Badam Milk (Indian Saffron Almond Milk)

Badam Milk is a delightful Indian drink made with ground almonds, cardamom powder, and saffron. This aromatic & flavorful Badam Doodh can be served cold in the summer or hot in the winter.

Almond milk, also known as badam doodh in India, is a traditional Indian beverage. Milk, almonds, and saffron are used to make them, which are both nutrient-dense and healthful. One cup of this badam milk is packed with 10 grams of protein, which is great if you are following a high-protein diet.

I prefer whole milk in this recipe since it lends a thick and creamy texture to the drink.

It is a great drink to enjoy with family and friends, especially on those cold winter evenings, similar to this Haldi Doodh (Turmeric Milk).

What is Badam Milk?

Badam milk is a famous Indian beverage made by blending almonds (or badam in Hindi) with milk and seasoning it with saffron and cardamom. 

You can also call this Kesar Badam Milk, as we are adding saffron to flavor the Badam milk. Kesar is saffron in English, and Badam is almonds. In Southern India, this badam drink is called Badam Paal, where paal means milk.

This Indian milk drink has Ayurvedic roots and is recommended to be given to kids and adults to build immunity and overall health and well-being. Badam milk is high in protein and calcium and also high in calories, which makes it great as a flavored drink to serve to kids.

It’s a delightful drink, but it’s also quite filling, both in terms of texture and calories. The drink is often served as a specialty during weddings or special occasions.

Health Benefits

• It boosts immunity, strengthens bones, enhances eyesight, and aids in general body development.
• It is especially beneficial to children because it is high in calcium and protein, which are beneficial to children’s general growth.
• Drinking it before bedtime relieves insomnia and ensures a restful night’s sleep.

Ingredients

• Almonds – This is the most important ingredient for the recipe. Soak the almonds for at least 15-20 minutes in hot water.
• Milk – I used whole milk. You can use low-fat milk, but whole milk will give a creamier texture.
• Sugar – I use regular white sugar in this drink. Instead of sugar, you can substitute honey or agave syrup.
• Pinch of saffron – This adds a beautiful yellow color and aroma to the drink.
• Cardamom pods (seeds removed and crushed) or 1/4 teaspoon elaichi powder adds a beautiful flavor and scent to the badam milk.
• Garnish – Silvered pistachio and saffron strands

How to make Badam Milk?

Let’s start making Badam Milk.

Soak, Blanch, Peel & Blend Almonds

• To make the skin of almonds simpler to peel, soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes. Or you can soak almonds in normal fresh water for 4-6 hours.
• After that, peel each almond’s skin. It should be easy to remove.

• Blend it with 1/4 cup milk until it becomes a smooth paste. Make sure that the paste is smooth.

Make Badam Milk

• Heat the remaining milk in a heavy-bottomed pan.

• When the milk has reached a boil, stir in the almond paste, sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron. Stir everything together thoroughly.

• Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. After that, turn off the heat.

• Badam Milk is ready. Garnish with slivered pistachios and saffron strands.

• Serve Badam Milk hot or chill in the refrigerator and serve it cold.

Badam Milk Serving Suggestions

• It can be served either warm or cold. If you want it cooled, put it in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours or until it’s nice and cold.
• As a garnish, dried rose petals, a few strands of saffron, and slices of blanched almonds or pistachios can be used.

Tips to Make Perfect Badam Milk

• Soak the almonds for at least 15-20 minutes in hot water or for 4-6 hours in normal water. Soaking nuts improves the flavor and makes them easier to digest.
• For the best results and flavor, use whole milk.
• Make sure to blend the almonds to a smooth paste.
• Strain the milk and serve if you don’t want to bite on the almond pieces while drinking it. Kids would prefer strained badam milk with a smooth consistency.

We love this easy, flavorful Badam Milk. I hope you give it a try and make it for your family.

Can I make Vegan Badam Milk?

Replace whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk, such as oat milk or soy milk. You can also just double the amount of almonds and make this drink with water. This will result in a thick, creamy almond milk recipe.

Badam Milk with Almond Flour

You can make this recipe a little easier by using store-bought almond flour. The method will change slightly as you don’t need to soak and peel the almonds.

Soak 1/4 cup almond flour in 1/4 cup milk for 8-10 minutes. Then, transfer to a blender and blend to a smooth paste. Use this paste to make the Badam Milk following the recipe.

How to Store?

You can make the almond paste and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it in small quantities in freezer-safe containers.

More Indian Beverages You’ll Love

• Masala Chai
• Mango Lassi
• Strawberry Lassi
• Thandai
• Fig Banana Smoothie
• Masala Chaas (Indian Spiced Buttermilk)