rock candy, thandai masala dust & dried rose petals to garnish
Method
  1. 1
    Prep creamCombine heavy cream, thandai masala, and saffron in a small bowl. Froth with a hand frother for 15–20 seconds until just thickened — it should pour slowly, not stand in peaks.
  2. 2
    BuildAdd a large ice cube to an Old Fashioned glass. Pour in the chilled vodka.
  3. 3
    KahlúaAdd Kahlúa slowly — it will sink below the vodka.
  4. 4
    FloatPour the thandai cream slowly over the back of a bar spoon to create a distinct cream layer on top.
  5. 5
    GarnishAdd a pinch of thandai masala, saffron strands, and a few dried rose petals on the cream. Serve with a saffron rock candy stirring stick.

About This Cocktail

Thandai is a sacred cooling drink of North India, particularly associated with Holi (the spring festival of colours) and Maha Shivratri. Traditionally made with blanched nuts, seeds, spices, and saffron soaked overnight and blended with milk, it is offered as prasad (religious offering) at Shiva temples. The Thandai White Russian replaces the plain heavy cream of the classic Kahlúa + vodka cocktail with thandai-spiced whipped cream, creating a festive dessert cocktail specifically devised for Holi celebrations. The visual effect — dark Kahlúa beneath a spiced cream float — is spectacular.

Variations

Thandai EspressoReplace Kahlúa with Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur for a lighter, more complex coffee note
Thandai Milk PunchUse thandai-spiced whole milk instead of cream for a softer, more drinkable version — excellent at room temperature
Bhang ThandaiIn Rajasthan, thandai is traditionally infused with bhang (cannabis) for religious Holi rituals — a cultural note, not a recipe instruction
Bartender Tips

Thandai masala DIY: blend 2 tbsp blanched almonds + 1 tbsp cashews + 1 tbsp melon seeds + 1 tsp black peppercorns + ½ tsp cardamom powder + ½ tsp fennel seeds + ¼ tsp dried rose petals + a pinch of saffron to a fine powder. Or use Badshah or MDH brand thandai masala powder from any Indian grocery store. The vodka should be as cold as possible — keep it in the freezer. The saffron should be bloomed: steep strands in 1 tsp warm water for 5 minutes before adding.

The Specs
Spirit Base
Vodka
Method
Built, cream float
Glass
Old Fashioned Glass
ABV
~21%
Where to Find It
Restaurants
Indian restaurants with a cocktail programme; popularised during Holi menus at Indian Accent (NYC), Tamarind (London), and featured in The Tash Mashup food blog
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