Rose Lassi Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink with Cardamom

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rose Lassi Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink With Cardamom

Okay, let’s be real. When the Indian summer heat hits, nothing beats a tall, cool glass of lassi, right? And this Rose Lassi? It’s a little slice of heaven. I first made this when I was craving something fragrant and refreshing, and honestly, it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s so easy to whip up, and the rose flavor is just chef’s kiss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Rose Lassi isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience! It’s incredibly refreshing, subtly sweet, and beautifully fragrant. Plus, it takes just 5 minutes to make – perfect when you need a quick escape from the heat. It’s a fantastic way to cool down, and the cardamom adds a lovely, warming spice that balances the floral rose perfectly. Honestly, it feels like a little self-care in a glass.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy Rose Lassi:

• 1 cup curd (about 240ml)
• 1 cup milk (about 240ml)
• 1 tbsp cream (about 15ml)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (about 25g)
• 1 cardamom pod
• 2 drops rose essence/rose water (about 1ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few things really make a difference here:

• Curd: Please, please use full-fat curd (also known as yogurt)! It makes the lassi so much creamier and richer. Dahi is the traditional choice, but Greek yogurt works in a pinch, though you might need to add a splash more milk to thin it out.
• Rose Essence: Quality matters! A good rose essence will give you that beautiful, authentic floral flavor. Rose water is a great substitute if you have it. Just be careful not to overdo it – a little goes a long way.
• Cardamom: Freshly crushed cardamom is best. It releases so much more flavor than pre-ground. Just lightly crush the pod to release the seeds.

Step-By-Step Instructions

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

1. First, grab your blender. Add the chilled curd, milk, and cream.
2. Next, toss in the sugar and the crushed cardamom pod.
3. Now, for the magic – add those 2 drops of rose essence (or rose water).
4. Blend everything together for about a minute, until it’s nice and frothy. You want it to be smooth and well combined.
5. Pour into a chilled glass and serve immediately. Seriously, don’t wait!

Expert Tips

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

• Chill Everything: Using chilled ingredients is key for a super refreshing lassi.
• Don’t Overblend: Overblending can make the lassi too thin. Just blend until everything is combined and frothy.
• Taste Test: Give it a taste and adjust the sugar to your liking. Everyone has a different sweet tooth!

Variations

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

• Vegan Option: Swap the curd and cream for plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt and coconut cream. It’s just as delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.
• Spice Level: If you like things a little sweeter, add another tablespoon of sugar. Or, for a hint of warmth, add a tiny pinch of saffron.
• Summer Cooling Adaptations: Throw in a handful of ice cubes for an extra frosty treat. You can also garnish with a few dried rose petals for a beautiful presentation.
• Festival Adaptations: This lassi is perfect for celebrations like Holi or Baisakhi. It’s a refreshing and festive drink that everyone will love.

Serving Suggestions

This Rose Lassi is amazing on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Spicy Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras.
• A light lunch, like a vegetable biryani.
• Just about anything, really! It’s that versatile.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this lassi is best enjoyed immediately. But if you absolutely have leftovers, you can store it in the fridge for up to a few hours. It might separate a little, so just give it a quick stir before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this lassi best served immediately? Yes! It’s at its most refreshing and frothy right after blending.
• Can I use rose syrup instead of rose essence? You can, but use it sparingly! Rose syrup is much sweeter, so start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.
• What type of curd is best for lassi? Full-fat curd (dahi) is the way to go for the creamiest texture.
• How can I make a thicker lassi? Use Greek yogurt or add a tablespoon of milk powder while blending.
• Can I add fruit to this lassi? Absolutely! Mango, strawberry, or banana would all be delicious additions.