Sometimes, what we really need is a little comfort in a glass: a soothing, tasty drink that feels like a warm hug. On a hot day or when you just want something nourishing and delicious, these drinks are easy to make, refreshing, and full of wholesome goodness. Let’s explore how to make some classic and comforting sips: Banana Shake, Jigar Thanda, Almond Milk, and Custard Apple Milkshake.

• Banana Shake

Banana shakes are timeless and perfect for almost any time of the day. They’re creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients like potassium and vitamin B6. Here’s how you can whip up a simple banana shake:

Ingredients:

• Condensed milk – 2 tbsp 
• Milk – ¾ cup, chilled 
• Banana – 1 medium peeled & chopped
• Ice cubes (if you want it chilled)

How to Make Banana Shake:

• Reserve 1 tbsp of chopped banana for garnish.
• Add what’s left to the blender and mix until you get a smooth texture.
• Pour the mixture into a tall glass and sprinkle the reserved banana on top.
• Serve immediately, chilled.

Banana shakes are great as a quick breakfast or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

• Jigar Thanda

If you haven’t tried Jigar Thanda before, it’s a cooling, lightly spiced Indian drink perfect for hot days. It’s traditionally made with milk, rose syrup, and a touch of cardamom.

Ingredients:

• Condensed milk – 3 tbsp
• Milk – 1 cup, chilled
• Almond gum – 3 cups
• Water – 500 ml
• Rose syrup – 1 tsp
• Vanilla ice cream – 1 scoop
• Tutti frutti – 1 tbsp
• Ice cubes

How to Make Jigar Thanda:

• Soak almond gum in 3 cups of water overnight until it softens and swells.
• In a bowl, mix condensed milk with milk until well combined.
• In a tall glass, add 1 tablespoon of the soaked almond gum. Layer with rose syrup and crushed ice. Pour the condensed milk mixture over it.
• Top with a scoop of ice cream and garnish with tutti frutti.
• Serve chilled and enjoy!

Jigar Thanda is refreshing and floral. It’s ideal for when you want a drink that’s both cooling and fragrant.

• Almond Milk

If you’re looking for a soothing, wholesome drink that’s both nourishing and indulgent, almond milk is a wonderful choice. Lightly sweet, nutty, and aromatic with saffron and cardamom, this treat is rich in flavour and much more satisfying than store-bought varieties.

Ingredients:

• Condensed milk – 3 tbsp
• Milk – 4 cups
• Sliced and toasted almonds – 1 tbsp
• Blanched almonds – 1 cup
• Kesar (Saffron) – 1/2 tsp
• Elaichi (Cardamom) powder – 1/2 tsp

How to Make Almond Milk: 

• Grind the blanched almonds into a fine paste.
• Cook the almond paste in milk over low heat until the mixture thickens. Soak the saffron (kesar) in 1 tablespoon of warm milk.
• Add condensed milk to the thickened almond milk and stir well. Mix in the soaked saffron and cardamom powder. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, then turn off the heat.
• Allow it to cool completely, then refrigerate.
• Serve chilled, garnished with toasted almonds.

This rich and flavourful badam almond milk is more than just a drink – it’s pure comfort in a glass.

• Custard Apple Milkshake

Custard apple (or sitaphal) milkshake is a seasonal treat with a creamy, tropical flavour. It’s naturally sweet and thick, perfect for a comforting indulgence.

Ingredients:

• Condensed milk – 3 tbsp
• Milk – ¾ cup, chilled
• Sitaphal – 4 tbsp, pulp
• Ice cubes – 2 – 3 crushed

How to Make Custard Apple Milkshake:

• Add all the milkshake ingredients to the blender and blend until completely smooth.
• Pour the mixture into a tall glass.
• Serve chilled and enjoy!

These drinks are easy to customise and make at home, offering a lovely way to unwind and refresh. You might enjoy the familiar creaminess of a banana shake or the distinct flavour of a custard apple milkshake. Either way, there’s a comforting sip here for everyone. Give them a try; you might just discover your new favourite go-to drink!