Pumpkin Lassi Yogurt Drink

If you love cozy fall flavors but want something cool and refreshing, this Pumpkin Lassi Yogurt Drink is the best of both worlds. It's inspired by the classic Indian lassi-a tangy, yogurt-based beverage-but with a seasonal spin from pureed pumpkin, warm cinnamon, and just a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness.

This drink is quick to blend up and endlessly customizable. Make it a cozy afternoon snack, a non-alcoholic option for your fall gatherings, or spike it with a splash of rum to turn it into an autumn cocktail. It's naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free and vegan, too.

Pumpkin lassi with cinnamon stick in small glass with wood board in background.

A lassi is a traditional yogurt-based drink from India that's typically served chilled and can be either sweet or salty. This version blends the creamy, tangy richness of yogurt with canned pumpkin, maple syrup, and cinnamon for a cozy fall-inspired twist. It's a simple blend-and-pour recipe that comes together in just five minutes-perfect for busy mornings or a festive seasonal snack.

You can adjust the thickness of this lassi depending on the type of yogurt you use. Strained yogurts like Greek or Skyr will result in a thicker drink-just add more water to thin it out to your liking. On the other hand, if your yogurt is thin, start with less water and increase gradually. Serve this cold, with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for garnish.

This lassi pairs well with a spicy bowl of chili or a veggie frittata, but it's also delicious on its own. Feel free to add a splash of rum for a festive Halloween or Thanksgiving beverage option!

Looking for more interesting ways to use pumpkin this fall? Try my Pumpkin Overnight Oats, Roasted Pumpkin Wedges with Tahini Sauce, or One-Pot Tofu Pumpkin Curry.

Pumpkin lassi with cinnamon stick in small glass with wood board in background.

Ingredients

This lassi starts with plain yogurt (either dairy or dairy-free) blended with canned or homemade pureed pumpkin, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Water helps thin the mixture to a drinkable consistency, and you can add rum for an optional boozy variation. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for a finishing touch.

Substitutions

  • Yogurt: Greek or Icelandic yogurt will work, but you may need to add more water to thin.
  • Maple syrup: Sub with honey or agave if desired.
  • Pumpkin puree: Use pureed butternut squash or sweet potato in a pinch.
  • Spices: Add ground ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra warmth.
  • Dairy-free + vegan: Use coconut, almond, or soy yogurt.

FAQ

What is a lassi made of?

Traditional lassi is made from yogurt, water, and spices. Sweet versions often include sugar, fruit, or rosewater, while savory versions might be blended with salt, cumin, and herbs. This pumpkin lassi uses yogurt, water, canned pumpkin, maple syrup, and cinnamon for a fall twist.

What is the most popular lassi flavor?

Mango lassi is by far the most popular sweet lassi flavor, especially in Western countries. It's typically made with ripe mango, yogurt, sugar, and sometimes cardamom. This pumpkin version is a tasty seasonal variation with a similar creamy texture.

What's the difference between lassi and milkshake?

While both are creamy, chilled drinks, lassi is yogurt-based and often includes water or ice for thinning. Milkshakes, on the other hand, are made with milk and ice cream, making them richer and sweeter. Lassi is typically lighter and may contain savory or tangy elements, while milkshakes are always sweet.

📖 Recipe

Non-alcoholic Indian-inspired yogurt lassi drink with pumpkin and cinnamon.

Pumpkin Lassi Yogurt Drink

Stephanie McKercher, RDN
A creamy and refreshing twist on a traditional Indian lassi, this pumpkin yogurt drink is flavored with maple syrup and cinnamon for a fall-inspired beverage you can blend in minutes. Option to serve with or without alcohol.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Cocktails, Drinks, mocktails
Cuisine gluten-free, Indian, vegetarian
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 cup pureed pumpkin
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup rum (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Optional garnish:

  • Ground cinnamon
  • Cinnamon sticks

Instructions
 

  • Combine yogurt, pumpkin, water, rum (if using), maple syrup, and cinnamon in blender container. Cover and blend on high 1 minute, or until mixture is smooth and creamy. 
  • Pour into glasses and garnish with additional ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks if desired.

Notes

Recipe tested with unstrained yogurt. If you use strained yogurt (such as Greek yogurt or Icelandic skyr), you may need to add more water than the recipe indicates. Add water gradually until the mixture is easy to pour.
 
If your yogurt is very thin and watery, start by adding only ½ cup water and gradually increase as needed from there.  
 
To make this recipe vegan (dairy-free), use non-dairy yogurt. Look for dairy-free varieties made from coconut, almond, or soy.
 
Prefer your drinks frozen? Blend with ice cubes and/or serve over ice if desired.
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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Absolutely Delicious! And, finally, one with ingredients that are available in any USA supermarket. Thank you for a great recipe! I will be serving this before my Thanksgiving meal.