Oreo Cashew Lassi: Fusion Summer Drink with Vegan Alternatives

Summer calls for something bold, refreshing, and indulgent, and Oreo cashew lassi is exactly that. A creative twist on the traditional Indian yogurt drink, this fusion beverage combines the creamy tang of lassi with the chocolatey crunch of Oreos and the nutty smoothness of cashews. It's satisfying as a dessert, comforting as a snack, and endlessly customizable with vegan alternatives that don’t sacrifice taste or texture.

What makes this Oreo cashew lassi special is its fusion of cultures. The familiarity of a global favorite cookie with the cool, nourishing base of a traditional lassi. It’s indulgent but wholesome, rich but refreshing. And thanks to the cashews, it has that signature silkiness that makes every sip feel like a treat. Plus, the recipe is highly flexible. Whether you prefer dairy free, watching your sugar intake, or just playing with flavors, you can adjust the core ingredients without losing the spirit of the drink. So, whether you’re entertaining guests, cooling down post workout, or just craving something decadent yet nourishing, this drink brings a burst of flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

For the classic version:

• 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably thick, like Greek or hung curd)
• 1/2 cup cold milk
• 6 Oreo cookies (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/4 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for at least 2 hours)
• 2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, for a desi touch)
• A pinch of salt
• Ice cubes (as needed)

For the vegan version:

• 1 cup unsweetened plant based yogurt (coconut or almond works best)
• 1/2 cup oat or almond milk
• 6 vegan Oreo style cookies (store brought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup raw cashews (soaked)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
• Pinch of cinnamon or cardamom
• Ice cubes

Method:

1. Cashews are the backbone of this lassi’s creaminess. Soaking them softens the nuts, making them easier to blend and gentler to So place raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. If you’re short on time, soak them in hot water for 20 minutes.

2. Drain and rinse the cashews before blending to remove any bitterness. In a high speed blender, add the yogurt, milk, soaked cashews, sugar or other sweetener, cardamom if using, and a pinch of salt. Blend the ingredients until smooth, creamy, and airy. The cashews should be fully broken down to give the drink a luscious, milkshake-like body and texture.
3. Break 6 Oreos by hand and add them to the blender. Pulse a few times until just combined. You want to keep some texture for a cookies and cream effect, so blend only until it's crumbly but not a fine powder. For a smoother drink, blend the cookies fully and strain the lassi through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag.

4. Add ice cubes and pulse once more to chill the drink, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
5. Pour into tall glasses.
6. Garnishing ideas:

• Crush an extra Oreo on top for texture
• Add a swirl of chocolate syrup along the inside of the glass
• Sprinkle with chopped cashews or a dusting of cocoa powder
• Top with a mini cookie or a cashew on a cocktail stick for flair
7. You can make the base without Oreos up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Add cookies just before serving for the best texture. Store leftovers in a sealed jar for up to 24 hours. Shake well before drinking. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the texture changes when thawed.

Notes:

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee or a shot of cold espresso to the blender. It turns the drink into a coffee and chocolate fusion with an energizing twist.

• Swap regular milk for coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes for a fun, tropical take on the traditional lassi.
• Add a few mint leaves or a drop of mint extract along with the Oreos. This version is refreshing and ideal for hot afternoons.
• You can also add other flavors like vanilla extract or anything that goes well with a milk base.
• You can add food coloring to the lassi, like a few drops of red color, to make it indulgent and fun without being harmful.