Ayran (Salted Yogurt Drink)

Method

1. 1

   Spoon the yogurt into a blender, or a deep bowl if working by hand, and whisk it on its own until completely smooth with no lumps.

   💡 Smoothing the yogurt before any liquid goes in is the real trick — lumps never break down once it's diluted.

2. 2

   Add the salt to the smoothed yogurt and whisk until fully dissolved.

3. 3

   Pour in the ice-cold water in a thin stream, blending or whisking hard, until the mixture turns pale and a good head of foam rises on top, about 30 seconds.

4. 4

   Taste and adjust the salt — ayran should taste clean and savory, never sweet or flat.

   💡 If it tastes thin, it usually needs more salt, not more yogurt.

5. 5

   Pour into cold glasses, tilting them so the foam settles evenly and crowns the top of each one.

6. 6

   Dust with dried mint if using and drink immediately — ayran is meant ice-cold and freshly whisked, ideally alongside something grilled.