Creamy Mango Lassi – Refreshing Indian Drink Recipe

Mango lassi represents the perfect marriage of tropical sweetness and cooling yogurt – a drink that refreshes like nothing else on a warm day. This traditional Indian beverage requires no cooking and comes together in minutes, yet delivers complex, satisfying flavor.

Ingredients for Four Servings

Primary Components

• 2 large ripe mangoes – approximately 400g flesh
• 1½ cups plain yogurt – full-fat preferred
• ½ cup cold milk
• 3-4 tbsp honey or sugar – adjust to mango sweetness
• 6-8 ice cubes
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder – freshly ground ideal
• Pinch of saffron strands – optional luxury

Preparation Method

Step 1: Choose Your Mangoes

Mango variety significantly impacts the final drink. Alphonso mangoes offer unmatched sweetness and aroma when in season. Ataulfo (honey mangoes) provide excellent fiberless flesh year-round. Kent and Haden varieties work well when fully ripe.

Ripe mangoes yield slightly when pressed and emit fragrant aroma at the stem end. Avoid fibrous varieties that create stringy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Mango

Cut mangoes along both sides of the flat pit. Score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern without cutting through the skin. Invert each half and slice the cubes into your blender. Scrape any remaining flesh from around the pit.

Step 3: Blend the Base

Add yogurt and milk to the mango chunks. Blend on high speed until completely smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Taste the mixture – the natural sweetness varies significantly between mangoes.

Step 4: Sweeten and Spice

Add honey or sugar according to taste, starting with less than you think necessary. Blend again. Add cardamom powder and blend briefly to incorporate. The cardamom should enhance, not dominate, the mango flavor.

Step 5: Achieve Perfect Texture

Add ice cubes and blend until frothy and well-chilled. The consistency should be pourable but substantial – thicker than milk, thinner than a smoothie bowl. Adjust by adding more milk to thin or more yogurt to thicken.

Expert Recommendations

• Freeze mango chunks beforehand for extra thick, frosty texture
• Use Greek yogurt for higher protein and creamier body
• Chill glasses in the freezer before serving for restaurant presentation
• Canned mango pulp works when fresh mangoes are unavailable or unripe
• Add a splash of rose water for floral Persian-inspired variation

Nutritional Benefits

Per glass (approximately 300ml):

• Calories: 195 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 3g
• Vitamin C: 45% daily value
• Probiotics from live yogurt cultures

Serving Ideas

Pour into tall glasses and garnish with thin mango slices, a sprinkle of cardamom, or crushed pistachios. Serve immediately while cold and frothy. Pairs beautifully with spicy Indian meals as a cooling counterpoint.

Variations to Explore

Replace half the yogurt with coconut cream for dairy-free option. Add fresh mint for brightness. Blend in a frozen banana for extra creaminess. Stir in chia seeds and let sit to create lassi pudding.