Jigarthanda is a traditional cooling drink from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, made with milk, badam pisin (gond katira), nannari syrup and ice cream. It has a rich yet refreshing taste and a unique texture from the soaked almond gum. This easy homemade Jigarthanda recipe comes together with simple ingredients. It is perfect to serve chilled during hot weather.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: Not specified
  • Total time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2
  • Category: Beverages
  • Cuisine: South Indian, Tamil Nadu

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons badam pisin ((katira gond or almond gum))
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 tablespoons condensed milk (or add as required)
  • 4 teaspoons nannari syrup or rose syrup
  • 2 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream (or any ice cream)

Method

Preparation

  1. First rinse and then take 2 teaspoons badam pisin (katira gond or almond gum) in a Large bowl.
  2. Add 2 cups water.
  3. Cover and let the badam pisin soak in water overnight or for 8 to 9 hours.
  4. The next day you will see the badam pisin increases in volume, blooms and become jelly like. Strain the extra water from the soaked badam pisin in a strainer and keep aside. You can also refrigerate the soaked badam pisin.

Making jigarthanda drink

  1. Now in another bowl or a small pan, take 4 tablespoons condensed milk.
  2. Add 2 cups chilled milk. With a spoon or wired whisk mix very well. Keep aside or keep in the fridge.
  3. In a glass add 2 to 3 tablespoons of soaked almond gum or badam pisin.
  4. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of nannari syrup.
  5. Then add 1 cup of the condensed milk and milk mixture.
  6. Add 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream or dry fruits or pista ice cream or glazed cherries.
  7. Drizzle some nannari syup from the top. You can also add some dry fruits or tutti frutti.
  8. Serve jigarthanda drink immediately.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.