Refreshing cucumber mint doogh recipe! Doogh is a savory, salty, blended yogurt drink from Afghanistan.

Hello, Rhubarbarians! I’ve got a super tasty and unique drink for you today: doogh! This doogh recipe is an oldie but goodie from the Afghan feast of my global feasts series.
What is doogh?
Doogh, is a refreshing, savory, salted yogurt drink from Afghanistan. It’s incredibly unique and unlike any drink I’ve ever tasted. It is served cold and is at it’s core, a drink made by blending yogurt and ice or ice water.
There are many variations of doogh, and this one is includes cucumber, salt, and mint.
I am actually shocked at how different this yogurt drink is from Indian lassi! Rather than being thick and sweet, it is light and salty with a bit of kick from the pepper.

How to make cucumber doogh
You’ll want to start with plain, full fat yogurt, water, and ice cubes. Chop your cucumbers (peel them if using cucumbers with tough skin) and remove the mint leaves from the stems.
Add everything to a blender and blend until the ice is broken down and everything is chilled. You don’t have to puree this like a smoothie, but you can if you’d like.
Garnish with mint leaves and cucumber slices if desired.

Cucumber mint doogh recipe
While searching for Afghan recipes for Global Feasts, I found this recipe for cucumber doogh on Cook with Manali, and she was kind enough to let me share this amazing yogurt drink here for you. I adjusted a few minor things, but followed the recipe almost exactly. Thanks, Manali!

- 3.5 cups full fat plain yogurt
- 2 cups water
- 15 ice cubes
- 2 persian cucumbers or 1 english cucumber, chopped
- 10-12 leaves mint chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- leaves mint and sliced cucumber for garnish optional
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Place all of the ingredients, besides garnish, in a blender and blend until smooth.
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Garnish with mint leaves and cucumber slices
I hope you’ll give this savory yogurt drink a try! Snap a pic and give me a shout on social media #Rhubarbarians!
Trish
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Amber@TheRecipesPk says
Best healthy drink. By following this recipe I made it and my kids love the taste.
Patricia Bozeman says
Wonderful! So glad you and your fam liked it! 🙂
Christine says
This sounds right up my alley!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
I LOVE this! We always add a clove of garlic to ours as well, which really compliments the flavor nicely. It goes perfectly with a spicy meal!
Patricia Bozeman says
It sounds delicious Faith!
Judy says
I love doogh, which is much like the Turkish ayran. (All of these drinks are related, of course.) Indian lassi is not all sweet, by the way; they also have a salted lassi, often made with some cumin. As a matter of fact, I have never had a sweet lassi, since the savory versions are just too delicious and are not cloyingly sweet if being enjoyed with a meal.
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
As a huge fan of cucumber, I love this! Perfect way to start the day or enjoy as an afternoon snack!
Patricia Bozeman says
Thanks Ashley! Let me know if you try it out. 🙂
Manali @ CookWithManali says
looks so good ! Yum, i’m craving for a glass now! 🙂
Patricia Bozeman says
Thanks for letting me share the recipe Manali! We loved it!
Tabetha says
I’ve already pinned this to my Eat & Drink board for a summer middle eastern feast! Love it!
Patricia Bozeman says
Wow awesome Tabetha! You know, it is definitely more of a summer drink. It went great with the feast though! Can’t wait to read about yours in the summer!
Emma Deer says
Oh my, sounds so yummy! 🙂
Patricia Bozeman says
Thanks Emma! It IS yummy! Definitely unique.
June Burns says
That looks wonderful! So refreshing and delicious 🙂
Patricia Bozeman says
Thanks June!
Marcella says
I love this international series you’re doing! It’s my new year’s resolution to try new ingredients and cuisines as well. I started making my own yogurt, so I’m going to try this recipe ASAP! Thanks for the lovely post.
Patricia Bozeman says
I’ve always wanted to make my own yogurt! Thanks so much Marcella!