🥭 Mango Lassi Twist

Vodka, fresh mango purée, natural yogurt & cardamom

Vodka / White Rum
5 min
Blender
Tall Collins Glass
~13%
Ingredients
  • 45ml (1½ oz) vodka or white rum
  • 60ml (2 oz) fresh ripe mango purée (Alphonso preferred)
  • 30ml (1 oz) full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 15ml (½ oz) runny honey
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom
  • Pinch of turmeric (optional — for colour)
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • Mint sprig & mango slice to garnish
Method
  1. 1
    BlendCombine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high for 20 seconds until completely smooth and frothy.
  2. 2
    TasteTaste before pouring — it should be sweet, tangy from the yogurt, fragrant with cardamom. Adjust honey if needed.
  3. 3
    PourPour without straining into a chilled tall Collins glass.
  4. 4
    GarnishGarnish with a fresh mint sprig, a mango slice on the rim, and a dusting of cardamom on the foam.

About This Cocktail

The Mango Lassi is one of India's most iconic summer drinks — a yogurt-and-fruit blend consumed across Punjab and Gujarat for centuries. The cocktail twist emerged in Indian-American restaurants in the late 1990s as bartenders began spiking the classic with vodka or rum to create a boozy brunch staple. Cardamom is the signature spice; a pinch of turmeric adds a vivid golden hue that photographs beautifully.

Variations

Rum Lassi TwistSwap vodka for white rum (tropical) or Old Monk dark rum (deeper, more caramel) — both work beautifully
Rose Mango LassiAdd ½ oz Rooh Afza rose syrup — the pink-and-orange colour is spectacular
Vegan LassiReplace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt — maintains creaminess and adds tropical depth
Bartender Tips

Alphonso (Hapus) mango gives the most intense flavour — canned Alphonso purée from an Indian grocery store works year-round and is often better than fresh off-season mangoes. Old Monk rum (India's most iconic dark rum, produced since 1954) gives a darker, vanilla-caramel version. Add ¼ tsp dried rose petals ground fine for a Mughal-era floral twist.

The Specs
Spirit Base
Vodka / White Rum
Method
Blender
Glass
Tall Collins Glass
ABV
~13%
Where to Find It
Restaurants
Indian-American restaurants across the US; popularised at Tamarind Tribeca (NYC), Cinnamon Club (London) and brunch menus nationwide
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