Yogurt, mint, Damask rose petals, water, a pinch of salt, and voila, you’ve got Doogh! Deliciously refreshing, this traditional Persian yogurt drink shares a soul with Turkish Ayran and Indian Lassi, but brings a delicate floral twist all its own. As one of Iran’s most popular traditional drinks, it has a cool, tangy taste and pairs perfectly with many savory meals.
Made with homemade yogurt, Doogh (also spelled Dugh or Abdug) is a healthy, gut-friendly beverage often thought of as the ultimate summer cooler. But in Iran, there’s no off-season, it’s enjoyed year-round. Some people prepare it with sparkling water for a fizzy kick, while others prefer fresh spring water for a smooth finish. Both versions are delicious, allowing every family to craft their recipe to match their own taste.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE PERSIAN DOOGH
- Gut-Friendly & Hydration-Rich: Packed with natural probiotics, calcium, and electrolytes.
- Authentic Flavor: Dried mint balances the tangy yogurt, while Damask rose petals add an unmistakable Middle Eastern aromatic touch.
- Completely Customizable: Make it flat, extra bubbly, thick, or light—ready in under 5 minutes.
Want to recreate this authentic taste of Persia at home? Here is the quick step-by-step guide to making the ultimate Doogh from scratch!
Which style of Doogh are you planning to make—the classic quick-whisk version with sparkling water, or the traditionally fermented bubbly method?
DOOGH CONSISTENCY & PROPORTIONS
You can make Doogh in just a few minutes using ready-made yogurt, but using homemade yogurt gives the drink the best overall flavor (you’ll find my homemade yogurt recipe further down this page). The consistency is completely up to your preference, you can make it thin and refreshing or thick and creamy.
- Light & Easy to drink: Mix 500 g (about 2 cups) of yogurt with 1 liter (4 cups) of water.
- Thick & Creamy: Mix equal parts yogurt and water, using 500 g (about 2 cups) of yogurt with 500 ml (2 cups) of water.
Try both ratios to find the exact texture you enjoy most!
HERBS & AROMATICS FOR DOOGH
My favorite way to flavor Doogh is with dried mint and Damask rose petals. I love using mint grown right in my garden, harvesting it just before it blooms, drying it, and gently rubbing it between my hands right before adding it to the drink.
Kitchen Tip: If you don’t have dried mint on hand, simply cut open a peppermint tea bag! The tea inside is finely ground and seasons the Doogh wonderfully.
FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT PERSIAN DOOGH
Doogh is one of the oldest beverages in the world, dating back thousands of years to the Aryans and Achaemenids in the ancient Orient. Because they kept cattle but could not easily digest raw milk, they processed it into yogurt and cheese.
While savory Doogh is the most widely enjoyed style, a sweet version also exists, though it is far less common. In the city of Isfahan, Doogh is famously served alongside Gosh-e Fil, a sweet, ear-shaped fried pastry. During hot summer days in Tehran—where temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F)—we often make Abdoogh Khiyar, a chilled Persian yogurt soup that offers instant relief from the heat.
Alongside Doogh, traditional Persian Sharbats (herbal fruit syrups) are hugely popular summer refreshers, such as:
- Sharbat-e Rivas (Rhubarb Lemonade)
- Sharbat-e Sekendjebin-Khiyar (Mint Syrup with Shredded Cucumber)
- Sharbat-e Panirak (Blue Mallow Flower Drink)
- Sharbat-e Khakshir Nabat (Flixweed Seed & Saffron Rock Sugar Drink)
HEALTH BENEFITS OF DOOGH
Doogh is rich in essential minerals like sodium, calcium, and phosphorus, as well as B-vitamins (especially B2, B6, and B12) and high-quality protein. The combination of calcium and phosphorus strengthens bones and teeth.
In traditional Persian cuisine, food ingredients are categorized by their thermal nature—Doogh is considered a “cooling” food (Sardi), making it ideal for balance:
- Eases Internal Heat: Excellent for naturally warm temperaments or women experiencing menopausal hot flashes.
- Gut Health & Digestion: Probiotics support digestive health and protect against illness.
- Aids Heavy Meals: Doogh is traditionally served with Kabab (a “warming” food) because it balances the dish and makes heavy, fatty meals far easier to digest.
- Hiccup Remedy: A classic Persian grandmother’s trick: Drinking a cup of Doogh clears hiccups instantly!
