Rooh Afza Lassi Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink with Rose Flavor

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rooh Afza Lassi Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink with Rose Flavor

Introduction

Summer in India… instantly brings to mind scorching heat and the need for something cool and refreshing! For me, that’s always been a glass of Rooh Afza Lassi. I remember my Dadi (grandmother) making this for us on hot afternoons, and the sweet, rosy aroma just felt like relief. It’s a simple drink, but packed with flavour and nostalgia. Today, I’m sharing my easy version with you – it’s perfect for beating the heat and enjoying a little taste of India!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rooh Afza Lassi is more than just a drink; it’s a quick escape to a cooler place. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and about 5 minutes of your time. Plus, the unique rose flavour of Rooh Afza combined with the creamy yogurt is simply divine. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a wonderful way to introduce someone to the flavours of Indian summers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups curd (plain yogurt) – about 400g
• ?? cup Rooh Afza syrup – about 120ml (adjust to taste)
• ?? tbsp cardamom powder – about 1/4 tsp (optional, but recommended!)
• 1 cup chilled water – about 240ml
• 10-12 ice cubes

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will make all the difference.

Rooh Afza Syrup: A Classic Indian Rose-Flavored Syrup

Rooh Afza is a beloved Indian concentrate, known for its distinct rose and herbal flavour. You can usually find it at Indian grocery stores, or online. It’s a vibrant red colour and adds a beautiful hue to the lassi. Don’t be shy with it, but start with a little and add more to taste – it is quite sweet!

Curd (Yogurt): Choosing the Right Consistency

The type of curd you use matters. I prefer using slightly thick, creamy curd for the best texture. If your curd is too sour, you can add a tiny bit of sugar to balance it out. Greek yogurt works wonderfully too, but you might need to add a splash more water to get the right consistency.

Cardamom Powder: Freshly Ground vs. Store-Bought

Cardamom adds a lovely aromatic touch. Freshly ground cardamom is always best – the flavour is so much more potent! But good quality store-bought cardamom powder works perfectly well if you’re short on time. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get making! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, in a bowl or directly in your blender, add the curd, Rooh Afza syrup, and cardamom powder (if using).
2. Pour in the chilled water.
3. Now, whisk everything together really well with a wire whisk until it’s nice and smooth. Or, if you’re using a blender, blend until frothy – about 30-60 seconds.
4. Fill your serving glasses with ice cubes.
5. Pour the Rooh Afza Lassi over the ice.
6. Garnish with a few rose petals or chopped nuts (pistachios or almonds look lovely!) and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

• Chill everything! Using chilled curd and water is key for a truly refreshing lassi.
• Don’t over-blend. Over-blending can make the lassi too thin.
• Taste as you go. Adjust the amount of Rooh Afza syrup to your liking.

Variations

• Vegan Rooh Afza Lassi: My friend Priya is vegan, and she swears by using coconut yogurt instead of regular curd. It gives it a slightly different flavour, but it’s still delicious!
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you like a little kick, add a tiny pinch of ginger powder or a dash of black pepper.
• Festival Adaptations (Holi, Eid): During festivals, I sometimes add a sprinkle of saffron strands for a more luxurious touch. It looks beautiful and adds a subtle flavour.

Serving Suggestions

Rooh Afza Lassi is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light snacks like namak pare (savoury biscuits) or samosas. It’s a great way to cool down after a spicy meal too!

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this lassi is best enjoyed immediately. But if you absolutely have to store it, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a couple of hours. It might separate a little, so just give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

What is Rooh Afza and where can I find it?

Rooh Afza is a traditional Indian syrup made with herbs and flowers, known for its cooling properties and rose-like flavour. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online retailers like Amazon.

Can I make Rooh Afza Lassi ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the lassi base (curd, Rooh Afza, cardamom, water) a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Add the ice just before serving.

What can I substitute for curd in this recipe?

Greek yogurt, coconut yogurt (for a vegan option), or even thick buttermilk can be used as substitutes for curd.

Is cardamom powder essential for the flavor?

No, it’s not essential, but it really elevates the flavour! If you don’t have it, you can skip it, but I highly recommend trying it with cardamom at least once.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the lassi?

Rooh Afza is quite sweet, so start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can also balance the sweetness with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.