Orange Cardamom Lassi Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Orange Cardamom Lassi Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, refreshing drink, especially when the weather heats up. And honestly, nothing beats a cool, creamy lassi on a hot day. Today, I’m sharing my go-to Orange Cardamom Lassi recipe – it’s unbelievably easy to make and bursting with flavour! I first made this when my niece visited during summer, and it was an instant hit. It’s been a family favourite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Orange Cardamom Lassi is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and aromatic. It’s ready in just a few minutes, requires minimal ingredients, and is incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to cool down and enjoy a little taste of India. It’s a vibrant drink that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious lassi:

• 1 ½ cups thick yogurt (about 360ml)
• ½ cup chilled milk (about 120ml)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (about 12g)
• 1 tablespoon honey (about 21g)
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder (about 0.6g)
• 2 oranges, peeled, deseeded and chopped
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (about 14g)
• A few drops yellow food color (optional)
• 5-6 ice cubes

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Using the right ones makes all the difference.

• Yogurt: Seriously, use thick yogurt. I mean, the kind that feels substantial. Dahi is best, but Greek yogurt works beautifully too. It gives the lassi that lovely creamy texture.
• Cardamom: Freshly ground cardamom is amazing if you have it, but good quality cardamom powder works perfectly well. It adds such a warm, fragrant note.
• Oranges: Fresh oranges are key here! The juice and pulp add so much flavour. I prefer using sweet oranges like Nagpur oranges, but any variety will do.
• Regional Variations: Lassi is super versatile! You’ll find different versions all over India. Mango lassi is incredibly popular, and you can also experiment with strawberries, bananas, or even rose petals. Some people prefer jaggery or dates instead of sugar and honey for a more traditional sweetness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, grab your blender jar. Add the thick yogurt, chilled milk, sugar, honey, and cardamom powder.
2. Now, toss in the chopped oranges and ice cubes. If you’re using food coloring, add a few drops now.
3. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Don’t be afraid to blend for a little longer to get that perfect consistency.
4. Pour the lassi evenly into two serving glasses.
5. Finally, garnish with the sliced almonds. Serve immediately while it’s nice and chilled!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• For an extra cold lassi, chill your glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving.
• Don’t skimp on the blending! You want everything to be perfectly combined.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Taste as you go and add more sugar or honey if needed.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Mango Magic: Swap the oranges for a cup of chopped mangoes for a classic Mango Lassi. My friend, Priya, swears by adding a pinch of saffron to her mango lassi – it’s divine!
• Rose Romance: Add a tablespoon of rose syrup and a sprinkle of dried rose petals for a floral twist.
• Saffron Delight: A pinch of saffron strands soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk adds a luxurious touch.

Vegan Adaptation

No dairy? No problem! You can easily make a vegan Orange Cardamom Lassi:

• Substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt.
• Use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.
• Ensure your honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your cardamom powder hasn’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten.

Spice Level Adjustment (Cardamom)

If you’re sensitive to strong flavours, start with just ⅛ teaspoon of cardamom powder and add more to taste. You can always add, but you can’t take away!

Festival Adaptations (Holi, Summer Celebrations)

This lassi is perfect for celebrations! During Holi, you can use a bit more food coloring to make it extra vibrant. It’s also a wonderful drink to serve during summer parties and gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

This lassi is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to pair it with:

• Serve it with a light Indian snack like namak pare or mathri.
• Enjoy it alongside a spicy meal to cool your palate.
• It’s a lovely addition to a brunch spread.

Storage Instructions

Lassi is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture might change slightly, so you may need to give it a quick blend before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of yogurt is best for lassi? Thick yogurt (dahi) or Greek yogurt is ideal for a creamy texture.
• Can I make this lassi ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can store it for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the lassi? Taste as you blend and add more sugar or honey to your liking.
• What if I don’t have cardamom powder? You can try using a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon, but the flavour will be different.
• Can I use orange juice instead of chopped oranges? While you can, using chopped oranges gives a better texture and more natural flavour. If you use juice, you might want to add a little orange pulp for texture.