Azerbaijani Ayran
A chilled Azerbaijani yogurt-and-water drink, lightly salted and scented with mint.
Preparation: 5 min · Cooking: 0 min · Total: 5 min · 4 servings
Ingredients
- 480 ml plain full-fat pasteurized yogurt
- 600 ml drinking water
- 0.5 tsp fine salt
- 2 tsp dried mint
- 8 pc ice cubes made from drinking water
Instructions
Measure and chill
Measure 480 ml plain pasteurized yogurt, 600 ml drinking water, 1/2 tsp fine salt, and 2 tsp dried mint. Keep the yogurt and water refrigerator-cold. Use a clean whisk and a large bowl or blender jug.
Whisk the yogurt smooth
Put the 480 ml yogurt into the bowl or jug. Whisk for about 30 seconds, scraping down the sides, until there are no visible lumps.
Whisk yogurt smooth: 30 seconds
Dilute and season
Whisk in the 600 ml cold water in two 300 ml additions. Add the 1/2 tsp salt and 2 tsp dried mint. Whisk for about 30 seconds until evenly mixed and lightly foamy; do not heat.
Smooth, pourable, and lightly foamy, with no yogurt lumps.
Mix ayran: 30 seconds
Check the finished drink
Taste with a clean spoon. The ayran should be pourable, smooth, and lightly salted; mint should be dispersed throughout. Stir again if the yogurt begins to separate.
Pour and serve cold
Put two ice cubes made from drinking water in each of four glasses. Stir the ayran, divide it evenly between the glasses, and serve immediately. Refrigerate any remaining drink promptly.
Tips
- For a smoother drink, whisk the yogurt before adding the water. Stir again before serving if it separates.
Common mistakes
- Do not use sweetened yogurt; it changes the intended savory flavor.
- Do not heat the yogurt drink or leave it standing at room temperature.
Substitutions
- For a plain ayran, omit the mint; keep the yogurt, water, and salt proportions the same.
Storage
Keep covered at 4°C or below and use within 24 hours. Discard if left above 4°C for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 32°C.
Reheating
Do not reheat; serve cold. Stir again before serving if separated.
About this recipe
Ayran is a cold, lightly salted yogurt drink served in Azerbaijan, including alongside gutab. This version adds dried mint.
Editorial approval does not establish independent kitchen testing. Check allergens and follow safe food handling.