Traditional Mango Lassi Recipe

On a hot summer day, there is nothing better than a refreshing, tropical beverage. If you're ever in the mood for a creamy, flavorful, blended drink, this recipe is for you. Mango lassis are traditional Indian drinks composed of yogurt, mango, honey, and Indian spices. They are sweet, tangy, and bright while remaining rich and creamy. While not necessarily reserved only for hot days, we believe they taste best when the weather is particularly warm.

Recipe developer and registered dietitian nutritionist Jaime Shelbert brings us this recipe for a traditional mango lassi. Shelbert notes "Mango lassi's are best served fresh or can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days. The lassi tends to separate a bit when stored in the fridge so I like to use a handheld frother to give it a quick mix."

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to blend up a traditional mango lassi.

To make this mango lassi, you can start by gathering your ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need milk, mango chunks, yogurt, honey, cardamom, and optional mint for garnish. Shelbert notes "If you wish to make it dairy-free, I would swap out the dairy milk and yogurt for coconut milk and yogurt."

Into a high speed blender, add the milk, mango chunks, yogurt, honey, and cardamom. Blend the mango mixture on high speed for about a minute until the mango lassi is smooth and creamy. Shelbert recommends enjoying a mango lassi "as a snack or after a spicy Indian meal. It is also delicious as a breakfast drink." 

If you're going to serve this for breakfast, Shelbert recommends one small addition. She says "this would also make for a yummy smoothie ... just add ice and blend."

This delicious concoction makes 2 servings. Pour the mango lassi evenly between 2 glasses. At this point, you'll be able to smell the spiced and fruity aroma. But don't dig in just yet ... you'll want to garnish this drink for the ultimate experience.

While optional, we always recommend a festive garnish. Add a few leaves of fresh mint to each glass for a touch of green color and fresh smell. That's it! You're ready to dig in and enjoy. If you want to change it up a bit, Shelbert recommends "Other garnish options include saffron threads or pistachios."