Yogurt is not just for smoothies or frozen treats. In the Middle-East and Mediterranean, yogurt is a staple in the diet. It is served as a side dish, appetizer, marinade and dessert. It is consumed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And, it is also used in drinks.
What the western world calls “Greek Yogurt” is the typical yogurt found in these countries. It is a thicker and creamier yogurt, because less water is strained out. It also has more protein, less carbohydrates, less sodium and less sugar than the mass-produced yogurt. It is also more expensive.
Doogh is a Persian drink made with mint, yogurt and club soda. If you don’t care for the bubbly, water can be used instead. Dried mint offers more intense flavor than fresh, so save the fresh mint for garnish. 
Cool Off with Doogh: A Persian Yogurt Drink
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Refreshing and delicious, this traditional Persian drink is seasoned with mint and can be made with water or club soda.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (8 oz) (240 ml) yogurt
- 1 cup (8 oz) (240 ml) club soda
- 1/2 tsp mint, dried , crushed
- 1/16 tsp salt
- 1/16 tsp black pepper, ground
- 1 cup ice
- 1 tbsp mint, fresh
Instructions
- In a small pitcher whisk together the yogurt, club soda and seasonings.
- Fill two glasses with ice and divide doogh evenly between the two glasses.
- Garnish with fresh mint and serve.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
- Orange-Strawberry Spritzer
- Espresso Cream Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa
- Mango Yogurt Shake
- Warm Winter Drink: Glogg
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this recipe use dried mint instead of fresh for the main flavouring?
The article specifically explains that dried mint offers more intense flavour than fresh, which is why the recipe uses ½ tsp of dried, crushed mint in the drink itself. Fresh mint is reserved for garnish only, where its bright colour and aroma are appreciated without the risk of a diluted flavour.
Can I make doogh without club soda?
Yes — the article says plain water can be used instead of club soda if you don’t care for the bubbly texture. The same amounts apply: 1 cup (240 ml) of either club soda or water whisked together with 1 cup yoghurt and the seasonings.
What is doogh and where does it come from?
Doogh is a Persian drink made with yoghurt, mint, and club soda. The article explains that in the Middle East and Mediterranean, yoghurt is a dietary staple consumed at every meal — doogh is one of the ways it is used as a beverage, and the thicker, creamier yoghurt of those regions (what the West calls Greek yoghurt) is the typical base.
Thanks much i can’t wait to make it…
I also was married to a full blood. In addition to the recipe above i like doogh with some added finely diced cucumber and crushed ice using sea salt according to taste
I’ve been looking for the recipe…I knew it was easy but didn’t remember the mint. Thank you very much for posting this recipe!!!
I’m not sure where you got this particular recipe, but I really doubt that it came from any Iranian.
1/16th teaspoon of salt? Really? First of all, I’m not sure how you would measure a sixteeth of any spice or condiment, and anyway, why bother? That amount would be undetectable in any drink.
Also,a 1 to 1 ratio of liquid to yogurt results in more of a “slush” more easily eaten with a spoon than sipped as a “drink.”
My preference, taken from my time living and working in Iran, is a 3, or at a minimum, 2 to one ratio of liquid (I prefer unflavored soda water to plain water) with a half to a full teaspoon of salt and a half tablespoon of dried mint served over crushed ice with a sprig of fresh spearmint.
Thank you for this great recipe–I want to use it for my class when we do cooking- so they can try