Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rooh Afza Lassi Recipe – Authentic Indian Yogurt Drink with Khoya

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real – is there anything more refreshing on a hot day than a tall glass of lassi? Especially when it’s infused with the nostalgic, floral sweetness of Rooh Afza! This Rooh Afza Lassi isn’t just a drink; it’s a little sip of summer, a throwback to childhood, and honestly, pure happiness in a glass. I remember my Dadi (grandmother) making this for us during Eid, and the aroma alone was enough to make the heat disappear. I’m so excited to share this family favorite with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rooh Afza Lassi is seriously easy to make – we’re talking 5 minutes, tops! It’s the perfect blend of creamy yogurt, fragrant Rooh Afza, and a touch of richness from khoya. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable. Want it sweeter? Go for it! Prefer a vegan version? I’ve got you covered. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a fantastic way to cool down.

Ingredients

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

• 1 cup yogurt (about 240ml)
• 3-4 tablespoon Rooh Afza drink (approx. 45-60ml)
• 3-4 tablespoon sugar (approx. 30-45ml), or to taste
• As needed ice cubes
• 2 cups water (about 480ml)
• 1 scoop ice cream (any flavor), about 60-80ml
• 2 tablespoon khoya/mawa (approx. 30g)
• 1 tablespoon coarsely crushed dry fruits (kaju, badam, pista) – about 10-15g

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Rooh Afza: The Essence of Summer

Rooh Afza is a beloved rose-flavored syrup in India, especially popular during the summer months. It’s packed with herbs and is believed to have cooling properties. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online. Don’t skip it – it makes this lassi!

Khoya/Mawa: Adding Richness and Texture

Khoya, also known as mawa, is a milk solid. It adds a lovely creamy texture and subtle sweetness. If you can’t find it, don’t worry – I’ve included substitution ideas in the FAQs! About 30g is perfect for this recipe.

Yogurt Choice: Full-Fat vs. Low-Fat

I prefer using full-fat yogurt for the richest, creamiest lassi. But, you can absolutely use low-fat or even Greek yogurt! Just keep in mind that Greek yogurt will result in a thicker lassi, so you might need to add a little extra water.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, in your blender, add the yogurt, sugar, and Rooh Afza syrup. Blend for about 30 seconds, just until everything is nicely combined.
2. Now, add the water and ice cubes. Blend again, this time until the mixture is frothy and light. Don’t be afraid to add more ice if you like it extra cold!
3. Pour the lassi into a serving glass.
4. Next, stir in the khoya/mawa until it’s completely dissolved and blended in. This adds such a lovely richness.
5. Sprinkle the crushed dry fruits over the top. I love using a mix of cashews, almonds, and pistachios for a beautiful color and flavor.
6. Finally, garnish with a scoop of your favorite ice cream and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

Want to take your Rooh Afza Lassi to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

The perfect lassi consistency is smooth and creamy, but not too thick or too thin. Adjust the amount of water to reach your desired consistency.

Blending Techniques for a Frothy Lassi

Blending on high speed for a little longer will create a beautifully frothy lassi. It just feels more luxurious, doesn’t it?

Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference

Everyone has a different sweet tooth! Start with 3 tablespoons of sugar and add more, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s just right for you.

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Rooh Afza Lassi

My friend Priya is vegan, and she swears by using coconut yogurt instead of dairy yogurt. It adds a subtle coconut flavor that complements the Rooh Afza beautifully!

Sugar-Free Rooh Afza Lassi

If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.

Spice Level: A Hint of Cardamom

A tiny pinch of cardamom powder adds a lovely warmth and complexity to the lassi. My mom always adds a pinch!

Festival Adaptations: Perfect for Eid & Holi

During Eid, we often add a sprinkle of rose petals for extra fragrance. For Holi, a tiny bit of saffron can give it a beautiful golden hue.

Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. A chilled glass and a fun straw make it even more enjoyable! It’s perfect as a midday refresher, a dessert, or even a light breakfast.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, Rooh Afza Lassi is best enjoyed fresh. 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 give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is Rooh Afza and where can I find it?

Rooh Afza is a traditional rose-flavored syrup popular in India, known for its cooling properties. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online retailers like Amazon.

Can I make this lassi ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can blend the yogurt, Rooh Afza, and sugar ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Add the water and ice just before serving.

What can I substitute for Khoya/Mawa?

If you can’t find khoya, you can use ricotta cheese (drained well) or even cream cheese as a substitute.

Is it possible to make a mango Rooh Afza lassi?

Absolutely! Add about 1/2 cup of chopped mango to the blender along with the other ingredients. It’s a delicious twist!

How can I adjust the thickness of the lassi?

Add more ice for a thicker lassi, or more water for a thinner one. It’s that simple!