Lassi is one of the most refreshing drinks and really helps cool you down, especially during summer. Lassi comes in lots of varieties, each with its own unique flavour and twist. If you want a little change from the normal Punjabi classic lassi or mango lassi, you can try making these five delicious lassis at home.
The Rooh Afza lassi, also known as pink lassi, is one of the most loved varieties. It’s not only delicious but also very easy to make. All you need is one cup of yoghurt, a quarter cup of sugar, and a quarter cup of Rooh Afza syrup. Blend everything together in a mixer until smooth. For a chilled version, you can add some ice. And if you’d like to enjoy it the fancy way, decorate your glass with a drizzle of Rooh Afza syrup, pour in the drink, and garnish with dried rose petals.
If you’re looking to cool down on a warm day, you should definitely treat yourself to a delicious glass of baklava pistachio lassi. It’s incredibly easy to make. All you need to do is simply blend milk, nuts, almond flour, and dates in a blender. Let the mixture sit for a while, then blend again. Repeat this process a few times for a smooth texture. After that, add yoghurt, lemon zest, and cinnamon, and blend once more. Finally, pour it into a glass and tantalise your taste buds with this rich and flavourful lassi.
Gulkand lassi is another type of pink lassi, but it’s quite different from Rooh Afza lassi. It’s made with gulkand, a rose petal preserve sweetened with sugar and sometimes enhanced with herbs. This lassi turns out creamy with a slightly jammy flavour. In Ayurveda, gulkand is also valued for its cooling and digestive benefits. To make it, blend chilled yoghurt with water or milk, then add 2–3 tablespoons of gulkand and mix until smooth and frothy. For a finishing touch, garnish with nuts or rose petals.
Kesar pista lassi is often called the “Royal Lassi” because of its luxurious ingredients and its association with rich Indian desserts and drinks. Kesar and pista are a classic pairing, frequently used in traditional sweets and dairy-based delicacies.
To make this lassi, soak a pinch of saffron in a tablespoon of warm milk and set it aside for 10 minutes. In a blender, add one cup of curd, ice cubes, 8–10 roughly chopped pistachios, 2–4 tablespoons of sugar, a quarter teaspoon of cardamom, a tablespoon of fresh cream, and the saffron milk. Blend until smooth, then pour into a glass and garnish with fresh cream, chopped pistachios, and almonds.
Anjeer dry fruit lassi is not just delicious but also nutritious. To make this you will need to start with soaking a few dried figs (anjeer) in warm water or milk until they soften, and then blend them into a smooth paste. Then add yoghurt, milk, some honey or sugar, and a handful of nuts. You can choose whichevere nuts your like from almonds, cashews, or pistachios. Finally, blend it all until creamy, then top with a sprinkle of cardamom or saffron for a rich, royal touch.
Strawberry lassi is one of my favourites, and it’s incredibly easy to make. All you need are fresh strawberries, yoghurt, and honey. I like to use Greek yoghurt because it makes the lassi so rich and creamy. Simply blend a handful of strawberries with milk, yoghurt, honey, and a little ice until smooth. It’s quick, refreshing, and delicious. You can also make it your own by swapping honey for dates or sugar, but for me, this recipe has always been a favourite.
Salted Mint Lassi is pure magic in a glass. This is because it is just so cooling, creamy, and wonderfully refreshing. Fresh mint and cilantro are blended into a smooth green purée, then whisked into buttermilk and yogurt for a light yet rich base. To get that irresistible kick, add chaat masala, chilli, pepper, and salt. The flavours will come alive in every sip. This is more than just a drink, it’s a nourishing reset for your body and mind, simple yet powerful, and perfect to keep chilled for days.
Whether you’re in the mood for something floral like rose or gulkand, indulgent like baklava pistachio, or fruity like strawberry, each recipe brings its own flavour and charm. With just a few ingredients and a blender, you can enjoy a refreshing lassi at home any time of the year.