752 Shares
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
This refreshing drink is the best way to rehydrate on a hot summer day. Mixed with sea salt, Ayran is a Turkish yoghurt drink frothed to perfection in seconds and served up icy cold. It pairs perfectly with a hot meal like Karniyarik.
Why We Love This
We adore this Middle Eastern drink because it’s so easy to whip up a fresh batch at home in less than 5 minutes. Made with only 3 simple ingredients – yoghurt, water (or soda water) and salt means you can blend it up in no time.
Ayran contains no added sugar when using natural yoghurt, so it’s a healthy way to cool down. You’ll be free to enjoy the spiciest curry dish with an icy cold glass of ayran on hand to put out that fire.
Related: Matcha Latte / Vietnamese Iced Coffee
What is Turkish Ayran?
Ayran is a popular Middle Eastern beverage, especially in Turkey where it’s considered the national drink. In Iran, there’s a similar drink that goes by the name of “doogh” but is usually served up with fresh mint.
A deliciously simple recipe of diluted natural yoghurt mixed with sea salt and water, you’ll often find ayran paired with cooked meats, burek, or even pizza – but almost never with seafood which is superstitiously bad luck for your health.
Ayran reminds us a little bit of Indian lassi, just without the common additions of mango or strawberry flavour and sugar.
What You’ll Need
All you need is natural yoghurt, water, and sea salt. That’s it!
How to make Ayran:
This couldn’t be easier. You’ll just need a blender and pop in all the ingredients. Blend until super frothy (10-20 seconds should do it as there’s no solids!) and you’re ready.
If you don’t have a blender, you could use a rocket or stick blender instead. In a pinch, you could try popping it in an airtight container and giving it a good shake before pouring it into a glass!
Wandercook’s Tips
- Use soda water instead of still water to help your ayran become nice and frothy after blending! This will also add a little tingle to each sip!
- Serve alongside spicy or heavy meals to help cool things down.
FAQs
What is Ayran meant to taste like?
If you’ve never tried it before, ayran can be an intriguing experience. It has a slightly tart/sour taste from the natural yogurt, but the biggest surprise is the saltiness. Our first ever sip stopped us in our tracks. After the second sip our taste buds were starting to understand.And by the third? We were completely hooked!
What’s the difference between Turkish Ayran and Iranian Doogh?
They’re essentially the same, although sometimes you’ll find mint more frequently in Doogh.
Variations & Substitutes
- Add some finely diced cucumber, mint or crushed thyme for extra flavour, similar to Iran’s Doogh drink.
- Throw in some ice cubes before blending for an icy crunch.
- Or if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even add a sprinkling of cracked black pepper for a spicy hit
Want more drink ideas, whip these up next:
★ Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating below!
Ayran Recipe – Turkish Yoghurt Drink
This refreshing drink is the perfect way to rehydrate on a hot summer day. Mixed with sea salt, Ayran is a Turkish yoghurt drink frothed to perfection in seconds and served up icy cold. It pairs perfectly with a hot meal like Karniyarik.
5 from 16 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save to Favourites
Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes minutes
Course: Drink
Cuisine: Turkish
Servings: 4 serves
Calories: 61kcal
Author: Wandercooks
Cost: $5
Equipment
Ingredients
- 400 g natural yoghurt
- 2 cups cold water still or soda
- 1 pinch sea salt
Optional ingredients:
- handful ice cubes
- fresh mint leaves finely chopped
- cucumber finely ficed
- pinch black pepper
Metric – US Customary
Instructions
Place natural yoghurt, cold water and sea salt in a blender along with any of your chosen optional ingredients: ice cubes, mint, cucumber and black pepper.
400 g natural yoghurt, 2 cups cold water, 1 pinch sea salt, handful ice cubes, fresh mint leaves, cucumber, pinch black pepper
Mix until ingredients are combined and drink is frothy. This should be around 10-20 seconds. Serve chilled.
Video
Recipe Notes
Quick tips to make this even better:
- Use soda water instead of still water to help your ayran become nice and frothy after blending! This will also add a little tingle to each sip!
- Add some finely diced cucumber, mint or crushed thyme for extra flavour, similar to Iran’s Doogh drink.
- Throw in some ice cubes before blending for an icy crunch.
- Or if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even add a sprinkling of cracked black pepper for a spicy hit
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Ayran Recipe – Turkish Yoghurt Drink
Amount per Serving
Calories
61
% Daily Value*
Fat
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
2
g
Cholesterol
13
mg
4
%
Sodium
62
mg
3
%
Potassium
155
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
5
g
2
%
Sugar
5
g
6
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
100
IU
2
%
Vitamin C
0.5
mg
1
%
Calcium
125
mg
13
%
Iron
0.1
mg
1
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Hey hey – Did you make this recipe?We’d love it if you could give a star rating below ★★★★★ and show us your creations on Instagram! Snap a pic and tag @wandercooks / #Wandercooks
About Wandercooks
Wandercooks is an Australian recipe site reaching over 9 million views annually. Our recipes are here to inspire you with fresh and exciting food ideas from a range of Asian, European and Australian cuisines. As seen on Google.com, Today.com, Buzzfeed, Jetstar Asia and Lonely Planet.Read more...
