Mango Ginger Lassi is a refreshing and creamy yogurt-based drink that combines the sweet, tropical flavor of ripe mangoes with the warming spice of fresh ginger. This traditional Indian beverage offers the perfect balance of smooth, cooling yogurt with the vibrant taste of mangoes and a subtle heat from ginger that awakens the palate. The creamy texture and bright orange color make it as visually appealing as it is delicious, while the natural probiotics from yogurt provide digestive benefits. Whether enjoyed as a cooling summer drink, a healthy breakfast smoothie, or a satisfying afternoon snack, this lassi delivers both comfort and nutrition in every creamy, flavorful sip.
Serves: 3 large glasses or 4 medium glasses
What You’ll Need
This delightful lassi requires fresh, quality ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors. The key to an exceptional lassi lies in using ripe mangoes and fresh ginger for the best taste and texture.
- 2 cups ripe mango chunks (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (cold)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 3-4 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Mango slices for garnish
- Pinch of ground ginger for dusting
Choosing the Perfect Mangoes
The success of your lassi depends heavily on the quality and ripeness of your mangoes. Choose mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a sweet, fruity aroma at the stem end. Ripe mangoes should have smooth skin without dark spots or wrinkles. If using fresh mangoes, varieties like Alphonso, Ataulfo, or Tommy Atkins work wonderfully for their sweetness and creamy texture.
If fresh mangoes aren’t available, high-quality frozen mango chunks work just as well and can actually make your lassi thicker and colder. Allow frozen mangoes to thaw for about 10 minutes before blending for easier processing.
Preparing the Ginger
Fresh ginger is essential for this recipe as it provides a clean, bright heat that complements the mango perfectly. Using a spoon or vegetable peeler, carefully remove the skin from a piece of fresh ginger root. The skin should come off easily, revealing the pale yellow flesh underneath.
Grate the peeled ginger using a fine microplane grater or the smallest holes on a box grater. You want very fine pieces that will blend smoothly into the lassi without creating a gritty texture. Fresh ginger has a more vibrant flavor than dried, so avoid substituting with ground ginger for this recipe.
Getting Your Yogurt Ready
Use plain Greek yogurt for the best results, as it provides the thick, creamy texture that makes lassi so satisfying. Full-fat yogurt creates a richer, more luxurious drink, but you can use low-fat yogurt if preferred. Make sure your yogurt is well-chilled before starting, as this will help create a refreshing cold drink.
If your yogurt seems too thick, you can thin it slightly with a little milk before blending. The yogurt should be smooth and creamy without any lumps or separation.
Blending the Base
Add the mango chunks to your blender first, followed by the Greek yogurt and cold milk. This liquid base helps the other ingredients blend more smoothly and prevents the blender from struggling with thick ingredients. The mango and yogurt combination creates the creamy foundation that makes lassi so special.
Add the grated fresh ginger to the blender. Start with the full tablespoon if you enjoy a noticeable ginger flavor, or use slightly less if you prefer a milder heat. The ginger will distribute evenly throughout the drink during blending.
Sweetening and Seasoning
Add your chosen sweetener to the blender. Honey works beautifully with mango and ginger, providing a natural sweetness that complements the other flavors. If using sugar, make sure it’s fine sugar that will dissolve easily. Start with 3 tablespoons and adjust after tasting.
Add the ground cardamom, which provides a warm, aromatic note that’s traditional in Indian lassi. The cardamom enhances both the mango and ginger flavors while adding its own subtle complexity. The small amount of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Blending to Perfection
Add the ice cubes and heavy cream (if using) to the blender. The ice cubes will help create the perfect thick, cold consistency, while the cream adds extra richness and smoothness. Blend all ingredients together on high speed for 60-90 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and frothy.
The lassi should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more yogurt or a few more ice cubes and blend again.
Checking the Flavor Balance
Taste your lassi and adjust the flavors as needed. The mango should be the dominant flavor, followed by the creamy yogurt, with the ginger providing a pleasant warmth in the background. If you want more ginger heat, add a little more grated ginger and blend briefly.
The sweetness should complement the natural fruit flavors without overpowering them. Add more honey or sugar if needed, keeping in mind that the flavors will be slightly muted when the drink is very cold.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
The ideal lassi consistency is similar to a thick milkshake that can be enjoyed with a spoon or drunk through a wide straw. It should be smooth and creamy without any lumps or ice chunks. If you notice any pieces of ginger or mango that haven’t blended completely, strain the lassi through a fine-mesh strainer for the smoothest texture.
Serving Your Lassi
Pour the lassi into tall glasses, leaving some room at the top for garnishes. The beautiful orange color of the mango should be vibrant and appealing. For an extra special presentation, you can drizzle a little honey around the inside of the glasses before pouring.
Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves and a slice of mango on the rim. The green mint provides a beautiful color contrast and adds a fresh aroma that complements the drink perfectly.
Adding Final Touches
For an elegant finishing touch, lightly dust the top of each lassi with a tiny pinch of ground ginger. This adds visual appeal and gives a hint of what flavors await. You can also add a few drops of honey on top and swirl it gently with a spoon to create beautiful patterns.
Traditional Serving Style
In India, lassi is often served in clay cups called kulhads, which keep the drink cool and add an earthy flavor. If you don’t have kulhads, serve in chilled glasses for the best experience. Lassi is traditionally enjoyed slowly, savored for its cooling and digestive properties.
Health Benefits and Nutrition
This lassi combines the digestive benefits of yogurt’s probiotics with the vitamin C and antioxidants from mangoes. Ginger adds anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion and nausea. The combination creates a nutritious drink that’s both satisfying and beneficial for your health.
The protein from Greek yogurt makes this lassi a filling option that can serve as a light meal or substantial snack. The natural sugars from the mango provide energy, while the yogurt helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Storage and Freshness
Mango Ginger Lassi is best enjoyed immediately after preparation when it’s cold and frothy. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The ingredients may separate slightly, so give it a good stir or quick blend before serving stored lassi.
If you want to prepare it ahead of time, you can blend all ingredients except the ice, then add ice and blend again just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and temperature.
Variations and Customization
For a vegan version, substitute coconut yogurt and coconut milk for the dairy ingredients. You can also add other spices like a pinch of black salt or roasted cumin for a more complex flavor profile. Some people enjoy adding a few cashews or almonds for extra richness and nutrition.
For a lighter version, use low-fat yogurt and reduce the amount of honey. You can also add more ice to create a more diluted, refreshing drink perfect for hot summer days.
Making It Special
This lassi is perfect for entertaining guests, especially during warm weather. You can set up a lassi bar with different toppings like chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or additional fruit pieces, allowing guests to customize their drinks.
The Mango Ginger Lassi offers a perfect blend of traditional Indian flavors with a refreshing twist that makes it suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a healthy breakfast option, a cooling afternoon treat, or an impressive drink for guests, this lassi delivers tropical sweetness, creamy comfort, and warming spice in every delightful sip.
