As a freelance graphic designer and travel enthusiast who has a passion for exploring new cultures, I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite summer cocktail recipes. The Boozy Strawberry Lassi recipe caught my attention during one of my trips to India, where I was introduced to the sweet and tangy flavors of this refreshing drink. I’ve since made several variations of the recipe that have become a staple at my summer gatherings with friends and family.
Leah is a freelance graphic designer and travel enthusiast based in the United States. When she’s not working, she enjoys hiking, trying new food and drinks, and exploring new cities across the globe. Her adventurous spirit has taken her to countries all around the world, where she samples local cuisine and beverages as a way to experience different cultures.
Leah Harris currently resides in the United States and grew up in the United States.
Originating from India, Lassi is a traditional yoghurt-based drink that comes in many flavors. The word Lassi comes from the Punjab region in northern India and Pakistan, where it is widely consumed as a digestive aid during hot summer months. The drink is made from blending fresh yoghurt with ice or water, and then adding different fruit, herbs or spices to create a unique flavor. Did you know that in ancient times, lassi was often served to royalty as a cooling drink during the hot summer months?
In today’s world of constant stress, the Boozy Strawberry Lassi recipe is an excellent way to unwind with family and friends. With its refreshing and fruity flavors, this cocktail is perfect for sipping poolside or lounging on the beach. It’s super easy to make and can be customized to meet your taste preferences. I love adding a touch of gin to give it a kick, but you can also leave it out if you prefer a mocktail option. So go ahead and try this recipe, and let me know what you think. Cheers!
What you need
Are you ready for the ultimate summer cocktail? I’ve got you covered with this delicious Boozy Strawberry Lassi recipe, a fruity and tangy drink that’s perfect for sipping by the pool or at the beach. By blending fresh and juicy strawberries with tangy Greek yogurt, zesty lime juice, sweet honey, and warm cardamom powder, this recipe takes the traditional Lassi to a whole new level. And for those who are feeling extra adventurous, you can add gin to the mix, giving it a boozy kick that’s simply irresistible.
To make this delicious cocktail, start by washing and slicing the strawberries into small pieces. Add them into a blender along with freshly squeezed lime juice, Greek yogurt, honey, and cardamom powder, and blend everything together until smooth. For the boozy version of the recipe, add gin to the mix and blend again until everything is combined. The final touch is adding ice cubes to the mix, giving the Lassi a frothy texture and a cooling effect. Pour the mixture into tall glasses, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of strawberry, and sip away! This recipe is incredibly refreshing and irresistible, perfect for cooling off during the hot summer months. Cheers to a delicious and boozy summer!
Ingredients:
- Strawberries – Fresh and juicy strawberries will give this drink a tangy and fruity flavor. Substitute with raspberries if strawberries are not available.
- Greek Yogurt – Creamy and thick yogurt is a staple in any Lassi recipe, and this Boozy Strawberry Lassi recipe is no exception. Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for the best results.
- Gin – Adding gin to this recipe will give it a bold and slightly bitter flavor, balancing the sweet tanginess of the strawberries. This ingredient is optional, and can be substituted with vodka.
- Fresh Lime Juice – Squeeze fresh lime juice into the mixture to give it a tangy and refreshing flavor. Avoid using bottled lime juice as it can be too acidic.
- Honey – Natural honey helps to balance the tartness of the strawberries and lime while adding a touch of sweetness to the mixture.
- Ice Cubes – Adding ice cubes to the mix helps to cool down and thicken the mixture. Use as much as needed to obtain the desired consistency.
- Cardamom Powder – Cardamom is a traditional spice used in many Lassi recipes, adding a warm and fragrant flavor to the mixture. It can be omitted if not available.
Utensils:
- Blender
- Juicer – Optional, if you prefer to extract the juice from the lime with a manual juicer or with your hands.
- Knife – To slice the strawberries.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving Glass – A tall glass to serve the drink.
Yogurt, a creamy and nutritious addition
Greek yogurt is a staple in most of my recipes, including this one. It has a tangy and slightly acidic taste that balances the sweetness of the berries and honey perfectly. Full of protein, calcium, and live cultures, Greek yogurt has numerous health benefits and it’s naturally low in fat. I love to use this ingredient in various dishes, from savory dips to marinades and dressings. Fun fact, in India, people often consume Lassi as a digestive aid, and the probiotics grams yogurt provide can help with gut health, aiding in digestion and boosting the immune system. For me, this is also why I enjoy it, feeling better from the inside out.
Cardamom: Not Just a Spice, But a Medicinal Herb
Cardamom has an intense and sweet aroma, and it’s a common ingredient in Indian cuisine. It’s also used in many desserts and sweet drinks, including Lassi. It has been used as a medicinal herb in India and other countries for centuries, believed to have antioxidant properties and used to treat digestive issues, among other ailments. I love the warm and slightly citrusy flavor that it adds to savory and sweet dishes like curries and cakes. If you’re using whole cardamom pods in the recipe, make sure you crush them with the back of a spoon or in a mortar and pestle to release the flavors. A little goes a long way in this recipe.
What to serve it with?
Whenever I make this Boozy Strawberry Lassi, I love to serve it alongside some salty snacks like pita chips, roasted peanuts, or black olives. The tangy and fruity flavors in the cocktail perfectly complement the savory taste of the snacks, while the creamy and frothy texture of the drink balances out the salty crunchiness of the appetizers. It’s a great combination that is easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends or family. Sometimes, I even throw in some grilled chicken skewers or vegetable kebabs for a more substantial meal. The appetizer with the Strawberry Lassi is perfect for any summer gathering, and its light and refreshing taste always leave my guests wanting more.
Summary
So there you have it, my favorite Boozy Strawberry Lassi recipe, perfect for a hot summer day. Whether you choose to add gin to the mix or opt for a mocktail option, this drink never fails to impress. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do, and I would love to hear from you! Do you have any tips or tricks to put a unique twist on this classic Lassi recipe? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share a photo of your finished drink on social media and tag me – I’d love to see your creations. Cheers to a refreshing summer cocktail!
Here’s the recipe:
Boozy Strawberry Lassi: The Perfect Summer Cocktail
Equipment
- Blender
- Juicer
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving Glass
Ingredients
- 1 pound Strawberries
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt
- 3 oz Gin
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
- 1 tsp Cardamom Powder
Instructions
- Wash and Cut The Strawberries - Rinse the strawberries under cold, running water, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove the stem and cut them into halves or quarters so that they fit easily in the blender.
- Blend the Strawberries and Lime Juice - Add the cut strawberries and freshly squeezed lime juice to the blender, and blend until you obtain a smooth mixture.
- Add Rest of the Ingredients - Next, add the Greek yogurt, honey, and cardamom powder into the blender, and blend again for a few seconds until you obtain a smooth mixture.
- Add the Gin - If you're going for a boozy version of the cocktail, add the gin along with the yogurt and blend everything together until smooth.
- Add the Ice Cubes - Finally, add one cup of ice cubes to the mix and pulse for several seconds until the mixture has a frothy texture and the ice cubes are crushed.
- Serve and Garnish - Pour the Strawberry Lassi into serving glasses, and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of strawberry. Serve chilled, and enjoy!
