Most saffron drinks are sweet — kesar milk, saffron latte, saffron lassi — but this one goes the other direction: a savory, spiced buttermilk with saffron worked in for colour and a subtle aroma against the roasted cumin and black salt. Genuinely refreshing in hot weather, and a good way to use saffron outside the usual sweet-drink territory.
Buttermilk-based drinks like this are a common way to cool down after a spicy meal across much of India, usually made without any saffron at all — this version borrows that everyday cooling drink and adds saffron mostly for the visual and aromatic lift, not because it's a traditional combination. Worth knowing going in: this is a twist on a familiar drink, not a regional specialty in its own right.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 3 cups cold water
- 4-5 strands Kashmiri Mongra saffron
- 1 tablespoon warm water, for the saffron infusion
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black salt
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped mint or coriander leaves
- Ice cubes, to serve
Instructions
- Warm the water and soak the saffron strands in it for about 10 minutes.
- Whisk the yogurt with the cold water until smooth and well combined, or blend briefly for an even smoother result.
- Add the saffron infusion, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and regular salt.
- Stir in the chopped mint or coriander.
- Serve over ice, giving it a final stir just before pouring, since the saffron colour tends to settle a little if the mixture sits.
Tips for Best Results
Use thick, good-quality yogurt for the best texture and tang — thin or watery yogurt makes for a weaker-tasting chaas even with the same amount of water added. Taste and adjust the salt and cumin at the end, since yogurt's tartness varies noticeably by brand.
Serving Suggestions
Traditionally served cold, alongside a spicy meal where its cooling effect is genuinely useful — parathas, biryani, or any rich, spiced dish.
Storage
Best made fresh — it separates on standing in the fridge. If needed, keep refrigerated for a few hours and re-whisk vigorously before serving.
