The fun and frolic festival of Holi is here. We all love to play with friends and family, smearing with beautiful bright colours in the sun all day long. Here comes the reason to think, playing all day long that too in a scorching Sun. During this festivity it is important to keep yourself hydrated not just to quench your thirst but to make sure you're energized and active through the day.

The good part is that there are many delicious and healthy beverages that serve as excellent alternatives to a plain glass of water while fulfilling your hydration needs just as well. You may have not known this but milk is actually better for rehydration and also for countering dehydration than water. It's a more effective way of countering dehydration than a sports drink or water itself, say researchers. It contains a natural blend of good quality carbs, proteins and sodium that helps your body retain fluids. You can experiment with various milkshakes and smoothies or even opt for buttermilk or lassi made with yogurt.

These hydrating drinks made with milk and dahi supply a whole lot of electrolytes, sodium, vitamin, probiotics and minerals along with a burst of flavours. Here are three very popular hydrating and healthy drinks you can prepare this Holi for your family and friends.                                                                                 

Thandai

Thandai is the most popular Holi drink in India often associated with Mahashivratri as well. It is made using dry fruits, spices, saffron and lots of milk.

Ingredients

• Purabi Milk: 4 cups
• Almonds, Raisins & Cashew Nuts: 10-12 each
• Black Peppercorns & Cardamom: 10/12 each
• Poppy Seeds, Fennel Seeds & Melon Seeds: 1tsp each
• Sugar: 1/4 cup
• 1 pinch Saffron Soaked in 1 tbsp milk
• Rose water: 1/2 tsp

 Method

• Soak almonds, cashew nuts, peppercorns, raisins, cardamom, poppy seeds, fennel seeds and melon seeds in ½ cup water for 5-6 hours.
• Strain the water and grind the soaked ingredients in a blender to make a smooth paste.
• Add little milk if required.
• Add the remaining milk.
• Pass the mixture through a soup strainer.
• Add sugar, saffron soaked in milk and rose water and mix till sugar is dissolved.
• Pour the thandai in serving glasses.
• Garnish with rose petals and dry fruit slivers.

Serve chilled.

Fruit Flavoured Lassi

Lassi is always a favourite take on Holi. Add on your choice of fruit puree to your lassi and enjoy a delicious chilled drink with all the health benefits.

Ingredients:

• Fresh strawberry puree or any fruit of choice 1/2 cup
• Purabi Dahi 3-4 cups
• Granulated sugar, to taste
• Salt/ Black Salt: as per your taste
• Water or crushed ice, to top

Method:

• Blend dahi, sugar and water or crushed ice.
• Pour into glass and add strawberry puree for a good color base.
• Garnish with a lemon slice or mint leaves

#PS: You can blend all the ingredients together to save time.

 Papaya Lassi

Ingredients:

• Purabi Dahi: 1 cup 
• Fresh papaya: 1 cup chopped
• Honey: 1-2 tablespoons 
• Cinnamon or cardamom: 1/8 teaspoon
• Ice cubes

Method:

• Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Add more ice to achieve desired consistency.
• Garnish with cinnamon or cardamom. Add ice cubes (optional).