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    Home » Drinks

    Published: Mar 10, 2016 · Modified: Dec 30, 2023 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Paan Shots | Gulkand Paan Milkshake

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Inspired by the flavors of Meetha Paan, this drinkable Paan Shots recipe is delicious, cooling and refreshing. 

    This is great as a drink, dessert or even as a palate cleanser! 

    A black plate with a shot glass filled with paan shot, topped with colorful toppings.

    Parties and get togethers are always incomplete without a few things; delicious drinks, great appetizers and indulgent desserts. When it comes to drinks, there are so many options.

    From milk based drinks like Falooda and Thandai Boba to the water based ones like Prickly Pear Lemonade and Mixed Fruit Cocktail we love them all for our parties.

    Whenever we are hosting an Indian theme party; I love to make some Indian theme drinks. And what better than anything 'paan' flavored. This drink has been a favorite for years and has become very popular lately.

    Jump to:
    • What is Paan
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Expert Tips and Notes
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Paan Recipes
    • Paan Shots (Gulkand Paan Milkshake)

    What is Paan

    Paan (betel leaves), is super popular in India and other South East Asian countries as an after meal mouth freshener or palate cleanser.

    A betel leaf is filled with delicious things like gulkand (rose jam), shredded coconut, katha, cardamom, fennel seeds etc. and rolled into a neat envelope. 

    This is served chilled at restaurants, weddings or can be bought at the corner store.

    Inspired from this, there are so many recipes developed by different folks. From paan fudge, paan panna cotta and paan mousse to a savory like paan chaat; these are all wonderful creations of the leaves.

    Why this recipe works

    • It is a super delicious way to make a drinkable paan.
    • This one is a great drink for any party or get together.
    • We can easily prepare paan shots ahead of time.
    • The drink works well as shots or in taller glasses.
    • Moreover, the recipe uses all natural flavors and colors; no added colors.
    • It is easy to enjoy this version with some booze as well.
    • We can easily make the same recipe Vegan.
    • The drink is great for kids and adults alike.
    • It is super easy to double or triple the recipe.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Ingredients for paan shots arranged in small bowls on a dark surface.
    • Whole Milk: I like to use whole milk in this recipe. It results in a thick shake that is creamy and delicious. Using lower fat milk is definitely an option but it does not give the drink the thickness. 
    • Cream: Whipping cream is great to make the drink creamy. If you like you can substitute with half and half too. I also add a dollop of whipped cream on top. This is optional but delicious. 
    • Betel Leaves: The recipe needs a few betel leaves. There are plenty of varieties that are sold in stores and online. All of them work here. Simply wash and pat them dry before using. These leaves are best when they are fresh. Try and buy them the day you want to make the drink.
    • Sugar: I like to use sugar  as the sweetener in the paan shots. However, skip sugar if you want a less sweet version. White, brown or powdered sugar all work in the recipe. 
    • Fennel and Cardamom Seeds: Super flavorful, some raw and uncoated fennel is an ingredient that should not be skipped in the recipe. It gives the perfect flavor that a mouth freshener should have. Moreover, we use some cardamom. If you have ground cardamom seeds, that works too.
    • Gulkand: Rose jam or gulkand as it is popularly known is an important ingredient here. Along with adding sweetness, it brings in the authenticity of meetha pan. This can be bought from the Indian store or online. 
    • Toppings: A great way to finish off the drink is by adding some dried rose petals, mukhwas, Tutti Frutti and maraschino cherries. They add texture and a pop of color.

    See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

    How to make this recipe

    1- In a blender jar add roughly cut betel leaves, sugar, gulkand, fennel seeds, dried rose petals and cardamom seeds. 

    2- Add in milk and cream.

    Collage steps to make paan shots; adding paan ingredients and milk to a blender jar.

    3- Blend till smooth and all the tiny bits are broken down. 

    4- Then transfer the drink to a jar using a fine mesh strainer.

    Collage steps to make paan shots; blend well and strain the drink using a fine mesh strainer.

    5- Chill the drink till ready to serve. 

    6- Transfer to small glasses and top with some whipped cream. Add tutti-frutti, dried rose and mukhwas before serving.

    Collage steps to make paan shots; transfer to glasses and top with toppings.

    Serving Suggestions

    Paan shots are easy to serve as a drink before enjoying appetizers or after a meal. I like it more as a welcome drink instead of serving after.

    I like to top the drink with tutti-frutti, dried rose and mukhwas before serving. However, this is optional.

    In case the drink is made before hand or there are leftovers, simply transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate. It stays well for 2-3 days.

    A shot glass stand with shot glasses filled with paan shots and topped with colorful toppings.

