When the sun is high and the heat feels relentless, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a cold, velvety glass of Mango Lassi. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this creamy, tropical drink blends the tang of yogurt, the sweetness of mango, and the subtle warmth of cardamom into a single, soul-soothing sip. It’s a beverage that doesn’t just quench your thirst—it wraps you in comfort.

Simple, refreshing, and loaded with flavor, Mango Lassi is more than just a drink; it’s a cultural staple, a dessert-like indulgence, and a nourishing treat all in one.

🌏 What Is Mango Lassi?

Lassi is a traditional Indian beverage made primarily with yogurt. There are two main types:

Salted Lassi – seasoned with salt and sometimes spices like cumin, often consumed with savory meals.
Sweet Lassi – made with sugar, fruits, or rosewater for a more dessert-like experience.

Mango Lassi is a sweet variation that has become beloved across the globe. It’s especially popular during mango season in South Asia (late spring to early summer), when ripe Alphonso or Kesar mangoes flood the markets. However, it can be enjoyed year-round with the help of frozen mangoes.

🥭 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Only 10 minutes to blend a perfect batch.
Naturally Sweet: Ripe mangoes provide natural sugars, reducing the need for added sweeteners.
Customizable: Easily adapt the thickness, sweetness, and flavor based on personal taste.
Cooling & Hydrating: Packed with hydration from mangoes and milk—ideal for hot weather.
Probiotic Boost: Thanks to the yogurt, each sip supports digestive health.
Tried and Tested: This is a time-honored recipe enjoyed by generations.

🥄 Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s look at what makes this drink so irresistibly good:

🧈 Plain Yogurt (1 cup)

This is the base of the drink, giving it creaminess, tang, and probiotics. For a thicker lassi, use Greek yogurt or full-fat plain yogurt.

Tip: Avoid flavored yogurts—they often contain added sugar and artificial flavorings that may clash with the cardamom.

🥛 Milk (¼ cup, more as needed)

Milk helps thin the yogurt and ensures a smooth blend. Use whole milk for creaminess or opt for dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for a vegan twist.

🥭 Frozen Mangoes (2 cups)

Frozen mangoes not only add sweetness but also give the lassi its iconic golden hue and luxurious texture. If using fresh mango, add ice to compensate for the chill.

Best Mango Varieties (if fresh):

Alphonso – intensely sweet and aromatic
Ataulfo – buttery and smooth
Tommy Atkins – firm and mildly sweet

🍯 Honey (2 tablespoons)

Balances the tartness of yogurt. Adjust the amount based on your mangoes’ ripeness. You can substitute with agave, maple syrup, or sugar if preferred.

🌿 Cardamom (¼ teaspoon)

A dash of ground cardamom introduces warm, citrusy notes that elevate the tropical flavor. This spice is often used in Indian sweets and brings authenticity to the drink.

🍹 How to Make Mango Lassi (Step-by-Step)

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Make sure your mangoes are pre-frozen if you want a chilled lassi without adding ice. You’ll also need a high-speed blender for best results.

2. Blend

Place the following into your blender:

1 cup plain yogurt
¼ cup milk
2 cups frozen mango
2 tablespoons honey
¼ teaspoon cardamom

Blend on high for 1 minute or until you achieve a smooth, silky texture. The drink should be creamy but pourable.

3. Adjust Consistency

If your lassi is too thick (like a smoothie), add more milk a splash at a time. For a thicker, milkshake-style drink, reduce the milk or add a few ice cubes.

4. Taste & Sweeten

Taste the lassi before serving. If your mangoes were tart or underripe, add more honey to suit your sweetness level.

5. Serve Immediately

Pour into chilled glasses and enjoy! For a special touch, garnish with crushed pistachios, a pinch of cardamom, or fresh mango cubes.

🍽 How to Serve Mango Lassi

While it’s often enjoyed as a standalone drink, Mango Lassi pairs beautifully with:

Spicy Curries – its cooling nature balances heat from dishes like chicken tikka masala or lamb vindaloo.
Rice Dishes – great with biryani or pilaf.
Breakfasts – makes a protein-rich morning smoothie.
Desserts – pour into bowls and top with granola or coconut flakes for a tropical treat.

💡 Tips for the Best Mango Lassi

Always taste your mangoes first. Overripe = sweeter lassi; underripe = tangier.
Chill your yogurt before blending for the most refreshing version.
Add a pinch of salt to intensify the sweetness (a traditional trick).
Double the recipe for a crowd—it scales beautifully.
No blender? You can still mash fresh mango and whisk it with yogurt and milk by hand, though it won’t be as smooth.

🧘‍♀️ Is Mango Lassi Healthy?

Absolutely. Here’s why:

Probiotic-rich: Thanks to yogurt, it supports gut health.
Antioxidants: Mangoes are loaded with vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Natural Sweetener: Honey adds sweetness with trace nutrients.
Protein & Calcium: Especially when made with whole milk or Greek yogurt.

For those watching their sugar intake, simply reduce or eliminate honey and rely on the fruit’s natural sweetness.

❄️ Make-Ahead & Storage

Fridge: Store in a sealed jar or pitcher for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.
Freezer: Pour into popsicle molds for creamy mango lassi ice pops!
Meal Prep: Blend the base (yogurt + mango + cardamom) ahead of time and add sweetener or milk just before serving.

🌱 Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, feel free to get creative:

Vegan Mango Lassi: Use plant-based yogurt and almond or coconut milk.
Spicy Mango Lassi: Add a pinch of chili powder or ginger for a bold twist.
Coconut Mango Lassi: Swap out the milk for coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes.
Mango Rose Lassi: Add a few drops of rosewater for a floral dimension.