Banana lassi

Banana lassi is a twist on the classic Indian dairy-based drink with a lovely banana flavor. It's a little like a milkshake but even easier and lighter. It's easy to make and wonderfully refreshing.

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Other than when we were on a trip (which to be fair, I was lucky to do often), we didn't go out for dinner all that much growing up. But when we did, a local Indian restaurant was a favorite. While I would tend to vary what I ate, I nearly always had the same thing to drink: a glass of lassi.

While I don't remember for sure, I feel like the only option at that time was mango lassi. Not that I was complaining, of course, as it's a delicious option. But while it's probably the best known internationally at least, you can make lassi with many other ingredients. Since it's easy to make at home, it's worth mixing things up!

What are the origins of lassi?

Lassi is from the Punjab region of India and has been around for centuries. "Lassi" means yogurt mixed with water in Punjabi and was developed as a way to beat the heat. Most traditionally, it's made with buffalo milk yogurt but other types are common, too.

As mentioned, while mango is probably the best known internationally, in India, the most common are sweet lassi and salt lassi which are generally simpler with added spices. That said, you will also find various fruit variations as well, depending on the fruits available locally and in season.

Sweet and fruit lassis are a little thicker and enjoyed more as a pick-me-up. They are similar to a milkshake or smoothie, just a little thinner. They have that lovely balance of creamy yet refreshing that's perfect for a warm day.

Lassi ingredients

All styles of lassi have a base of plain yogurt, which you thin out a little with either water or milk. You can also add ice cubes or crushed ice to help make it cooler. Then, you add some seasonings to give a little flavor.

For most sweet lassis, this means a little sugar and then typically ground cardamom. You might also add some mint for added freshness, though this is often considered a different version of lassi in itself.

Fruit versions are primarily a sweet lassi with added blended fruit. I've previously shared delicious peach lassi and strawberry lassi, that I highly recommend trying as well. But for now, let's make this easy, tasty banana version.

This drink comes together really easily as it's as simple as peeling the banana then placing everything in the blender and blending them up. You may need to scrape down the sides to make sure everything is mixed in, and possibly the bottom as the honey can sink. Then, re-blend to make sure all mixes well.

This is best enjoyed right after you make it, so it stays nice and cold and has the slight airiness from being just-blended. But you can store any leftovers in the fridge for a short while if needed (but I wouldn't recommend more than an hour or two).

This banana lassi is really easy to make with just a handful of ingredients with tasty results. It's creamy yet light, with a lovely delicate banana flavor and just enough sweetness. A yummy, refreshing drink that's perfect any time.

Try these other refreshing drinks:

• Strawberry agua fresca (a lovely bright and light Mexican strawberry drink)
• Cherry lemonade (a delicious fruity lemonade variation)
• Mango dragon fruit smoothie (we love it as a bowl but you can drink as well)
• Plus get more drink recipes in the archives.

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