Sweet Lassi (Indian Yoghurt Drink)

Sweet lassi is one of the most recognisable Indian yoghurt drinks: cool, creamy and lightly frothy, with a gentle sweetness that makes it as welcome with spicy food as it is on its own. The drink is traditionally made by blending yoghurt with milk or water until smooth, then seasoning it simply so the tang of the yoghurt remains clear. In this version, thick cold yoghurt and whole milk give a plush texture, caster sugar softens the acidity, and cardamom adds a warm, aromatic note. Rose water can be used for a delicate floral finish, while briefly blended ice keeps the lassi chilled without making it thin.
Recipe by JustRecipes Editorial Team
Content validated: August 2026 How we create recipes
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Cuisine style Indian yoghurt drink
Cooking style No-cook preparation • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 15 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Ready quickly: Everything is blended cold, so the drink comes together in minutes without cooking or steeping.
  • Creamy but drinkable: Thick yoghurt gives the lassi body, while milk loosens it enough for a smooth, pourable finish.
  • Balanced sweetness: Sugar rounds out the natural tang of the yoghurt without masking the cardamom or floral notes.

Get the most out of this recipe

Ingredient notes

  • Use thick, cold yoghurt: Greek-style yoghurt gives the drink a fuller texture and helps it blend up creamy and frothy.
  • Keep cardamom subtle: Cardamom should add fragrance rather than dominate, so taste before adding any extra.
  • Adjust the sweetness: If your yoghurt is especially tangy, blend in a little more sweetener to taste.

Texture tips

  • For a richer lassi: Use well-chilled full-fat yoghurt and milk for the smoothest, most rounded texture.
  • Avoid a watery finish: Blend the ice only briefly at the end so it chills the drink without diluting the yoghurt base.
  • Blend until fully smooth: A short, strong blend helps dissolve the sugar and creates the light foam that makes lassi distinctive.

Make-ahead tips

  • Best served freshly blended: Sweet lassi has its best foam and texture straight from the blender.
  • If making ahead: Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then whisk or briefly blend before serving.
  • Add ice at the end: For the freshest texture, chill the lassi first and blend in fresh ice just before pouring.

Ingredient swaps

  • Use honey instead of sugar: Acacia honey gives a softer, lightly floral sweetness that works well with yoghurt.
  • Swap the floral note: Orange blossom water can replace rose water for a different but still classic aromatic finish.

Equipment you'll need

Blender Measuring spoons
Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Add the yoghurt, milk, sugar, cardamom and rose water to a blender. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds until completely smooth and lightly frothy.
  2. Add the ice cubes and blend again for 10 to 15 seconds, just until the drink is well chilled and slightly thicker. Taste and blend briefly again if you want it a touch frothier.
  3. Pour into two glasses straight away. Serve immediately while cold and foamy.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, start with very cold yoghurt and milk so the lassi turns frothy without needing extra ice.
  • Blend the ice briefly at the end so it chills the drink without turning it watery.

Substitutions

  • Replace Caster sugar with Acacia honey for a softer, floral sweetness.
  • Replace Rose Water with Orange-blossom-water for a different, but still classic, floral note.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 1 days
  • Best served straight away. If you need to make it ahead, refrigerate in a sealed jug for up to 24 hours and whisk or briefly blend before serving; add fresh ice cubes at the end to re-chill.

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Sweet Lassi (Indian Yoghurt Drink)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 glasses
  • Total time: 10min (10min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Allergens:
    Milk
Beginner friendly Kid friendly
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Equipment you'll need

Blender Measuring spoons

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Caster sugar

1 cup ≈ 200 g
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Greek yogurt

1 cup ≈ 245 g
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Ground cardamom

1 cup ≈ 96 g
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Rose Water

1 cup ≈ 240 ml
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Whole milk

1 cup ≈ 240 ml
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