12 Traditional Indian Summer Drinks to Beat the Heat

5. Lassi (Sweet and Salted Variations)

Lassi is a beloved, thicker yogurt drink with two main personalities: sweet (often with mango) and salted (spiced). For a mango lassi, blend ripe mango pieces with yogurt, a splash of milk or water, and a little sugar or honey until smooth and creamy. For a salted lassi, whisk yogurt with water, salt, roasted cumin, and fresh mint or roasted cumin for a savory finish. The right consistency is important—too thin and it becomes chaas; too thick and it reads like a dessert. The probiotic nature of yogurt makes lassi a cooling, gut-friendly beverage, and the mango version adds natural sugars and vitamin A for a refreshing treat. In North America, ripe mangoes can be swapped with frozen mango chunks for year-round convenience. Use plain full-fat or 2% yogurt for the best mouthfeel, or try lower-fat versions with a splash of milk to recover creaminess. Serve cold with a sprinkle of ground cardamom or saffron threads when you want a celebratory touch.