Rose Lassi Recipe – Authentic Indian Rose & Cardamom Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rose Lassi Recipe – Authentic Indian Rose & Cardamom Drink

Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything more refreshing on a warm day than a cool, creamy lassi? And this Rose Lassi? It’s extra special. I first made this for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit – everyone kept asking for seconds! The delicate floral notes of rose, combined with the warmth of cardamom, are just heavenly. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and I’m so excited to share my recipe with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rose Lassi isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s a little bit of India in a glass! Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Incredibly Refreshing: Perfect for beating the heat, especially during those hot summer months.
• Easy to Make: Seriously, it takes just 5 minutes to whip up!
• Unique Flavor: The rose and cardamom combination is fragrant, floral, and subtly sweet.
• Probiotic Boost: Thanks to the dahi (yogurt), it’s a good source of probiotics for a happy gut.
• Naturally Cooling: Traditionally, lassis are known for their cooling properties in Ayurveda.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Rose Lassi:

• 1 cup dahi (yogurt)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons rose syrup
• 1 tablespoon rose water
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference in the final flavor.

• Dahi (Yogurt): This is the star! I prefer using full-fat dahi for the richest, creamiest lassi. You can use homemade or store-bought. If using store-bought, look for a good quality, thick yogurt. About 240g.
• Rose Syrup: There are a few different types of rose syrup available. Rooh Afza is a popular choice in India and adds a beautiful color and flavor. You can also find more delicate rose syrups – experiment to find your favorite!
• Rose Water: Make sure you’re using food-grade rose water. It’s readily available in Indian grocery stores or online. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!
• Ground Cardamom: Freshly ground cardamom is always best! The aroma is incredible. If you have cardamom pods, crack them open and grind the seeds yourself. About 1.5g.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending! It’s so simple, you’ll be sipping on this in no time.

1. First, add the dahi, milk, rose syrup, rose water, and ground cardamom to your blender.
2. Now, blend everything together until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this step – you want everything fully incorporated.
3. Give it a taste! If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. If you want it colder and thicker, toss in a few ice cubes and blend again.
4. Pour the lassi into tall glasses.
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and a few dried rose petals for a pretty touch.

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to make your Rose Lassi even better:

• Chill Your Glasses: Pop your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving for an extra-cold treat.
• Don’t Overblend: Overblending can make the lassi a little too frothy. Blend just until smooth.
• Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of rose syrup and rose water to suit your preference.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Vegan Option: Swap the dahi for a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt. It works beautifully!
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet lassi, reduce the amount of rose syrup. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup if needed.
• Mango Rose Lassi Adaptation: Add ½ cup of chopped mango to the blender for a tropical twist. My friend, Priya, makes this all the time and it’s divine!
• Summer Cooling Variation: Add a pinch of saffron strands soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk to the blender for an extra cooling and fragrant lassi.

Serving Suggestions

Rose Lassi is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete treat:

• With Indian Snacks: Serve it alongside samosas, pakoras, or other savory Indian snacks.
• After a Spicy Meal: It’s incredibly soothing after a spicy curry.
• Brunch Time: It’s a lovely addition to a weekend brunch spread.

Storage Instructions

This 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 give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is Rose Lassi a good source of probiotics? Yes! The dahi (yogurt) contains beneficial probiotics that are great for gut health.
• Can I make Rose Lassi ahead of time? It’s best fresh, but you can blend it a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge.
• What is the best type of Dahi to use for Lassi? Full-fat, thick dahi is ideal for the creamiest texture.
• Can I use rose extract instead of rose water? While you can, rose water has a more delicate and natural flavor. Rose extract can be quite potent, so use it sparingly.
• How can I adjust the rose flavor intensity? Start with 1 tablespoon of rose water and add more, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Rose Lassi! I hope it brings a little bit of sunshine to your day. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!