Introduction
You blend 1⅓ cup plain yoghurt with 1⅔ cup water, then season it with salt and optional crushed dried mint for a cold, savory drink. The yoghurt is beaten smooth before the water goes in, which keeps the texture even instead of grainy. It works as a quick summer drink, a cooling side for spiced food, or a simple make-ahead refresher.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 1⅓ cup plain yoghurt
- 1⅔ cup water
- Salt, to taste
- Crushed dried mint (optional)
Instructions
- Pour yoghurt into a bowl and beat until smooth. Add water and continue beating until thoroughly blended. Alternatively, combine in an electric blender and blend until smooth.
- Season to taste with salt and dried mint. Chill thoroughly and serve in tall glasses, with ice.
Variations
- Replace plain yoghurt with Greek yoghurt for a thicker, richer drink; you may need a little more water to get the same pourable consistency.
- Skip the crushed dried mint if you want a cleaner, purely tangy-salty flavor with no herbal note.
- Use lactose-free plain yoghurt to keep the same basic texture and flavor while making the drink easier to digest for some people.
- Blend the drink with the ice instead of pouring it over ice if you want a colder, slightly frothy texture.
Tips for Success
- Beat the plain yoghurt until completely smooth before adding the water, especially if you are mixing by hand.
- Add the water gradually if the yoghurt is very thick; it helps the drink blend evenly without small lumps.
- Season lightly with salt first, then taste again after chilling, since cold drinks can taste less salty.
- If you use an electric blender, stop once the drink is smooth so it stays creamy instead of overly foamy.
- Chill thoroughly before serving so the texture tightens slightly and the flavor tastes more balanced.
Storage and Reheating
Store the drink in a sealed jar, bottle, or covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir or shake before serving, since the yoghurt and water can separate as it sits.
Freezing is not recommended. The texture can split and turn grainy once thawed.
Reheating does not apply here. Serve it cold, straight from the fridge, over fresh ice.
FAQ
Can you use Greek yoghurt instead of plain yoghurt?
Yes. It makes a thicker drink, so add a little extra water until it loosens to your preferred consistency.
Is the crushed dried mint necessary?
No. It is optional and adds a dry, herbal finish, but the drink still works well with just yoghurt, water, and salt.
Can you make this ahead of time?
Yes. Make it up to 1 day ahead, keep it chilled, and stir or shake it before pouring.
Can you use dairy-free yoghurt?
Yes, if it is plain and unsweetened. The flavor and thickness will vary by brand, so adjust the water and salt after blending.
Attribution: Recipe text from “Cookbook:Ayran (Turkish Yogurt Drink)” on Wikibooks (© Wikibooks contributors).
Source: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Ayran_%28Turkish_Yogurt_Drink%29
License: CC BY-SA 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Additions: intro, recipe image, recipe details (prep/cook/total time and servings), variations, tips for success, storage & reheating, and FAQ (ingredients & instructions unchanged).

