Holi isn’t just about colours, music, and endless laughter—it’s also about delicious food and festive drinks that bring people together. And no Holi celebration is complete without thandai, the cooling, spiced, and creamy delight that’s been a festival favourite for generations. Made with milk, almonds, saffron, rose, and warming spices, thandai is the perfect refreshment after hours of playful chaos with colours. But if you’re looking to take your Holi party up a notch, why not give this classic drink an exciting twist?
Adding a splash of spirits to your thandai can transform it into the ultimate festive cocktail, bringing in new flavours and a bold edge. From smooth whiskies to botanical gins, aged rums to fruity vodkas, the right spirit will put a surprising twist on the richness of thandai while keeping it balanced and refreshing. The best part? You can tailor it to your own taste and mood, making it as light, bold, or indulgent as you like.
A spiked thandai should always be offered with caution to the guests, however, you can make it with great abandon. All you need is a selection of spirits that do the job without much hassle. So, get ready to shake things up and turn your Holi bash into an unforgettable experience with these amazing spirit-infused thandai ideas!
Also Read: Wines Under 5K For Holi Party
Best Spirits to Spike Thandai for Holi
Sitara – Indian Craft Botanical Spiced Rum
Sitara – Indian Craft Botanical Spiced Rum is a rich, oak-aged rum infused with warming Indian spices, making it a perfect addition to festive drinks. Its aromatic blend of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, layered with hints of caramel and vanilla, creates a deep and flavourful experience. The bold, spiced character enhances the nutty and floral notes of traditional thandai, adding warmth and complexity to every sip. Whether served neat, in a spiced rum cocktail, or blended into thandai, this smooth and inviting rum is a celebratory must-have for Holi gatherings.
Producer: Spaceman Spirits Lab
Price: ₹2,700
Rodchenko Vodka
This Russian vodka is smooth and crisp taste; it effortlessly enhances any gathering with its clean and refreshing profile. With subtle minerality, soft grain notes, and a light, crisp finish, it blends seamlessly into cocktails without overpowering their flavours. When added to thandai, it provides a boozy lift while letting the rich, nutty, and spiced elements shine. Perfect for those who prefer a lighter yet spirited twist, this vodka makes for an easy-drinking, effortlessly balanced festive indulgence.
Importer: Cartel Bros. Pvt. Ltd.
Price: ₹2499
Bandarful Indian Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
Bandarful Indian Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is a decadent fusion of rich coffee and smooth sweetness, making it an irresistible addition to creamy cocktails. With deep roasted coffee notes, hints of vanilla, chocolate, and caramel, it brings a bold yet balanced intensity to every sip. When mixed into thandai, it creates a luxurious, dessert-like experience, blending the nutty, spiced richness of the classic drink with a velvety coffee kick. Perfect for those who love indulgent flavours, this liqueur elevates festive celebrations with a bold and creamy twist.
Producer: Himalaya Wine Company Pvt Ltd
Price: ₹2750
Three Recipes for Spiked Thandai for Holi
Spiced Rum Thandai with Sitara – Indian Craft Botanical Spiced Rum
✔️ Ingredients:
- 120ml chilled thandai
- 30ml Sitara Spiced Rum
- 1 tsp honey
- Crushed pistachios & almonds for garnish
✔️ Instructions:
1️⃣ Shake thandai, rum, and honey with ice.
2️⃣ Pour into a chilled glass and top with crushed nuts.
💡 Why You’ll Love It: The warm spices in the rum bring out the saffron and nutty flavors of thandai!
Vodka Thandai with Rodchenko Vodka
✔️ Ingredients:
- 120ml chilled thandai
- 30ml Rodchenko Vodka
- 1 tsp rose syrup
- Crushed cardamom & dried rose petals for garnish
✔️ Instructions:
1️⃣ Shake thandai, vodka, and rose syrup with ice.
2️⃣ Pour into a glass rimmed with crushed cardamom and top with rose petals.
💡 Why You’ll Love It: The vodka lets thandai’s flavors shine, while rose syrup adds a floral elegance.
Coffee Thandai with Bandarful Indian Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
✔️ Ingredients:
- 120ml chilled thandai
- 30ml Bandarful Coffee Liqueur
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- Crushed dark chocolate & cinnamon for garnish
✔️ Instructions:
1️⃣ Shake thandai, coffee liqueur, and cocoa powder with ice.
2️⃣ Pour into a chilled glass and sprinkle it with dark chocolate and cinnamon.
💡 Why You’ll Love It: The coffee flavors add richness and depth, making this feel like a Holi dessert in a glass!
Check out more such innovative tips and recommendations on the India Wines And Spirits Award website. Click here to read all our blogs.
