Badam Milk (Almond Saffron Milk)
ಬಾದಾಮಿ ಹಾಲು / बादाम दूध
Badam Milk is one of South India's most beloved and nourishing traditional drinks — warm milk infused with freshly ground almonds (badam), saffron, cardamom, and a little sugar, creating a golden, aromatic, creamy beverage that has been consumed for centuries as a health tonic, wedding welcome drink, and everyday luxury. The Mysuru and Bengaluru version often uses rose syrup in addition to almond, creating the famous "Badam Milk" sold at every Iyengar bakery and Brahmin household. The texture is thicker than plain milk from the ground almonds, and the saffron gives it a golden colour and a floral, honeyed quality that makes it feel genuinely luxurious. It can be served hot or cold and is both comforting and beautiful.
- Total
- 20 min
- Serves
- 2
- Level
- Easy
Prep 10 min · Cook 10 min
Ingredients
Method
Soak almonds in hot water for 10 minutes (or overnight for easier peeling). Peel the skins off. Blend peeled almonds with 100ml of the milk to a smooth, fine paste with no visible almond pieces. Soak saffron strands in 2 tbsp warm milk for 5 minutes.
About 5 min
Tip: Blanching and peeling almonds is essential — almond skin makes the badam milk slightly bitter and brown rather than white and mild.
Heat the remaining milk in a heavy pan over medium heat. When it starts to steam (before boiling), add the almond paste. Stir continuously and cook for 5 minutes until the milk thickens slightly. Add sugar, saffron with its soaking milk, and cardamom. Simmer 2 more minutes.
About 8 min
Tip: Constant stirring prevents the almond paste from settling and scorching on the bottom.
Remove from heat. Add rose water if using. Strain through a fine sieve for a smoother texture (optional — some prefer it unstrained with almond texture). Serve hot or pour over ice for cold badam milk. Garnish with saffron strands and sliced pistachios.
About 2 min
Tip: Served cold over ice with a few strands of saffron on top, this is incredibly refreshing in summer. Serve hot in winter.
Nutrition per serving (estimate)
- Calories
- 310
- Protein
- 14 g
- Carbs
- 28 g
- Fat
- 16 g
- Fibre
- 2 g
- Sugar
- 24 g
- Sodium
- 125 mg
Contains: dairy, nuts
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Recipe by Boon Tools.