Perfect Sweet Lassi Recipe (with Saffron)

What is lassi?

If you’re craving a creamy, smooth, frothy beverage that’s both refreshing and indulgent, this sweet lassi recipe is calling your name. Originating as an Indian and a Pakistani drink, this classic Punjabi yogurt beverage has been a beloved summer favorite for generations.

Traditionally made by hand using a wooden churner (madhni) in a clay pot, the classic Punjabi lassi has now found a modern twist with high-speed blenders, immersion blenders, or even a wire whisk.

Whether you’re whipping it up the traditional way or with modern convenience, this lassi drink is irresistibly rich, creamy, and frothy.

Variations

Across different regions, the ingredients and styles of lassi can vary.

• Homemade buffalo milk yogurt or curd is prized for its higher fat content, giving the drink a rich, creamy texture that’s truly indulgent. 
• Most lassis are made with plain yogurt (dahi), blended with milk or water, and flavored with sugar, salt, or spices depending on the type. 
• Some regions favor a sweet lassi (meethi lassi), others a salty version (namkeen lassi, like Turkish Ayran), and fruity variations like Mango Lassi or strawberry lassi are popular too. 
• Traditionally, many sweet lassis are topped with a thick layer of malai (clotted cream), adding an extra touch of decadence and making each sip extra creamy.

Why we love this lassi recipe?

• Lassi is a gut-friendly drink because it’s made with probiotic-packed yogurt.
• Sweet, salty, fruity, or spiced, you can make whatever kind of lassi you want!
• The texture is thick, smooth, and refreshingly cool.
• Your drink will be ready in just minutes with a blender.
• This yogurt drink is a treat the whole family will love.

Ingredients you'll need

• Plain whole milk yogurt: The main ingredient in lassi, it gives this drink its creamy, rich flavor and frothy texture.
• Whole milk (or water): Adds smoothness and adjusts the consistency to make your lassi your preferred texture. I prefer whole milk instead of water. You can use either of the two as your preference.
• Heavy cream: Adds more fattiness which makes the lassi luxuriously creamy and velvety. You may skip it if you like your lassi light.
• Sugar: Sweetens the drink, balancing the tanginess of the yogurt.
• Cardamom powder: Infuses it with a warm, aromatic flavor that’s classic in Punjabi lassis.
• Saffron: Adds a golden hue and a delicate, rich aroma to your sweet lassi.
• Ice cubes: Keeps the lassi cool and refreshing, especially on hot summer days.
• Garnish: Almonds, pistachios, and saffron strands add crunch and flavor to your frothy lassi.

Step 2: Blend

Blend on high for 50–60 seconds until the lassi is creamy, smooth, and frothy.

Step 3: Taste, Adjust, & Serve

• Check sweetness and consistency, adjusting if needed.
• Pour it into glasses and garnish with chopped almonds, pistachios, and a few saffron strands. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Expert Tips

• Use cold or chilled ingredients for a perfectly cool lassi.
• Whole milk plain yogurt yields the richest flavor; avoid overly sour curd.
• Adjust the consistency to your liking. You can make it thick or thin, it’s up to you.
  

Flavorful Variations

• Make your lassi spiced or salty! Add salt, grated ginger, black pepper, black salt, mint, or cilantro. You can also use roasted cumin powder, which is perfect for a masala lassi.
• Make (or buy) flavored syrups to add to your lassi using rose water, rose syrup - Rose Lassi, Rooh Afza, kewra(screwpine), khus(vetiver), chocolate, or vanilla.
• Prefer a fruity drink? Blend in some mango, strawberry, banana, blueberries, lychee, passion fruit pulp, or canned pineapple. If you’re looking for an extra refreshing fruity lassi, use frozen fruit. 
• If you’re a fan of texture, add dry fruits and toppings. Almonds, pistachios, cashews, dried figs (anjeer), dates, dried rose petals, saffron strands, fresh cream, or chopped fresh fruit and berries are delicious additions to your lassi.

Serving Suggestion

Enjoy this lassi beverage chilled as a standalone refreshment, alongside a breakfast, brunch, or light meal, or as a cooling summer treat. Here are some dishes that will pair well with your lassi!

• Eat some spicy chicken fry and then drink some lassi to cool down your taste buds. 
• Enjoy the crunchy texture of crispy fish nuggets alongside your smooth and creamy beverage. 
• Bread rolls pair well with just about anything!
• And while lassi is like a dessert in itself, it’s also so yummy to eat with a sweet treat like kala jamun or peach cobbler. 

Storage

You can store your lassi drink in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, in an airtight container.

Stir or shake your beverage before drinking for the best texture.

If you made and loved this pineapple drink, please be sure to rate and review it below! I always love hearing from my readers and take your suggestions into account.

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