Head to the bustling streets of India with these mouth-watering lassi recipes that will transport you to a world of sweet and refreshing flavors. They’re (mostly) sweet, invigorating, and utterly scrumptious, making them perfect for hot summer days or as a soothing pick-me-up any time of the year. If you’ve never had a lassi before, then get ready to fall in love with your new favorite drink.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes a lassi so unique – is it a milkshake, kefir, smoothie, or something entirely different? Whatever its classification, one thing is certain: lassis are an absolute delight. In all seriousness, these Indian drinks are made with yogurt, water, or milk, and a blend of spices that add depth and complexity to their flavor profiles. While sweet and fruity lassis are the most popular, there’s also a delightful array of savory versions to explore.
From classic flavors like mango and pineapple to more adventurous options like spinach and mint, we’ve got you covered with 10 of our favorite lassi recipes that showcase the incredible diversity of this beloved beverage.
Sweet Lassi
Wrapped in simplicity, this lassi exudes a classic charm that’s hard to resist. For those who have a penchant for vanilla over chocolate, this particular lassi is a perfect fit. If your preference leans towards the richness of whipped cream over ice cream, you’re in for a delightful treat. This lassi strikes the right balance between being sweet and indulgently creamy.
Its ingredients list includes yogurt, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and ice, which might seem straightforward, but results in a taste experience that’s surprisingly better than a frozen yogurt base.
Savory Lassi
Savoring the flavors of India, are you also a fan of Bloody Mary? Then, I suspect you’ll appreciate these savory lassi drinks just as much. Like a Bloody Mary, these Indian-inspired beverages are delicious… especially if you’re not a sweet tooth kind of person. In fact, I personally prefer them over Bloody Mary. The combination of cilantro and cumin is a match made in heaven, don’t you agree?
They offer the perfect blend of creaminess, cooling sensation, and intense flavor that’s simply irresistible. Take it to the next level by adding a dash of hot sauce or Tabasco for an extra kick, similar to a Bloody Mary. Or, try incorporating some ripe avocado for added richness and depth of flavor. With these tweaks, you’ll be sipping on a refreshing delight in no time.
Basic Indian Lassi
Essentially, getting back to basics means revisiting the core elements of making a great lassi. One common substitution for milk is water, but there’s an even more exciting option: sparkling water! Using it adds a delightful fizziness to each sip, making every experience a refreshing one. This particular recipe offers two variations, both worth exploring in their own right. Firstly, we have the classic mango lassi, which has already been covered.
Then, there’s another variation that sets itself apart with its bold flavors – a savory lassi featuring cumin, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice, resulting in a bright, mouth-watering treat.
Banana Lassi
Very few recipes are as straightforward and satisfying as this banana lassi, which requires just four ingredients and is incredibly budget-friendly. This means you can whip up a glass at any time, making it an ideal solution for hot summer days or as a quick pick-me-up any other time of the year. The basic components include yogurt, a ripe banana, sugar, and ice – simply blend them together to create a smooth and creamy drink.
However, I would recommend adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and cardamom to give it an extra boost of flavor. You can also experiment with substituting honey for the sugar to create a slightly different taste profile. What’s more, this recipe makes a nutritious and delicious snack that kids will love just as much as adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or after-school treats.
Strawberry Lassi
Fresh from the gardens of India, strawberry lassi is a drink that embodies the essence of summer. Its vibrant pink color and sweet aroma are enough to transport you to a world of happiness and joy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to quench your thirst on a hot day, this refreshing drink is sure to delight both you and your guests. The key to making an exceptional strawberry lassi lies in the preparation of its base ingredient – a fresh strawberry puree.
While frozen berries can be used as a substitute, nothing beats the explosion of flavors that fresh strawberries provide. To make the puree, simply blend the strawberries with a little water until you get a smooth and consistent texture. It’s worth taking the extra step, trust us! After that, it’s just a matter of mixing the puree with yogurt, milk, sugar, and a pinch of cardamom to create a drink that’s nothing short of heavenly.
The result is a lassi that’s both soothing and invigorating – perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Mint Lassi
Refreshing your taste buds with a unique twist, this mint lassi from the Prince series is an experience like no other. Every sip is a different sensation that will excite your senses and leave you wanting more. The primary flavor of course being mint, but also infused with cumin, black salt, and sugar to give it a depth of flavor. This refreshing drink is made up of thick yogurt, making it a perfect blend of coolness and creaminess.
If you’re not a fan of the savory elements, feel free to exclude them and create your own unique version – it may not be traditional, but it will still be deliciously tasty. Consider adding some complementary flavors such as basil, strawberry, mango, or lime to take it to the next level. While this is certainly not a traditional mint lassi, its uniqueness makes it a must-try for adventurous foodies and those looking for something new.
Masala Lassi
Generally speaking, this masala lassi is the ultimate combination of all the flavorful ingredients found in other savory lassis. Its intensely fresh, herbaceous, and slightly spicy flavor profile makes it a standout among its counterparts.
Spiced Rose Lassi
Varying from the classic lassi recipe, this spiced rose lassi is an exquisite twist that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Despite its unique ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal effort. The addition of rosewater gives it a floral and fragrant flavor profile, while spices add depth and warmth. If you’re not fond of rosewater, you can experiment with orange blossom water for a similar aromatic effect but with a slightly sweeter twist.
With this recipe from Martha Stewart, you can trust that the result will be nothing short of delightful. The combination of sweet and floral notes creates a delicate yet delicious flavor experience that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Spiced Mocha Lassi
Pleasingly deviating from the traditional, I’d like to introduce you to a unique beverage – the spiced mocha lassi. While tradition is cherished in various aspects of life, including food, it’s also exciting to explore modern twists on classic recipes. The essence of innovation lies in experimenting with flavors and ingredients, which ultimately results in creations like this one. Particularly, I’m drawn to coffee-based drinks, and the inclusion of espresso in this lassi makes it truly special.
This refreshing beverage is an amalgamation of bold ingredients, featuring banana, ginger, orange juice, orange peel, cocoa powder, espresso, cloves, sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of yogurt for added creaminess. The combination may seem unconventional at first, but trust me when I say that these flavors complement each other perfectly. In fact, it’s this unexpected harmony that makes the spiced mocha lassi so delightful.
Its sweet, spicy, and chocolatey undertones create a truly exceptional taste experience, making it an excellent way to add some excitement to your morning routine.
10 Best Lassis (The Ultimate Indian Refreshment!)
While exploring the world of Indian cuisine, one drink that stands out is lassi. This popular yogurt-based beverage comes in various flavors and can be tailored to suit individual tastes. Whether it’s a sweet treat, a refreshing snack, or a savory accompaniment, there’s a type of lassi for everyone. That’s why we’ve curated 10 of the best lassi recipes from around the internet, each with its unique twist on this beloved drink.
Instructions
Zeroing in on your cooking goals, start by selecting your go-to recipe and gathering all necessary ingredients. Once you have everything ready to go, use this as an opportunity to whip up something truly scrumptious in under 30 minutes!
