A cardamom yoghurt drink with honey is cool, creamy and lightly spiced. It is inspired by sweet lassi, the yoghurt-based drink enjoyed across South Asia, but this version uses honey rather than added white sugar.
The recipe is intentionally simple: yoghurt, cold water or milk, cardamom and enough honey to bring the flavours together.
For another approach, see our mango and honey smoothie, or explore the honey drinks and smoothies for related guidance.
Ingredients
For 2 glasses:
- 250 g plain natural yoghurt
- 180 to 220 mL chilled water or milk
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- small pinch of salt, optional
- ice cubes, optional
Method
- Add the yoghurt, 180 mL water or milk, honey, cardamom and salt to a blender.
- Blend for 20 to 30 seconds until smooth and lightly frothy.
- Add more liquid if you prefer a thinner drink.
- Taste and add a little more honey only if needed.
- Serve chilled, with ice if you like.
Is this a honey lassi?
It is reasonable to describe it as a honey lassi-style drink, but lassi is a broad traditional category with many regional and household variations. Some versions are sweet, some salted, some fruit-based and some very plain.
This recipe simply uses the familiar yoghurt-and-cardamom combination with honey as the sweetener.
Can lassi be sweetened with honey?
Yes. Honey blends well with yoghurt, especially when the drink is not ice-cold during mixing. If your honey is very thick, stir it into a spoonful of room-temperature water first, then add it to the blender.
Use less honey than you would for a dessert. The refreshing tang of yoghurt should remain noticeable.
Water or milk?
Water makes a traditional-feeling, lighter yoghurt drink. Milk produces a creamier result.
For an extra-thick drink, use Greek-style yoghurt and milk. For a more refreshing version, use natural yoghurt and cold water.
Optional flavour variations
Rose: add a few drops of culinary rose water.
Saffron: add a few saffron threads soaked in a spoonful of warm milk, then cool before blending.
Mango: blend in ripe mango for a fruitier version.
Mint: add a few fresh mint leaves for a cooling herbal note.
Can you make it without added sugar?
This version uses no table sugar, but honey itself contains sugars. If the phrase “without added sugar” matters for dietary or labelling reasons, note that adding honey still counts as adding a sweetening ingredient.
The simplest approach is to use just enough honey to balance the yoghurt rather than trying to make the drink very sweet.
Serving and storage
Serve immediately for the best frothy texture. If making it ahead, refrigerate promptly and stir or shake before drinking because yoghurt drinks can separate.
Frequently asked questions
What spices go well in sweet lassi? Cardamom is the classic starting point. Saffron and rose are also popular flavour directions.
Can I make this with Greek yoghurt? Yes. Add extra water or milk until it reaches the consistency you like.
Can I make it dairy-free? Yes. Use an unsweetened plant-based yoghurt and adjust the liquid to suit its thickness.
How much honey should I use? Start with one teaspoon for two glasses and increase only after tasting.
Honey must not be given to infants under 12 months. Check ingredients for relevant allergens.