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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
9 min
26/02/2026
It is high time for an update if your Holi ritual consists of a sugary, bhang-infused thandai that puts you to sleep all afternoon. The trend towards Functional Mixology is driving a dramatic change in the way people celebrate. The goal here is to achieve a natural "high" by combining adaptogens from ancient India. We're talking about high-end beverages like Ashwagandha Rose Lemon Fizz, Saffron & Almond Thandai Cooler, and more, for a conscious and healthy celebration.
No discussion of Holi beverages is truly complete without thandai, the legendary, fragrant mix of milk, nuts, seeds, and comforting spices. Traditionally, thandai may also feature bhang, a cannabis-infused paste deeply rooted in the mythological and cultural celebrations of North India. In truth, the majority of homemade thandai features little to no bhang, particularly when it's enjoyed by elders and children.
As wellness culture expands and celebrations embrace inclusivity, a noticeable transformation is taking place during Holi. Hosts are replacing traditional intoxicants with ingredients that provide natural “highs”, such as ashwagandha, saffron, tulsi, and rose. These ingredients offer more than just delightful flavours; they enhance energy, clarity, and tranquillity, making them perfect for vibrant, joy-filled Holi celebrations.
The skill of making boozy, multi-layered, festive beverages without alcohol or cannabis is known as zero-proof mixology. These are not your average "mocktails"; rather, they are herbal concoctions meant to provide:
Flavour and aromatic herbs and spices such as rose, saffron, cardamom, and fennel.
Adaptogens such as ashwagandha, tulsi, and ginseng to alleviate stress and enhance your energy levels.
Ingredients such as sabja seeds, coconut water, and nut milks to enhance hydration and texture.
So, what’s the goal of zero-proof drinks? A Holi beverage that stimulates the senses and improves mood without the use of bhang, alcohol, or intoxicants.
It’s up to you whether you want to add a little bhang for the high or not. Many families choose to forgo bhang and instead use herbs and adaptogens to boost taste and overall health. With growing interest in mindful celebrations, here are some zero-proof drink options for kids, elders, and health-conscious guests on Holi.
In the Holi universe, the thandai cooler is like an "Old Fashioned" way of celebrating. For this zero-proof cocktail, a fine paste is made from blanched almonds and poppy seeds, along with the warmth of cardamom. It's a natural emulsion rich in healthy lipids. To get the vibrant colour and delicate flowery scent of this golden drink, high-quality Kashmiri saffron is cold-steeped in half a spoonful of warm water for half an hour before mixing. With creamy cashew or oat milk, the thandai gets a buttery texture.
This drink is ideal for a hot Holi afternoon because of the soaked sabja seeds, which offer texture and coolness. Plus, adding a pinch of pink salt makes it an electrolyte-rich, festive, and restorative drink.
An ideal palate cleanser at the height of the afternoon heat is the Tulsi-Cucumber Spritz. Thanks to the clarifying properties of Tulsi (Holy Basil), this beverage is designed to cut through the heaviness of Holi meals and fried appetisers. A peppery, clove-like oil is released by lightly bruising the leaves instead of crushing them, and this oil harmonises with the cold, crisp character of fresh cucumber juice. Mix with plenty of lemon juice and some honey to get the cooling and citrusy green drink ready.
Use a vegetable peeler to make long ribbons of cucumber, which will line the glass and provide a touch of professionalism while also imparting the refreshing aroma of the rind to each drink.
This fizzy drink is a delightful blend of rosewater's delicate floral sweetness and the tang of fresh lemon juice. To add an adaptogenic calm, a pinch of ashwagandha powder and a touch of honey or agave nectar might do the trick. After everything is mixed together, a splash of sparkling water is added to create a vibrant fizz. Use crushed ice rather than cubes when serving guests.
In the Saffron-Cardamom Froth, the classic lassi takes a new turn as a velvety, probiotic-rich pleasure that honours the digestive system. The blender's friction gently heats the cardamom, drawing out its essential oils and infusing them into the yoghurt's fats, resulting in a richer, more vibrant flavour. After chilling, you'll get a luxurious amber-flecked cream, perfect for garnishing with crushed pistachios and delicate dried rose petals. If you're looking for a vegan option, try rich and luscious coconut yoghurt, which pairs beautifully and enhances the aromatic spices.
For big family get-togethers on Holi, there's Herbal Punch, which is a communal drink that doesn't need much effort. The chilled green tea serves as the foundation of this antioxidant-rich punch, with its "calm" counteracting the vivacious vitamin C found in the fresh orange juice and ginger. Make a "punch block" of frozen mint leaves and orange slices in a big container of water; when it melts into the tea, it emits a new bouquet of fragrances all day long, keeping the drink cold without watering down the botanical richness. The punch bowl becomes the showpiece of the party when edible marigolds or pansies float on top.
With zero-proof cocktails, mouthfeel is quite important. Alcohol adds body and texture to drinks, but there are other ways to make them taste rich. Give your drinks dairy or vegan alternatives. Coconut, almond, or oat milk keeps everyone at the table. Adding a rim of "chilli-salt", edible marigolds, or dried orange wheels as a garnish creates an immersive experience that begins long before the first taste.
Mocktails can also be elevated by adding a thick, frothy head made of aquafaba (chickpea water) or shaken coconut cream.
Community, colour, and shared joy have been at the heart of Holi. Being drunk was never the exclusive way to celebrate.
Infused with herbs, this new generation of zero-proof celebratory mixology honours tradition while adapting to contemporary life. It recognises that bhang is a possible ingredient in thandai in certain cases, but it also honours the wide variety of spices and herbs that give Indian beverages their unique flavour.
Instead of suffering from a "bhang hangover" or a sugar crash, you wake up with radiant skin and a crystal-clear mind, prepared to take on the week.
Disclaimer: This blog is meant solely as a source of culinary and educational inspiration. It does not support or encourage the use of alcohol or bhang, among other intoxicants. All of the recipes are meant to be family-friendly and non-alcoholic. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication, please consult a doctor before using herbal supplements like ashwagandha or tulsi.