Jigar Thanda

Jigar Thanda is a famous and refreshing cold drink originating from the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India. Known for its rich, creamy texture and unique flavors, this traditional beverage is perfect for beating the heat. With its delectable combination of almond gum (badam pisin), nannari syrup, milk, and ice cream, Jigar Thanda is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a cooling elixir for the body. Follow this step-by-step recipe to recreate this delightful drink at home and enjoy the authentic taste of Madurai.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of badam pisin (almond gum)
• 2 cups of full-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons of nannari syrup (sarsaparilla syrup)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) for garnish

Instructions

1. Soak the Badam Pisin:

   • Take 2 tablespoons of badam pisin and soak it in a bowl of water overnight. It will expand and become a jelly-like substance.

2. Boil the Milk:

   • In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of full-fat milk to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the milk reduces to half its original volume. This will make the milk thicker and creamier. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
   • Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the milk and stir until it dissolves completely. Allow the milk to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.

3. Prepare the Drink:

   • In a tall glass, add 1-2 tablespoons of the soaked badam pisin.
   • Pour in 2 tablespoons of nannari syrup over the badam pisin.
   • Slowly pour the chilled milk into the glass, filling it up to 3/4th of its capacity.

4. Top with Ice Cream:

   • Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the milk mixture.

5. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios.
   • Serve immediately with a spoon and straw to enjoy the layered textures and flavors.

Enjoy Your Jigar Thanda!

Indulge in the refreshing and delightful flavors of Jigar Thanda, a perfect drink to cool down during the hot summer days. The combination of badam pisin, nannari syrup, creamy milk, and ice cream makes it an irresistible treat that you’ll want to make again and again.