Sweet lassi is one of those delightful drinks that transports you straight to the bustling streets of North India, where cooling beverages are a must, especially on a hot day.
Traditionally made with yogurt, it’s a creamy, tangy-sweet drink that pairs beautifully with spicy Indian dishes or works perfectly as a standalone treat.
While lassi is often enjoyed with dairy, we’ve adapted this recipe to keep it completely plant-based and just as delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned lassi lover or trying it for the first time, this vegan version will quickly become a favorite in your household!
Making A Vegan Sweet Lassi
The beauty of sweet lassi lies in its simplicity. You only need a few ingredients to whip it up, and it takes no more than five minutes to make—perfect for busy days when you need a sweet fix.
This version uses plant-based yogurt for that creamy base and a touch of cardamom or rose water to give it that irresistible traditional flavor.
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this refreshing vegan sweet lassi:
Ingredients For A Vegan Sweet Lassi
- 2 cups unsweetened plant-based yogurt (coconut or almond yogurt works best for that rich texture)
- ½ cup water or plant-based milk (for a thinner texture, opt for water; for a creamier lassi, use almond or oat milk)
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave (you can adjust the sweetness to your liking)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (or 1 teaspoon of rose water for a floral twist)
- Ice cubes (to serve chilled)
- Optional garnishes: 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios, a pinch of saffron strands, or a sprinkle of dried rose petals
Steps For Making Homemade Sweet Lassi
This easy vegan lassi can be made in two ways—using a blender or by hand with a whisk, which is the more traditional method. Whichever you choose, it’s quick and foolproof!
Blender Method
- Add the plant-based yogurt, water or plant milk, maple syrup, cardamom (or rose water), and a few ice cubes into your blender.
- Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and frothy. If you prefer a thinner lassi, add a bit more water or milk. For a thicker, creamier texture, blend in some extra ice cubes.
- Pour into glasses, and if you want to get fancy, top with pistachios, saffron strands, or rose petals.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Traditional Whisk Method
- Add the plant-based yogurt to a large bowl and whisk it until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Slowly add the water or plant milk, followed by the sweetener, and continue whisking until you have a frothy, well-blended mixture.
- Stir in the cardamom or rose water, and pour into glasses.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings, and serve chilled!
How To Serve Lassi
Sweet lassi is best served in a tall glass, especially on hot days when you need something cool and refreshing.
It pairs beautifully with spicy foods, but it also makes a fantastic dessert drink after a meal. You can also add a spoonful of coconut cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Storing Sweet Lassi
If you’ve made too much (which rarely happens in our house!), you can store any leftover lassi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Before serving, give it a good stir and add a few ice cubes if it has thickened. While fresh is always best, this drink keeps pretty well for a couple of days.
Tips for Making Sweet Lassi
- Use a thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt: Coconut and almond yogurt give the best results in terms of creaminess.
- Fresh is best: If you can, use freshly made plant-based yogurt, but store-bought will work just fine. Just make sure it’s not too sour.
- Customize the sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup or agave to your taste. Some days, you might want it extra sweet, while other times, a subtle hint of sweetness will do.
- Play with flavors: Cardamom gives the lassi that signature Indian flavor, but rose water adds a lovely floral note. Try both and see which one you like best!
- Chill it well: Sweet lassi is best served cold, so make sure to use chilled yogurt and water/milk. Adding ice cubes helps keep it refreshing and light.
Sweet Lassi Variations We LOVE
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of fun ways to make your lassi more exciting. Here are a few variations that you can easily whip up at home:
Mango Lassi
Mango lassi is probably the most popular variation of this drink and a real crowd-pleaser.
- 2 cups plant-based yogurt, ½ cup mango pulp or fresh mango chunks, ½ cup plant-based milk or water, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and ¼ teaspoon cardamom.
- Blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with saffron strands or chopped almonds.
Turmeric Lassi
Turmeric is not just for curries—it can give your lassi a unique, spicy-sweet twist.
- Mix 2 cups plant-based yogurt, ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, a pinch of black pepper, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and ½ cup almond milk.
- Blend until smooth and serve chilled, with a sprinkle of turmeric and a dollop of coconut cream on top.
Strawberry Lassi
For a fruity and refreshing option, try this strawberry lassi.
- Blend 2 cups plant-based yogurt, 1 cup fresh strawberries, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and ½ cup plant-based milk.
- Garnish with strawberry slices and enjoy chilled.
Chocolate Lassi
This one’s for the chocolate lovers out there. A lassi that doubles as dessert!
- Melt ¼ cup vegan dark chocolate and blend with 2 cups plant-based yogurt, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and ½ cup plant milk.
- Top with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Banana Lassi
Bananas make this version extra creamy and perfect for breakfast.
- Blend 2 ripe bananas, 2 cups plant-based yogurt, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup.
- Garnish with chopped walnuts or a drizzle of agave.
Rose Lassi
A beautifully fragrant and visually stunning lassi.
- Blend 2 cups plant-based yogurt, 1 tablespoon rose syrup, ½ cup plant-based milk, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
- Garnish with rose petals and enjoy chilled.
Final Thoughts
Sweet lassi is a fantastic, easy-to-make drink that works just as well as a refreshing treat on a hot day as it does a sweet ending to a meal.
With this vegan version, you get all the traditional flavors and creaminess without any dairy. Whether you keep it simple or experiment with one of the variations, there’s a sweet lassi for every mood.
We hope you enjoy trying these at home—don’t forget to share your favorites!