Add the water and tea leaves and bring to boil on meduim flame. Keep cooking for around 10 minutes or till the water reduces to half.

Add the soda and cardamom powder. You will see the water fluff up and the color change to a dark brownish pink. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes.

Now add the milk, salt and sugar and cook on low flame till the milk boils up.

Keep stirring occasionally. Switch off, add in the rose essence/ water.

Pour into your favorite mug, top with pistachios.

Roll up on your favorite couch with your favorite Kashmiri shawl draped around you and your hands holding the mug firm - enjoy!!!