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Glasses of traditional lassi, ayran, doogh, and kefir

Name: Cold Yogurt Drink (Lassi / Ayran / Doogh / Kefir)

Summary: A collection of traditional cold yogurt drink recipes from around the world, including India’s sweet and savory lassi, Turkey’s salty ayran, Iran’s herbed doogh, and Eastern Europe’s probiotic kefir. Perfect for refreshing hydration and gut health.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Breakfast Add-on
Cuisine: Indian Turkish Iranian Eastern European
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • For Sweet Mango Lassi India:
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • ½ cup cold water or milk
  • ½ cup chopped ripe mango or mango pulp
  • 1 –2 tbsp sugar adjust to taste
  • ⅛ tsp cardamom powder optional
  • Ice cubes optional
  • For Salty Ayran Turkey:
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 cup cold water
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Ice cubes optional
  • For Herbed Doogh Iran:
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 cup cold carbonated water
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp dried mint or fresh mint leaves
  • Ice cubes optional
  • For Plain Kefir Eastern Europe:
  • 1 cup kefir store-bought or homemade
  • Optional: pinch of salt or honey depending on preference
  • Optional: fresh fruit slices or herbs for garnish

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • Blender or whisk
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Spoon
  • Serving glasses
  • Optional: fine mesh strainer (for kefir or doogh)

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Mango Lassi:
  3. Combine yogurt, mango, water/milk, sugar, and cardamom in a blender.
  4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Serve chilled over ice, optionally garnished with mint or a pinch of cardamom.
  6. Ayran:
  7. Mix yogurt, water, and salt in a bowl.
  8. Whisk or blend until frothy.
  9. Serve cold with ice. Optional: garnish with a mint sprig.
  10. Doogh:
  11. Mix yogurt with carbonated water in a bowl.
  12. Stir in salt and mint.
  13. Chill and serve over ice. For stronger flavor, let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  14. Kefir:
  15. Pour chilled kefir into a glass.
  16. Optionally, mix with a pinch of salt (savory) or honey (sweet).
  17. Garnish with fruit or herbs and serve cold.

Notes

Notes:
Use full-fat yogurt for creamier texture.
Strain yogurt beforehand for thicker drinks.
Do not boil or heat—these are always served cold.
Vegan option: use plant-based yogurt and water alternatives.