- Post-Workout Recovery: Packed with electrolytes, Doogh replenishes lost salts and helps your body recover quickly after exercise or sports.
DOOGH-E ABALI – THE ICONIC PERSIAN CLASSIC
When it comes to commercial brands, Doogh-e Abali is an absolute legend in Iran, holding the same iconic cult status as Coca-Cola. The distinctive glass bottles still sport the retro design from the 1960s, making them instantly recognizable.
If you ever travel to Iran, trying an authentic Doogh-e Abali is a must. The ultimate place to experience it is directly in Abali, a scenic town nestled in the Alborz Mountains famous for its natural mineral spring (Cheshmeh), which feeds the water used in the recipe.
Back in the day, we often took winter trips to Abali to visit its charming local ski resort and cozy mountain restaurants. Along the mountain roads, you would spot pickup trucks packed with large jugs of homemade Doogh sold by locals, a style known affectionately as Doogh-e Mahali (local, artisanal Doogh).
MAST – MAKE CREAMY HOMEMADE YOGURT WITHOUT A MACHINE
Mast means yogurt in Persian, and it plays a massive role in Iranian culinary tradition. We use it in marinades, appetizers, together with main courses, or desserts, and even drinks like Doogh, enjoying it across breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Making yogurt from scratch requires no fancy equipment, just milk and live active cultures:
- The Ratio: For every 1 liter (about 4 cups) of milk, use 50 ml (about 3 tablespoons) of plain yogurt with a 10% fat content.
- The Secret Starter: When buying your starter yogurt, make sure the label lists Lactobacillus bulgaricus to ensure proper fermentation and a rich flavor.
THE METHOD
- Heat your milk to a boil, then let it cool down to 40°C (104°F).
- Stir in your starter yogurt to introduce the lactic acid bacteria.
- Keep the mixture warm for about 12 hours while it transforms into creamy yogurt.
- Tradition vs. Convenience: My mother used the nostalgic “duvet method”, placing a covered bowl with a hot water bottle under a cozy blanket for 12 hours. I prefer the oven method: placing glass jars filled with the mixture in the oven set at 40°C (104°F). Both techniques work like a charm!
DELICIOUS RECIPE IDEAS MADE WITH HOMEMADE YOGURT
There are so many incredible dishes you can whip up with creamy homemade yogurt! How about turning it into strained Labneh, or as we call it in Persian cuisine, Mast-e Chekideh?
If you love yogurt-based dishes, you will adore these sweet, savory, and baked recipes:
Savory Persian Dips & Cold Soups (Borani)
- Borani Esfenadj: Spinach & Yogurt Dip
- Borani-e Laboo: Beetroot & Yogurt Dip
- Borani Kadoo: Zucchini & Yogurt Dip (بورانی کدو)
- Borani Bademjan: Roasted Eggplant & Yogurt Dip (بورانی بادمجان)
- Mast-o Khiyar: Persian Cucumber & Raisin Yogurt Dip
- Mast-o Musir: Wild Shallot & Yogurt Dip
- Abdoogh Khiyar: Chilled Persian Summer Yogurt Soup
- Puff Pastry Carrot Cones – Puff pastry filled with Turkish-style carrot-yogurt salad
- Çılbir: Turkish poached eggs over garlicky yogurt with hot chili butter
Sweet Yogurt Treats & Desserts
- Khoresht-e Mast: Sweet Persian Saffron-Yogurt Dish (خورش ماست)
- Honey & Yogurt Cheesecake with Thyme
- Yogurt topped with honey and walnuts
- Baked Strawberry Yogurt Cream
- Strawberry-Yogurt Popsicles
Baking & Sweet Bakes with Yogurt
- Overnight Spelt Rolls with Yogurt
- Lemon-Yogurt Bundt Cake with Pistachios
- No-Bake Licorice Yogurt Cake
- Sugar-Free No-Bake Nectarine & Coconut-Yogurt Tart
INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE CREAMY YOGURT
Yield: 2 large or 4 small glass jars
1 l, or 4 cups whole milk
50 ml, or 3 tbsp plain natural yogurt with live Lactobacillus bulgaricus cultures*
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS – HOMEMADE YOGURT
Heat the Milk:
If using fresh whole milk, bring it to a boil once to kill any unwanted bacteria. If using UHT (long-life) milk, heat it in a saucepan to 80°C (176°F). Remove from heat.
