Rose Lassi Recipe – Authentic Indian Rose & Pistachio Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rose Lassi Recipe – Authentic Indian Rose & Pistachio Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a drink that’s both incredibly refreshing and tastes like a little slice of heaven, you absolutely have to try this Rose Lassi. It’s a classic Indian yogurt-based drink, and honestly, it’s my go-to on a hot day. I first made this for a family gathering and it was a huge hit – everyone kept asking for seconds! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rose Lassi is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s creamy, subtly sweet, and beautifully fragrant with the delicate aroma of roses. It’s super quick to make – seriously, just 5 minutes! – and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to cool down during the warmer months. It’s a little taste of India you can enjoy at home.

Ingredients

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

• 1.5 cups (360ml) thick curd (dahi)
• 0.25 cup (60ml) milk
• 0.25 cup (50g) sugar
• 0.25 teaspoon rose milk essence
• 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
• Chopped pistachios, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because getting these right makes all the difference!

• Thick Curd (Dahi): This is the star! You need thick, hung curd for the best texture. If your curd is too runny, the lassi will be thin. You can strain regular yogurt through a muslin cloth for a few hours to thicken it.
• Rose Milk Essence: A little goes a long way! Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your liking. The quality of the essence really impacts the flavor, so try to find a good brand.
• Sweetness: Lassi sweetness varies across India. Some regions prefer it quite sweet, others less so. Feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. I usually start with ¼ cup and add a little more if needed.
• Milk: I prefer using full-fat milk for a richer lassi, but you can use any kind you like.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some lassi! It’s so easy, you’ll be sipping on this in no time.

1. Add the chilled, thick curd to a blender jar. This is where that straining really pays off!
2. Pour in the boiled and chilled milk. Cooling the milk helps keep the lassi nice and cold.
3. Add the sugar and rose milk essence. Don’t skip the essence – it’s what gives it that signature rose flavor.
4. If you’re using it, include the rose water for an extra boost of floral goodness. It’s optional, but I love the added depth of flavor.
5. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You might need to scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times.
6. Pour the lassi into glasses and garnish generously with chopped pistachios. They add a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
7. Serve immediately, or chill for about 30 minutes for an even more refreshing treat.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect Rose Lassi:

• Chill Everything: Seriously, chill the curd, the milk, and even the glasses! It makes a huge difference.
• Don’t Overblend: Overblending can make the lassi too frothy. Blend just until smooth.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the sugar and rose essence to your liking. Everyone’s palate is different!

Variations

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

• Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt) instead of dairy curd. It works beautifully! My friend, who’s vegan, swears by this.
• Sugar-Free Option: Substitute the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
• Adjusting Rose Flavor Intensity: Add more or less rose water and essence to control the rose flavor.
• Summer Cooling Adaptations: Add a pinch of cardamom powder for extra cooling properties. My grandmother always did this!

Serving Suggestions

Rose Lassi is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Spicy Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras.
• A light lunch or brunch.
• As a refreshing dessert after a meal.

Storage Instructions

While Rose Lassi is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers 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

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is Rose Lassi a good source of probiotics? Yes! Because it’s made with curd, Rose Lassi contains beneficial probiotics that are great for gut health.
• Can I make Rose Lassi ahead of time? You can, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you make it ahead, the texture might change slightly.
• What is the best type of curd to use for lassi? Thick, hung curd is ideal. It gives the lassi the perfect creamy texture.
• Can I use rose syrup instead of rose water and rose essence? You can, but it will make the lassi much sweeter. Use it sparingly and adjust the sugar accordingly.
• How can I adjust the consistency of the lassi? If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of curd.

Enjoy your homemade Rose Lassi! I hope you love it as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!