Indian summers have been hot and unbearable, and while there are a lot of refreshing drinks that have originated in India, it doesn’t hurt to try something new. If you love chaas, the Persian doogh is a refreshing, tangy yoghurt drink that you might also enjoy. It’s cold and savoury and made with yoghurt diluted with soda. It is lightly salted and often infused with herbs like mint. In Iran, it’s considered a point of national pride and has been enjoyed for centuries alongside traditional meals like kebabs and spicy food.
The origins of doogh trace back to the Middle East around 1300 BC, where fermented milk products first emerged. The word “doogh” originally meant “milk” in Old Persian, evolving to mean “sour milk” by the third and fourth centuries, and eventually “yoghurt diluted with water” in Middle Persian. From Iran, it spread across Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, where it’s also known as Ayran outside of Iran.
Doogh offers impressive health benefits thanks to its probiotic-rich yoghurt base. It’s an excellent source of calcium, protein, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B12. The probiotics support a healthy gut microbiome, improve digestion, and may boost immunity while reducing inflammation. It also strengthens bones, promotes dental health, and enhances skin clarity.
This fizzy, savoury drink is particularly perfect for beating the summer heat. During hot days, doogh is the beverage of choice for many Iranians because it relieves thirst and heat stress while cooling the body. The combination of probiotics and carbonated water helps counteract hot, spice-heavy meals and aids digestion.
Making doogh at home is simple: blend 1 cup yogurt with 1 cup water, a pinch of salt, and dried mint. Pour into a glass with ice, top with seltzer water, and garnish with fresh mint. Stir and enjoy this ancient, refreshing drink that’s both cooling and nourishing.
