The first time I tried Doogh on a hot summer day, I was completely hooked by its unique savory and fizzy taste. It was so incredibly refreshing and unlike any other drink I’d had before.

I immediately set out to perfect my own Doogh Persian Yogurt Drink at home, and I was thrilled to discover just how simple it is to make.

This creamy, mint-infused yogurt drink has become my go-to beverage to serve with rich meals. It’s the perfect palate cleanser, and I am excited to share how you can easily make this delightful Persian drink in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To create this classic Persian cooler, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. The quality of your yogurt is key, as it forms the base of the entire drink.

1 quart whole milk yogurt: For the creamiest and most authentic taste, I recommend using a good quality, full-fat plain yogurt. It provides a rich and smooth foundation.
1 teaspoon salt: Adjust this to your personal preference, but the salt is crucial for bringing out the savory flavor that defines Doogh.
1 tablespoon dried mint: This gives the drink its signature cool and refreshing aroma. You can crush it between your palms before adding to release more flavor.
1 to 1½ quarts sparkling mineral water: This is my secret for getting that lovely fizziness. Plain water works too, but sparkling water gives it a special lift.
Ice cubes: You can’t have Doogh without it being perfectly chilled. Be generous with the ice.

Note: This recipe makes about 8 servings.

Variations

While the classic mint version is fantastic, you can easily customize Doogh to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the yogurt with a plain, unsweetened coconut or almond-based yogurt. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Herb Variations: Instead of just mint, try a combination of fresh herbs. I sometimes add finely chopped dill or even a little fresh basil for a different aromatic profile.
Cucumber-Infused: For an extra refreshing twist, blend in half a peeled English cucumber with the yogurt until smooth. It creates a drink similar to an Afghan-style Doogh.
Rose Petal Garnish: If you want to make it look extra special, a sprinkle of food-grade dried rose petals on top adds a beautiful color and a subtle floral note.

Doogh Persian Yogurt Drink — Credit: Pinterest

Cooking Time

This refreshing drink comes together in just a few minutes, with no cooking required.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy tools for this recipe, just some basic kitchen items.

Large Pitcher: A sizable pitcher is essential for mixing all the ingredients without making a mess.
Whisk or Immersion Blender: Use this to ensure the yogurt and salt are blended into a perfectly smooth, creamy base before adding the water.
Tall Glasses: Perfect for serving the Doogh with plenty of ice.

How to Make Doogh Persian Yogurt Drink?

Creating this cool and fizzy beverage at home is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect pitcher every time.

Blending the Base

First, you’ll want to create a smooth foundation for your drink. Add the yogurt and salt to a large pitcher. Using a whisk or an immersion blender, mix them together until the yogurt is completely smooth and creamy. This step is important to avoid any lumps in your final drink.

Infusing the Flavor

Once the yogurt is smooth, it’s time to add the flavor. Stir in the dried mint, making sure it’s well-distributed throughout the yogurt base. If you’re using fresh mint, you can add the leaves now and let them steep for about an hour before serving to infuse their flavor.

Making it Fizzy

Now for the final touch. Slowly pour the sparkling mineral water into the pitcher while gently whisking. This will incorporate the fizz without making the mixture foam up too much. Continue to stir until everything is well combined and you have a consistent, drinkable texture.

Chilling and Serving

Fill your tall glasses with plenty of ice cubes. Pour the prepared Doogh over the ice. The drink is best served immediately while it’s still cold and fizzy. You can garnish with a fresh mint sprig before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take this simple drink from good to great.

I’ve found that using a very tangy, slightly sour yogurt gives the most authentic flavor. If your yogurt is mild, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few hours to develop more tang.
To get more flavor from the dried mint, I always crush it in the palm of my hand right before adding it to the yogurt. This releases the essential oils and makes the aroma more potent.
I recommend adding the sparkling water just before serving. If you mix it too far in advance, the Doogh will lose its delightful fizziness.
Don’t be shy with the salt! It might seem odd, but a good amount of salt is what makes this drink so uniquely savory and refreshing. I always taste and adjust it before serving.

How to Serve Doogh Persian Yogurt Drink?

Always serve this drink chilled in tall glasses filled with ice. A fresh sprig of mint or a thin slice of cucumber on the rim of the glass makes for a simple but elegant garnish. Doogh is the traditional companion to rich and savory Persian meals, like kebabs or rice dishes, as its tangy flavor cuts through the richness and cleanses the palate.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of this refreshing drink.

Calories: 79 kcal
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fat: 2g

Make Ahead and Storage

This drink is best fresh, but here’s how you can store leftovers.

Refrigerating

You can store leftover Doogh in a sealed pitcher or bottle in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that it will lose its fizz over time.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing Doogh, as the yogurt can separate when thawed, resulting in a grainy and unpleasant texture.

Reheating

There’s no reheating needed for this chilled drink. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, just give it a good stir before pouring it over ice to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this Persian yogurt drink will become a new favorite.

Incredibly Refreshing: The combination of cool mint, tangy yogurt, and fizz makes this the ultimate thirst-quencher on a warm day.
Quick and Easy: With only a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, you can whip up a pitcher of this delicious drink in just five minutes.
Great for Digestion: As a probiotic-rich beverage, Doogh is a wonderful and natural aid for digestion, making it a perfect drink to pair with heavy meals.
Completely Customizable: You can easily adjust the saltiness, herbs, and fizziness to create a version that is perfectly suited to your taste.