13 Yogurt Drinks From Around the World That Are So Refreshing
Long before smoothie shops existed, people all over the world were blending yogurt into cool, creamy drinks. In Pakistan and India there is lassi, in Turkey there is ayran, and in Eastern Europe families have sipped kefir for generations. Yogurt drinks are refreshing, easy on the budget and a nice way to add protein to your day. In this gallery you will find sweet, salty, fruity and green versions, each with a simple recipe. If you love blended drinks, you will also enjoy these smoothie recipes that taste like dessert. Which one will become your new favorite? Let us pour..
Mango Lassi, the Most Famous of All Yogurt Drinks
Mango lassi is thick, golden and tastes like sunshine in a glass. It is loved across Pakistan and India and has become a favorite in restaurants everywhere. Ripe mango, plain yogurt, a little milk and a pinch of cardamom are all you need. Canned mango pulp works beautifully when fresh mangoes are not in season, which makes this a year round treat.
You will need: 1 cup ripe mango chunks or mango pulp, 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup cold milk, 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar or honey, a pinch of ground cardamom, a few ice cubes, chopped pistachios to garnish.
How to make it: Add mango, yogurt, milk, sugar, cardamom and ice to a blender. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds until smooth and frothy. Taste and add more sweetener if needed. Pour into glasses and sprinkle with pistachios. Serve right away.
Classic Sweet Lassi
Before fruit versions, there was plain sweet lassi. It is simply yogurt whisked with sugar, a splash of water and sometimes a few drops of rose water. In Punjab it is often served in tall steel or clay cups, topped with a thick layer of cream called malai. It is wonderfully cooling on a hot day and pairs perfectly with spicy food.
You will need: 1 1/2 cups plain whole milk yogurt, 1/2 cup cold water or milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, a pinch of cardamom, a few drops rose water (optional), ice.
How to make it: Add yogurt, water, sugar and cardamom to a jug. Whisk hard or blend for 30 seconds until frothy. Add rose water if using. Pour over ice into a tall glass and serve chilled.
Salted Lassi and Chaas, the Savory Yogurt Drinks
Not every lassi is sweet. Salted lassi and its thinner cousin chaas are savory yogurt drinks spiced with roasted cumin, salt and fresh mint. Many families drink them after a heavy lunch because they feel light and refreshing. If you have never tried a salty drink, this might surprise you. Quick poll: sweet lassi or salty lassi? Tell us your pick!
You will need: 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 1/2 cups cold water, 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, a few mint leaves, a small piece of ginger (optional).
How to make it: Blend yogurt, water, cumin, salt, mint and ginger until smooth. For chaas, add more water for a thin drink. Taste and adjust the salt. Pour into glasses and sprinkle a little extra cumin on top.
Turkish Ayran, One of the Easiest Yogurt Drinks
Ayran is the national drink of Turkey and it could not be simpler: yogurt, cold water and salt, whipped until foamy. It is served with kebabs, pide and almost every grilled meal. In some regions it comes with fresh mint or dried mint stirred in. It is one of the most refreshing yogurt drinks you can make in under two minutes.
You will need: 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 cup very cold water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, fresh mint leaves, ice.
How to make it: Whisk the yogurt until smooth. Slowly pour in the cold water while whisking. Add salt and whisk hard, or blend, until a foam forms on top. Pour over ice and add mint leaves.
Homemade Kefir
Kefir is a tangy, slightly fizzy fermented milk drink that has been made for centuries in the Caucasus mountains. It is thinner than yogurt and contains live cultures. To make it at home you need kefir grains, which you can buy online or get from a friend. Have you ever tried kefir? A) love it B) too tangy for me C) never tried it D) I make my own.
You will need: 2 cups whole milk, 1 tablespoon kefir grains, a clean glass jar, a cloth or loose lid.
How to make it: Put the kefir grains in the jar and pour in the milk. Cover loosely and leave at room temperature for 24 hours. When it thickens and smells tangy, strain out the grains with a plastic strainer. Chill the kefir. Reuse the grains for the next batch.
Banana Kefir Smoothie
If plain kefir is too tangy for you, blend it with a ripe banana. The banana adds natural sweetness and makes the drink thick and creamy. A spoon of peanut butter turns it into a filling breakfast. This is a great way to start enjoying cultured drinks if you are new to them. Would you add peanut butter or keep it simple?
You will need: 1 cup plain kefir, 1 ripe banana (frozen is best), 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional), 1 teaspoon honey, a pinch of cinnamon.
