What is the famous drink of Holi?

If Holi had a signature drink, it would be thandai. It is the ultimate Holi drink, which is the undisputed star of every Holi party. Traditionally made with milk and fragrant thandai ingredients like almond, fennel, cardamom, saffron, and rose, this Holi special drink has been a symbol of festive indulgence for generations. But in 2026, the spotlight is gently shifting to a greener and calmer revolution of the iconic Holi thandai recipe, matcha Holi thandai.

Can matcha thandai be made ahead of time?

Of course, we all love a host who plans! You can prepare the base thandai recipe for a few hours ahead and let it chill. For best results, you can whisk your premium matcha powder fresh using a bamboo matcha whisk just before serving.

Is matcha thandai healthier than regular thandai?

Traditional Holi thandai is indulgent, rich, nutty, and super celebratory. When you add matcha to your Holi drink, it gets infused with antioxidants, sustained energy, and a smooth caffeine lift. This sweet becomes one of those rare drinks for Holi that let you dance longer without the sugar crash.

What spices go well with matcha in thandai?

Classic thandai ingredients like fennel, green cardamom, saffron, rose, and black pepper pair very well with the earthy elegance of ceremonial grade matcha. The warmth of spice can soften the green notes and turn your Holi special drink into something that is super layered and fragrant.

Can matcha thandai help with energy during Holi celebrations?

Unlike overly sweet festive beverages, the Matcha-powered Holi thandai recipe gives you clean, sustained energy. This means that you get to stay present and enjoy every splash of color, dance move, and refill.

Feb 28, 2026
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by BREE Matcha

From Traditional to Twist: 5 Matcha Thandai Recipes for Holi

Feb 28, 2026
0 comments
by BREE Matcha

Key Takeaways

Thandai in Holi is timeless, but matcha gives it a modern twist. The classic Holi thandai recipe will always be the heart of every Holi celebration, but adding matcha to it can transform your Holi drink into something that is fresher, lighter, and quietly luxe.

No matter if you're learning to master how to make thandai from scratch or experimenting with healthy matcha thandai variations for Holi, the right ingredients can make all the difference. It's the harmony of nuts, spices, and premium matcha powder that will ultimately shine through.

This year, let your drinks for Holi be more than sweet and heavy. Let them be vibrant, layered, and sumptuous.

Somewhere between rang barse, balam pichkaari, and Holi reels, one drink continues to be the unsung hero through it all, thandai in Holi!! But what if we tell you that your Holi drink this year can get a glow-up? Matcha thandai is where traditional thandai meets cool, calm, and green energy. It's a yummy Holi drink, but just fresher.

No matter if you're hosting a Holi house party or simply chilling post colors, we are going to talk about some creative thandai recipes with matcha that will become your new Holi ritual.

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What is Thandai?

Thandai is the OG Holi special drink that is a chilled milk-based drink made with soaked nuts, seeds, spices, and other aromatics like fennel, cardamom, rose, and saffron.

Thandai was made to cool the body during North India's early summer heat, which is exactly why it became the most famous drink for Holi. From Bollywood classics to basically every Holi song montage ever, Thandai is always there, passed around in steel glasses, and sipped cherishingly under the sun. In short, if you ask us what the most famous drink of Holi is, the answer will always be Thandai.

Benefits of Adding Matcha to Holi Drinks

Traditional thandai is meant to be rich, indulgent, and comforting. When you add matcha to it, your drink goes to a whole new level.

This is why matcha thandai drink ideas for Holi parties are an absolute hit:

Clean, sustained energy: Matcha contains natural caffeine balanced with L-theanine, giving you alertness without jitters. This makes Matcha Holi special Thandai perfect for long Holi celebrations.
Calm focus: No post-sugar crash, no wired feeling. Just smooth energy while you dance, laugh, and celebrate.
Antioxidant boost: Japanese matcha is packed with antioxidants like EGCG, supporting immunity, overall wellness, metabolism, and recovery.
Light on the system: Compared to heavy festive drinks, matcha Holi thandai feels refreshing and balanced.

5 Matcha Thandai Recipes to Try This Holi

No matter if you're craving the classic Holi thandai energy or party-ready glow-up drinks, these easy thandai recipes for Holi are perfect for color fights, rooftop soirées, and refills that you will definitely not feel guilty about.

Traditional Matcha Thandai

This is the OG Holi special thandai, only greener, calmer, and way cooler.

Ingredients

2 cups chilled milk (or almond milk)
1 tbsp thandai paste (almonds, cashews, fennel, poppy seeds, cardamom)
½ tsp Ceremonial Grade Matcha by Bree
1 tsp rose water
Sweetener to taste

How to Make

Whisk matcha with warm water using a matcha whisk until frothy.
Blend milk, thandai paste, sweetener, and rose water.
Stir in matcha, chill, and serve.

Mango Matcha Thandai

The combination of Holi and mango is an absolute non-negotiable. This is one of the most loved drinks for Holi when you want festive indulgence at its best.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh mango pulp
1½ cups chilled milk
½ tsp Signature Matcha Powder
1 tbsp thandai paste

How to make:

Blend everything till smooth. Serve cold. Garnish with pistachios.
This is one of the most loved Holi special drink twists for parties.

Mint Matcha Thandai

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Ingredients

A handful of fresh mint leaves
2 cups chilled milk
½ tsp Lemongrass Matcha Powder
1 tbsp thandai paste

How to prepare:

Blend, strain lightly, chill, and sip. Perfect for some post-colours chill sessions.

Matcha Thandai Latte

This matcha thandai drink idea for a Holi party is where the goodness of cafe culture meets the madness of Holi chaos.

Ingredients

1½ cups milk
½ tsp Everyday Matcha
1 tbsp thandai spice mix

How to Prepare:

Whisk matcha separately, warm milk slightly, combine, and serve hot or iced.

Creamy Coconut Matcha Thandai (Vegan)

This healthy matcha thandai variation for Holi is dairy-free and drama-free, yet it tastes rich and super festive.

Ingredients

1½ cups coconut milk
½ tsp Strawberry Matcha
1 tbsp thandai paste

How to Prepare

Blend, chill, and enjoy a tropical, healthy matcha thandai variation for Holi.

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Conclusion

The Holi colours are going to settle, and the laughter memories shall linger. So let your Thandai recipes from the celebrations be the ones that everyone remembers! From classic Holi thandai recipes to playful mango, mint, and coconut latte twists, Maja Thandai is a great way to prove that tradition does not always have to be traditional. It can glow greener, feel lighter, and taste super fresh. While you're at it, you can explore Bree Matcha's ceremonial and flavoured matcha range, so that you can experiment with different fun flavours and create your own green tea ritual.