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Ayran is a traditional Turkish yogurt-based drink that's popular in many countries of the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Balkans. It's made by blending yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt.
Ayran is typically served cold and is often enjoyed as a refreshing accompaniment to meals, especially during hot weather or alongside dishes like kofta kebabs, bulgur pilaf, and stuffed cabbage rolls.
We like to serve this yogurt drink nice and salty and loaded with plenty of ice cubes! Then try making yogurt cheese with this labneh recipe!
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😍 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This is a quick and easy yogurt drink recipe.
- It can be adjusted to suit your taste but adding less or more salt, or adjusting the water-to-yogurt ratio.
- You can make ayran ahead of time and store it in a pitcher in the fridge.
🔖 Ingredients & Substitutions
- Yogurt: Choose from Greek yogurt or, better yet, homemade yogurt.
- Water: Fresh, filtered water is best.
- Salt: Sea salt
- Mint: Fresh mint for garnish or dried mint powder stirred into the drink.
🫙 How to Make This Yogurt Drink
Step 1: Add yogurt to a large glass. Stir in salt.
Step 2: Whisk in water until thoroughly mixed. Stir in dried and ground mint leaves (if using).
Step 3: Pour the yogurt drink over a tall glass of ice. Add a sprig of fresh mint for garnish. Serve immediately before it begins to separate.
🤷🏻♀️ Recipe FAQs
It is believed that ayran likely originated in Persia or Turkey. In Iraq, this drink is known as "Shanina." In Iran, it's known as "Doogh." "Doogh" according to Wikipedia, is derived from the word "Dooshidan," (or "milking").
I recommend either using homemade yogurt or Greek yogurt. You want to use a tangy yogurt versus a sweet one. You can also use Mountain High yogurt to make a yogurt drink.
👩🏼🍳 Pro Tips
- When making this yogurt drink, the consistency matters. Getting the proper yogurt-to-water ratio is important. I prefer a creamier and thicker consistency, so I mix one part of yogurt with two parts of water.
- If you find this ratio too thick, you can easily dilute it with more water.
- Ayran is one of those drinks that tastes better when heavily salted. However, if you are watching your salt, feel free to reduce the amount of salt suggested in the recipe.
- If your yogurt drink does separate, stir or whisk until blended again.
🧀 More Yogurt Recipes
If you enjoy this Ayran yogurt drink, check out these related yogurt recipes!
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📖 Recipe
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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Stir yogurt and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Whisk in water, until completely blended. Stir in dried mint, if using.
- Pour yogurt drink over a tall glass full of ice cubes, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- When making this yogurt drink, the consistency matters. Getting the proper yogurt-to-water ratio is important. I prefer a creamier and thicker consistency so I mix one part of yogurt with two parts of water.
- If you find this ratio too thick, you can easily dilute it with more water.
- Aryan is one of those drinks that tastes better when heavily salted. However, if you are watching your salt, feel free to reduce the amount of salt suggested in the recipe.
- If your yogurt drink does separate, stir or whisk until blended again.
Kelly Methey says
I found this such an interesting drink. I can see how it would be refreshing in the heat. The creamy, salty taste is very appealing. The mint really adds a zing to it.
I learn so much from Hilda and her blog!
Hilda Sterner says
Interesting is a good word, it definitely grows on you with every sip!
Sarah R says
I was hesitant about watering down yogurt and drinking it, but this was actually one of the most refreshing things I’ve ever sipped - especially with homegrown mint. Can’t wait to make this a staple this summer.
Hilda Sterner says
I'm glad you were brave enough to try it! 🙃
Kathy Fisher says
I wish I had this refreshing drink during those hot summer days when I lived on the desert. With the health benefits of yogurt along with salt this cold drink will help retain liquids our bodies need when working in warm weather. I liked adding some pepper and mint. So good and good for you. Thanks for this recipe.
Hilda Sterner says
Yes, the perfect drink for the dessert!
Laura Morrison says
A refreshing savory choice. I can imagine even better in the warm months! I enjoyed mine with mint. It gives you a break from fruity snd tangy. I'm sure a few less calories too. Be sure to try this!
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you, Laura! It's the best on a hot summer day!
Sana says
Great yogurt drink recipe! I just made smoked yogurt and the mint gave it a million flavors in one 12 oz cup. My 5 year old loved it! Thanks for the recipe!
Hilda Sterner says
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it and your 5 year old too! How great!
2pots2cook says
So in love with the idea to add mint in 🙂 🙂 Have a pot on my balcony 🙂 🙂 Thank you Hilda !
HildaSterner says
Yes, the mint adds a whole new flavor. One of my favorite herbs, for sure! Thanks for stopping by!