How to make it: Add everything to a blender. Blend for 30 seconds until thick and smooth. Taste and add more honey if needed. Pour into a glass and top with a few banana slices.
Rose Lassi
Rose lassi is pink, floral and feels like a special treat. It is one of the most popular yogurt drinks at festivals and weddings in South Asia. Rose syrup gives it a gorgeous color and a gentle perfume. Add a few crushed pistachios and dried rose petals on top for a pretty finish. It is a lovely drink to serve guests during the holidays.
You will need: 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup cold milk, 2 tablespoons rose syrup, 1 teaspoon sugar (optional), crushed pistachios, dried rose petals.
How to make it: Blend yogurt, milk, rose syrup and sugar until smooth and frothy. Pour into a tall glass. Top with pistachios and a few rose petals. Serve cold.
Tropical Yogurt Smoothie
Pineapple, strawberries and a squeeze of lime make this yogurt smoothie taste like a beach vacation. Frozen fruit keeps it thick and icy without needing extra ice. Greek yogurt adds protein so it keeps you full until lunch. Quick poll: what is your go to smoothie fruit? A) pineapple B) strawberry C) mango D) banana.
You will need: 1 cup frozen pineapple, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup orange juice or milk, 1 teaspoon lime juice, honey to taste.
How to make it: Add everything to a blender with the liquid at the bottom. Blend until smooth, adding a splash more liquid if it is too thick. Pour into a glass and serve right away.
Green Spinach and Mint Yogurt Drink
Green drinks do not have to taste like grass. Here, a handful of spinach blends with yogurt, apple, cucumber and mint for a fresh, mild flavor. You will barely notice the spinach, but you will get a nice boost of greens. It is a great option after a workout or as a light afternoon snack.
You will need: 1 cup baby spinach, 3/4 cup plain yogurt, 1 green apple, 1/2 cucumber, a few mint leaves, 1/2 cup cold water, 1 teaspoon honey.
How to make it: Chop the apple and cucumber. Add everything to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Taste and add more honey if needed. Pour over ice and serve.
Strawberry Lassi, One of the Prettiest Yogurt Drinks
Strawberry lassi is creamy, blush pink and loved by kids. Fresh or frozen strawberries blend with yogurt and a little milk into a drink that tastes like strawberry ice cream, but lighter. A pinch of cardamom makes it feel like a real lassi. Do your kids prefer strawberry or mango?
You will need: 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup cold milk, 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar or honey, a pinch of cardamom, ice.
How to make it: Hull the strawberries. Add them to a blender with yogurt, milk, sugar, cardamom and ice. Blend until frothy. Pour into glasses and top with a sliced strawberry.
Mixed Berry Yogurt Smoothie
Fruity yogurt drinks like this purple smoothie are full of color and flavor. Frozen mixed berries, yogurt and a banana blend into a thick drink that is easy to make on busy mornings. Berries are naturally sweet, so you may not need any extra sugar at all. Pour it into a jar and take it with you on the go.
You will need: 1 cup frozen mixed berries, 1 small banana, 3/4 cup plain or vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon honey (optional).
How to make it: Add milk to the blender first, then the yogurt, banana and berries. Blend until smooth and thick. Add a splash more milk if needed. Pour and enjoy right away.
Peach Lassi
Peach lassi is a lovely twist on the classic mango version. Ripe or canned peaches give a soft, fruity flavor and a pretty peach color. A small piece of fresh ginger adds a gentle warmth. It is a great way to use canned peaches from the pantry all year long. Have you ever tried a peach lassi?
You will need: 1 cup peach slices (fresh or canned, drained), 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup cold milk, 1 tablespoon honey, a small piece of ginger, ice.
How to make it: Add peaches, yogurt, milk, honey, ginger and ice to a blender. Blend for 45 seconds until smooth. Taste for sweetness. Pour into glasses and serve cold.
Strawberry Pistachio Yogurt Shake, a Treat Among Yogurt Drinks
When you want something a little fancy, this yogurt shake delivers. Frozen strawberries blend with vanilla yogurt and a spoon of pistachio butter or ground pistachios. The top gets a swirl of whipped cream, crushed pistachios and fresh berries. It is creamy and indulgent, so it is perfect for a weekend treat. Would you add whipped cream?
You will need: 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1 cup vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, 2 tablespoons ground pistachios, 1 teaspoon honey, whipped cream and crushed pistachios to top.
How to make it: Blend strawberries, yogurt, milk, ground pistachios and honey until thick and smooth. Pour into a tall glass. Top with whipped cream, crushed pistachios and a strawberry.