    Expert Tips and Notes

    • Use whole milk and whipping cream to make the shots perfectly creamy. However, lower fat milk and half and half will work too, but it will give a less creamy result.
    • Buy the betel leaves the day you want to make the recipe. If you buy them in advance, cover them in a moist kitchen towel and place them in the refrigerator. The leaves will keep well for 3-4 days. 
    • The drink has a strong paan flavor. However, to get a milder flavor reduce the number of leaves used. 
    • It is easy to make the drink before hand. Simply process, strain and store in the refrigerator. Mix well and serve chilled.
    • The drink here is not bright green as I have not added any color. To get a bright green color, add a couple of drops of green gel color to the mix in the blender.
    • Moreover, it is easy to spike the drink with some vodka for those who would like some booze.
    • Use a non-dairy milk and cream for a Vegan version.
    • Skip the sugar and simply add gulkand for a less sweet version of the drink.

    Recipe FAQs

    What all do we add in paan shots?

    Along with paan leaves and milk, we add a host of add-ins like rose petals, gulkand, fennel, cardamom seeds. Moreover, we top the drink with more paan ingredients.

    Can we make Vegan Paan Shots?

    Yes certainly. Simply add non-dairy milk and cream in the shot recipe to make it Vegan.

    Can we make paan shots ahead of time?

    For sure. In fact the paan shots taste best when serve cold. Make them ahead of time and refrigerate till ready to serve.

    A shot glass filled with paan milkshake and topped with colorful toppings; with more glasses behind it.

    More Paan Recipes

    • A parchment paper with kaju paan on it and nuts around it.
      Kaju Paan
    • Paan Chaat served in a plate nad topped with chutneys, vegetables and toppings.
      Paan Chaat (Betel Leaves Chaat)
    • A black plate filled with paan flavored fudge topped with colored fennel, rose petals and sprinkles on a background with betel leaves, fennel and rose around it.
      Easy Banarasi Paan Fudge
    • Cutting chai mugs with panna cotta
      Paan Panna cotta

    I love seeing when you share my recipes!

    Tag me on Instagram @herbivorecucina or mention #herbivorecucina so I can enjoy them virtually with you! You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

    Love this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below & if you REALLY like it, consider a review in the comments whilst you are there, thanks!

    A shot glass filled with paan milkshake and topped with colorful toppings.

    Paan Shots (Gulkand Paan Milkshake)

    Smruti
    Inspired by the flavors of Meetha Paan, this drinkable Paan Shots recipe is delicious, cooling and refreshing. 
    This is great as a drink, dessert or even as a palate cleanser! 
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 6
    Calories 112 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3-4 Betel Leaves
    • 2 tablespoon Sugar
    • 1 tablespoon Fennel Seeds
    • 1 tablespoon Gulkand
    • ¼ teaspoon Cardamom Seeds
    • ⅛ teaspoon Dried Rose Petals
    • 2 cups Milk
    • ¼ cup Whipping Cream

    To Top

    • 2 tablespoon Whipped Cream
    • 1 tablespoon Mukhwas
    • 4-5 Dried Roses
    • 1 teaspoon Tutti Frutti

    Instructions
     

    • In a blender jar add roughly cut betel leaves and the other ingredints.
      3-4 Betel Leaves, 2 tablespoon Sugar, 1 tablespoon Fennel Seeds, 1 tablespoon Gulkand, ⅛ teaspoon Dried Rose Petals, ¼ teaspoon Cardamom Seeds
    • Add in milk and cream.
      2 cups Milk, ¼ cup Whipping Cream
    • Blend till smooth and all the tiny bits are broken down.
    • Transfer the drink to a jar using a fine mesh strainer.
    • Chill the drink till ready to serve.
    • Transfer to small glasses and top with some whipped cream. Add tutti-frutti, dried rose and mukhwas before serving.
      2 tablespoon Whipped Cream, 1 tablespoon Mukhwas, 4-5 Dried Roses, 1 teaspoon Tutti Frutti

    Video

    Notes

    •  
    • Use whole milk and whipping cream to make the shots perfectly creamy. However, lower fat milk and half and half will work too, but it will give a less creamy result.
    • Buy the betel leaves the day you want to make the recipe. If you buy them in advance, cover them in a moist kitchen towel and place them in the refrigerator. The leaves will keep well for 3-4 days.
    • The drink has a strong paan flavor. However, to get a milder flavor reduce the number of leaves used.
    • It is easy to make the drink before hand. Simply process, strain and store in the refrigerator. Mix well and serve chilled.
    • The drink here is not bright green as I have not added any color. To get a bright green color, add a couple of drops of green gel color to the mix in the blender.
    • Moreover, it is easy to spike the drink with some vodka for those who would like some booze.
    • Use a non-dairy milk and cream for a Vegan version.
    • Skip the sugar and simply add gulkand for a less sweet version of the drink.
    Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates using an automated calculator. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 112kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 36mgPotassium: 169mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 293IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 134mgIron: 0.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sonal says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:12 pm

      This is just fantastic Smruti! I am loving it! ��❤️❤️❤️

      Reply
    2. Pinkz Passion says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:12 pm

      Seems an apt drink for HOLI... Happy Holi in advance!

      Reply
    3. Puja Mody says

      March 10, 2022 at 8:12 pm

      How many cups does this measurement make?

      Reply
      • Smruti Ashar says

        March 10, 2022 at 8:12 pm

        It makes two big glasses. I served in cutting glasses, so it made about 5.

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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