Cool Down:
Allow the milk to cool down to 40°C (104°F). Using a kitchen thermometer* works best to get the temperature exact.
Inoculate & Jar:
Stir the plain natural yogurt starter into the warm milk until smooth. Divide the mixture into clean glass jars* and seal them tightly.
Ferment in the Oven:
Place the sealed jars in the oven at 40°C (104°F) for 12 hours.
Chef’s Tip: Save a small portion of this batch to use as your starter culture for the next round of homemade yogurt!
Storage: Your homemade yogurt will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
INGREDIENTS FOR PERSIAN DOOGH
Yield: 6 serving glasses
500 g or (2 cups) cold plain whole milk yogurt (10% fat / Greek-style)
1 l, or 4 cups cold sparkling water or spring water (about 4 cups)
1 tsp salt
A pinch of black pepper
1 tsp dried mint* (or 1 peppermint tea bag)
INGREDIENTS FOR GARNISH
1 tsp Damask rose petals*
4 Fresh mint leaves
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS PREPARING DOOGH
Base Mix:
Place the cold yogurt in a large pitcher. Season with salt and a pinch of black pepper to taste, then pour in the cold sparkling or spring water.
Whisk or Blend:
Whisk thoroughly or use an immersion blender until smooth, well combined, and lightly frothy.
Infuse Aromatics:
Crush the dried mint between your palms into the pitcher, add the Damask rose petals, and stir once more.
Important: Always use dried mint for the drink itself, it offers a far more concentrated, intense flavor than fresh leaves.
Chill:
Place the pitcher in the refrigerator until completely chilled before serving.
Garnish & Serve:
Add 3–4 ice cubes to each glass, pour in the chilled Doogh, and decorate with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of extra rose petals.
Befarmayid!
Susan
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Homemade creamy yogurt
healthy, and gut-friendly yogurt!
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE CREAMY YOGURT
- 1 l, 4 cups whole milk
- 50 ml, 3 tbsp plain natural yogurt with live Lactobacillus bulgaricus cultures
Instructions
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS – HOMEMADE YOGURT
Heat the Milk:
-
If using fresh whole milk, bring it to a boil once to kill any unwanted bacteria.
-
If using UHT (long-life) milk, heat it in a saucepan to 80°C (176°F).
-
Remove from heat.
Cool Down:
-
Allow the milk to cool down to 40°C (104°F). Using a kitchen thermometer works best to get the temperature exact.
Inoculate & Jar:
-
Stir the plain natural yogurt starter into the warm milk until smooth.
-
Divide the mixture into clean glass jars and seal them tightly.
Ferment in the Oven:
-
Place the sealed jars in the oven at 40°C (104°F) for 12 hours.
-
Chef’s Tip: Save a small portion of this batch to use as your starter culture for the next round of homemade yogurt!
Recipe Notes
Storage: Your homemade yogurt will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Persian Doogh
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS FOR PERSIAN DOOGH
- 500 g or 2 cups cold plain whole milk yogurt 10% fat / Greek-style
- 1 l or 4 cups cold sparkling water or spring water
- 1 tsp salt
- a pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp dried mint or 1 peppermint tea bag
INGREDIENTS FOR GARNISH
- 1 tsp Damask rose petals
- 4 Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS PREPARING DOOGH
Base Mix:
-
Place the cold yogurt in a large pitcher.
-
Season with salt and a pinch of black pepper to taste, then pour in the cold sparkling or spring water.
Whisk or Blend:
-
Whisk thoroughly or use an immersion blender until smooth, well combined, and lightly frothy.
Infuse Aromatics:
-
Crush the dried mint between your palms into the pitcher, add the Damask rose petals, and stir once more.
-
Important: Always use dried mint for the drink itself, it offers a far more concentrated, intense flavor than fresh leaves.
Chill:
-
Place the pitcher in the refrigerator until completely chilled before serving.
Garnish & Serve:
-
Add 3–4 ice cubes to each glass, pour in the chilled Doogh, and decorate with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of extra rose petals.
Have you cooked this or maybe another delicious recipe of mine? Feel free to leave me a comment below. If you tag your picture on Instagram with @labsalliebe and use the hashtag#labsalliebe, I won’t miss a post and will be happy to leave you a comment as well. Can’t wait to see your creations.
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