My 5-Minute, 5-Ingredient Mango Lassi Recipe For When You Want It Just Right
Mango lassi is the kind of drink that feels like dessert in a glass. It’s sweet, creamy, and cooling, all the best things about Indian drinks in one tall pour. This mango lassi recipe is made with just a few ingredients and comes together in five minutes. It pairs beautifully with spicy dishes like paneer tikka or stands on its own as an easy treat.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no extra cost to you.
What is Mango Lassi?
Mango lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt drink made with ripe mangoes, plain yogurt, milk, and sugar. It’s cold, creamy, and naturally sweet, somewhere between a smoothie and a milkshake, but with its own unmistakable flavor.
In North India, it’s served in homes, restaurants, and even roadside stalls, often flavored with cardamom powder. While savory lassis exist too, this sweet mango version is by far the most popular, especially outside India. If you’ve never tried Indian drinks before, this is a perfect place to start.
Why You Will Love This Mango Lassi
Growing up in a South Indian household, mango lassi wasn’t something we made every day, but when it did show up, it felt like a treat. Usually at special lunches or restaurant outings, served ice cold with a dusting of cardamom or chopped nuts.
At home, we were more likely to slice mangoes and eat them plain, or mix them into yogurt without calling it a “lassi.” But once I started making it myself, it became one of those easy comforts I could always count on.
It brings together the delicious flavor of mango with the cooling creaminess of yogurt in a way that just works, especially after something spicy. This version keeps things simple and traditional, just like the mango drinks I remember from childhood celebrations, only now I make them whenever I like.
Pro Tip: If you’re using canned mango pulp, choose one without added sugar and reduce the sweetener in your recipe accordingly.
How To Make Mango Lassi
Step 1: Peel and chop ripe mangoes into chunks. You’ll need about 2 cups for this recipe. The sweeter the mango, the better your lassi will taste.
Step 2: Transfer the mango chunks to a blender. Add plain yogurt, milk, sugar, and ice cubes right on top. Everything goes in at once, no need to overthink it.
Step 3: Blend the mixture until it’s creamy and fully smooth. It should pour easily but still feel rich; adjust with a splash more milk if needed.
Step 4: Pour the mango lassi into glasses and top with chopped pistachios, almonds, and a few mango pieces. Serve chilled and enjoy immediately.
Best Mangoes for Lassi: Use sweet, ripe mangoes like Alphonso, Kesar, or Ataulfo for that vibrant color and flavor. Frozen mango chunks work too, especially if you’re making this as a picnic dessert or prepping ahead for gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few things to watch out for if you want your mango lassi to turn out just right. They’re small details, but they make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Using unripe mangoes: If your mango isn’t sweet and ripe, the lassi will taste flat or even sour. Always taste the fruit before blending. It should be soft, fragrant, and naturally sweet.
- Adding too much sugar: It’s easy to go overboard on sweetness, especially if you’re using canned mango pulp. Start with less, then adjust after blending. The mango should be the star, not the sugar.
- Over-blending the lassi: Too much blending can make the texture frothy and thin. Blend just until smooth and creamy, then stop. It should pour like a thick milkshake, not like foam.
- Making it too far ahead: Mango lassi is best served fresh. It thickens and separates as it sits, and the flavor dulls over time. If you do need to prep ahead, store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving, but try to enjoy it the same day.
Variations to Try
This mango lassi recipe is the base. But there are plenty of fun spins if you’re in the mood to experiment:
- Vegan Mango Lassi Recipe: Use almond yogurt and plant-based milk.
- Strawberry Lassi: Swap the mangoes for strawberries and follow the same method.
- Spiced Lassi: Add a pinch of cardamom powder or saffron for a more festive twist.
- Thinner Texture: Add more milk and skip the ice for a lighter consistency.
Serving Ideas
Mango lassi is incredibly versatile. Pair it with your favorite Indian mains or serve it solo as a drinkable dessert. Here are some ideas:
- With paneer tikka or any grilled spicy dishes.
- After a big biryani or curry meal.
- It’s a cool snack for kids. This one is a favorite kid-friendly drink in Indian homes.
- At a summer gathering, right alongside mango popsicles and other easy treats.
- Pair chilled mango lassi with something baked and bright like this Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake. It’s soft, full of real fruit, and a perfect match for fruity drinks.
If you tried this Mango Lassi Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe mangoes peeled and chopped
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Pistachios and almonds for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine chopped mango, yogurt, milk, sugar, and ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with pistachios, almonds, and mango chunks if desired.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- Mangoes: Use sweet, ripe mangoes, such as Ataulfo or Alphonso, for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Yogurt: Plain whole milk yogurt works best, but Greek yogurt will make it extra thick and tangy.
- Milk Alternatives: Feel free to use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
- Sugar: Adjust the sweetness based on the sweetness of the mangoes. If they’re very ripe, you may need less.
- Make Ahead: Blend and store in the fridge for up to a day. Stir before serving.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
Technically, yes, but then it’s not really a lassi. If you need a substitute, go for a dairy-free yogurt like almond or coconut. It still works, just a little different from the classic version.
A mango smoothie usually includes banana, juice, or protein add-ins. Mango lassi is a more traditional drink, made with plain yogurt, mango, milk, and a touch of sugar. It’s simpler, thicker, and has that unmistakable yogurt flavor.
Both work. It’s great alongside spicy dishes, but it also holds its own as a refreshing dessert drink. Just make sure it’s served cold, and ideally right after blending for the best texture.
