Dry roast the black peppercorn, nutmeg, green cardamom and almonds on low flame until aromatic. Dry roasting the spices and nuts helps to release the essential oils in them.

Next add fennel seeds and dried rose petals and roast for another 2-3 minutes on low flame. Keep stirring to ensure the seeds and nuts do not burn.

Remove the roasted nuts, spices and rose petals on a plate to cool down.

On cooling, transfer them to a grinder jar and powder.

Store this thandai powder in air tight container in a refrigerator and use as required.

Method to make thandai

Heat milk in a sauce pan.

Once it boils, add 1 teaspoon of mishri / sugar candy /rock candy. Keep stirring until the rock candy dissolves completely.

Lastly add 1/2 teaspoon of thandai powder and give a quick stir.

Cook for 1 minute or so and put off the flame.

When the thandai is warm, strain and serve your baby in sips.