Cool, Creamy and Always So Refreshing

I absolutely love a good mango lassi. ♡

This classic drink has its roots in India, where yogurt-based drinks like this have been enjoyed for generations as a way to cool off. I’ve always appreciated how simply it brings together ripe mango, yogurt, and just enough sweetness to feel balanced and refreshing. It’s quick and easy to blend up in a few minutes and always hits the spot!

Feel free to use either fresh or frozen mango here, and you’re more than welcome to adjust the type of milk and sweetener to your liking too. Let’s make a mango lassi!

Mango Lassi Tips

Here are a few simple tips to help you make the creamiest, dreamiest mango lassi every time:

  • Use ripe mangoes. The riper the mango, the sweeter and more flavorful your lassi will be.
  • Frozen mango works great. It makes the lassi extra thick and cold without needing much ice.
  • Go easy on the ice. Only add ice if you’re using fresh mango — too much can water things down.
  • Start light on the sweetener. Mango sweetness can vary a lot, so it’s best to taste and adjust.
  • Don’t skip the salt. Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and enhances the mango flavor.
  • Cardamom is subtle but lovely. It adds warmth and depth without overpowering the fruit.
  • Blend longer than you think. A full minute on high helps make the texture extra smooth.

Recipe Variations

Once you’ve got the classic down, try one of these easy tweaks:

  • Add berries like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
  • Add rose water for a floral, traditional touch (just a few drops).
  • Make it dairy-free by swapping in coconut yogurt and coconut milk.
  • Add vanilla for a slightly dessert-like vibe.
  • Make it sweeter with maple syrup or agave instead of sugar or honey.
  • Add protein by blending in a scoop of plain or vanilla protein powder.
  • Make it lighter by using low-fat yogurt or thinning it with extra milk.

FAQ

can i use frozen mango?

Yes! Frozen mango works beautifully and makes the lassi extra cold and thick.

is mango lassi supposed to be very sweet?

Not necessarily. I prefer mine lightly sweet so the yogurt and mango flavors really shine.

do i need cardamom?

No, but it adds a really nice warmth. If you don’t have it, the lassi will still be delicious without it.

can i use greek yogurt?

Yes — just note that it will be thicker and tangier, so you may want to add a splash more milk.

Mango Lassi

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Author: Ali

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped ripe fresh or frozen mango (about 2 large mangoes)
  • 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar or honey, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, but recommended)
  • pinch of salt
  • a few ice cubes (only if using fresh mango)
  • optional garnish: sliced mango, mint leaves, or a sprinkle of cardamom

Instructions

  • Blend the lassi. Add the mango, yogurt, milk, honey (or sugar), cardamom, salt and ice cubes (if needed) to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
  • Adjust to taste. Taste and add extra honey or milk if you’d like it sweeter or thinner.
  • Serve. Pour into chilled glasses and top with your desired garnishes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Additional Info

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Indian
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

About Ali

Hi, I'm Ali Martin! I created this site in 2009 to celebrate good food and gathering around the table. I live in Kansas City with my husband and two young boys and love creating simple, reliable, delicious recipes that anyone can make!

You May Also Like...

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




23 Comments

  1. marcie@flavorthemoments says:

    Mangoes are one of my favorite fruits of all time. This looks refreshing and delicious!

  2. Marie @ Little Kitchie says:

    Looks so refreshing! Heaven for summertime!

  3. Leah | So, How's It Taste? says:

    I’ve never heard of a Lassi, but it sounds heavenly. Perfect for this hot, hot weather!

  4. Kelly Senyei | Just a Taste says:

    This looks so incredibly refreshing! It was wonderful finally meeting you in person this weekend, Ali! Hope you had a great time in Austin!

  5. sally @ sallys baking addiction says:

    I will never forget the first mango lassi I ever had. It was love at first sip! I’ve never made them at home. and now I have no excuse. :) Hope BlogHer was a blast! Wish I could’ve gone.

  6. DessertForTwo says:

    I used to live in Costa Rica, too! Our similarities keep growing! I was doing research on water quality on all the major rivers. Do you remember Gallo Pinto? And Salsa Lizana?! Oh, you’re bringing back so many memories for me! :)

  7. Heidi says:

    I am so jealous of your Costa Rican excursion, wish I’d done that in high school and ill be encouraging my Smudge to take advantage of all of those life adventures as she gets older.ango is currently her favorite so I’ll be making them
    With her this summer for sure. Sounds
    Like a fun giveaway!

  8. Sommer @ ASpicyPerspective says:

    Oooh, this looks heavenly!

  9. Tracey says:

    I’m on a huge mango kick right now so this is coming at just the right time :) It’s such a gorgeous color and sounds perfectly refreshing for summer!

  10. Tieghan says:

    That summer sounds amazing. what an awesome opportunity! This drink also sounds amazing. I love mangos and this sounds like the perfect summer drink!