Ayran is a popular cold drink in Turkey made from yogurt, water, and a little salt. We, Turkish people, love to drink this salty yogurt drink with our meals. It is creamy, tangy, refreshing and easy to make. You need just 2 minutes to make it at home!
The food we miss the most when we are away from our country is lahmacun and ayran. These are always the first things we eat during our visits.
We are really excited to share more about Turkish ayran today. In this post, we will explain what it is, how it is enjoyed in Turkey, how to make it in 2 minutes, and much more.
What is Ayran?
Ayran (pronounced "eye-rahn") is a simple and refreshing drink made from yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt. Just like the word "yogurt" (or "yoğurt"), "ayran" is a Turkish word that is now used all around the world.
It has a creamy consistency and a tangy taste.
Many people outside of Turkey think ayran is just a summer drink because it’s so cooling. However, in Turkey, it is enjoyed all year round. People drink it with everything from kebabs to savory pastries like borek or pide.
On the streets, you often see people with a simit (a type of Turkish bagel) and a bottle of ayran for a quick lunch on the go. It is as common as water in Turkey.
If you’re in Turkey, you’ll find ayran readily available in bottles at markets, groceries, and small shops. Popular brands include Pınar, Sütaş, Yörem, Gazi and Eker.
In many kebab restaurants, you see large machines that churn out the salted yogurt drink continuously. This method creates a wonderful frothy topping. This is called açık ayran, meaning unbottled ayran that is freshly made.
Some traditional restaurants use a wooden barrel called a yayik to make what is known as yayik ayran, which is famous for its distinctive sour flavor.
Just like ayran in Turkey, many cultures around the world have their own yogurt drinks. In Iran, there's doogh, made from yogurt, water, salt, and sometimes mint. India and Pakistan have lassi, which can be sweet with sugar and fruit.
In the Balkans and the Middle East, countries like Greece, Bulgaria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria also have similar cold yogurt drinks made from yogurt, water, and salt.
We Only Need 3 Ingredients!
Ayran is made from three simple ingredients: yoghurt, cold water, and salt.
The type of yogurt you use will affect the overall taste. We recommend full-fat yogurt for the best flavor and texture. Our favorite is, of course, Turkish yogurt because of its slightly sour taste. However, you can use any plain, full-fat yogurt you can find.
Greek yogurt, also known as strained yogurt, works well too. Some brands of Greek yogurt are really thick, so you might need to use a little more water to get the right consistency.
Always use cold water because ayran is best enjoyed when it’s cold. The cold water helps make the drink refreshing and perfect for hot days.
How to Make Ayran
Our ayran recipe is very simple with only a few ingredients. Here are three easy methods to prepare it:
The easiest method is using a blender. Just put yogurt, salt, water, and lemon juice (only if your yogurt isn’t tangy enough) into the blender and blend until smooth and foamy. This method gives you the frothiest ayran!
The other method is to use a jar. Put everything into a jar, and shake it vigorously until the mixture is smooth. This method works great for small servings (1-2).
The last method is whisking everything in a jug. Whisk together the yogurt, salt, and a little water in a jug until there are no lumps. Then, add the remaining water and lemon juice (if using), whisk everything together.
After making your ayran, taste it to check the flavor. If needed, add more salt to suit your preference.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves when serving.
Should I add lemon juice?
If you're in Turkey or using a tangy Turkish-style yogurt, you don't need to add any lemon juice. But if you're making ayran abroad and your yogurt isn’t naturally tangy (which is often the case), you can add a splash of lemon juice, about 1 teaspoon. It gives that nice tangy kick and helps you get closer to the authentic taste of ayran we’re used to in Turkey.
Variations
You can make ayran even more interesting by adding some variations. Here are three popular options:
Dried Mint: Adding dried mint to your ayran gives it a fresh and slightly herbal flavor. Simply sprinkle a small amount of dried mint into the mixture while you are preparing the ayran. Stir or shake well to combine. This variation adds a refreshing twist and is perfect for hot days.
Sparkling Water: Using sparkling water instead of still water makes your ayran fizzy and extra refreshing. Replace the cold water with sparkling water when you mix it with yogurt and salt in a jug. This version is bubbly and gives a fun, fizzy sensation, making it a great option for a lively drink.
Fresh Mint and Cucumber: This variation is popular in Diyarbakir, a city in the southeast of Turkey. Street vendors often sell it from large containers. So if you want to make it at home, add fresh mint leaves and cucumber sticks in your ayran after whisking it. Then keep it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the refreshing flavors of mint and cucumber infuse into the yogurt drink.
Balancing the Salt and Water
Traditionally, Turkish ayran is a salty drink, but it shouldn't be too salty. Start with a small amount of salt and taste as you go. Add more if needed, but be careful not to overdo it.
The consistency of ayran is a personal preference. Some like it thin, while others prefer it thick and creamy. We love it creamy, so we use a ratio of 1 cup water to 2 cups yogurt. This makes a rich and satisfying drink. If you prefer it thinner, just add more water.
Can I Add Ice To Make It Cooler?
We don’t recommend adding ice because it changes both the consistency and flavor of ayran. Instead, use cold water and let it chill in the fridge before serving, that’s all you need for a perfectly refreshing ayran.
Serving Suggestions
This tangy and salty Turkish yogurt drink pairs well with several meat dishes.
We love it paired with:
Are Ayran and Kefir The Same?
No, they are not!
Kefir is made by fermenting milk with kefir grains, while ayran is made by mixing yogurt with water and a pinch of salt.
Kefir is slightly carbonated with a thicker consistency as a result of fermentation. In contrast, ayran has a smooth and creamy texture.
The taste of kefir, especially plain and unflavored kefir, can be quite strong and tangy, which might take some time to get used to if you are drinking it for the first time. On the other hand, many people find ayran's taste easier to get used to because it is milder and more refreshing.
Kefir is often consumed on its own as a health drink, whereas ayran is commonly enjoyed with savory meals.
More Turkish Recipes With Yogurt
- Cacık (Turkish style tzatziki)
- Yogurt Soup
- Turkish Ravioli (Mantı)
- Turkish Eggs (Çılbır)
Sign up for the FREE Give Recipe Newsletter to get the new recipes into your inbox!
And stay in touch with us on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram for all the latest updates.
📖 Recipe
Ayran Turkish Yogurt Drink
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 cup cold water
- ½ teaspoon salt Please read the note below.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional (See Note 1)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine yogurt, salt, cold water and lemon juice (if using) in a blender. Blend until smooth and frothy.
- Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Serve immediately, optionally with fresh mint leaves or chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Video
NOTES
- If you're outside Turkey, your yogurt might not be tangy enough. In that case, add a splash of lemon juice for the tang.
- Making Ayran in a Jar: Add yogurt, salt, and water to a jar. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until smooth. This method also creates a nice frothy topping.
- Making Ayran in a Jug: In a jug, whisk together the yogurt, salt, and ¼ cup of water until there are no lumps. Add the remaining water and lemon juice (if using), whisk everything together until smooth.
- Salt adjustment: If you typically use very little salt in your dishes, start with ¼ teaspoon salt. Taste it when ready and add more if desired.
- Water Adjustment: After your ayran is ready, check its thickness. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little more water and whisk.
- We don't recommend adding ice, as it can spoil the general consistency and taste of ayran.
- Storage: Keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed jar for up to a week. Shake well before serving.
NUTRITION
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
majjiga Lover says
We call it Majjiga.
Zerrin says
Didn't know it. Thanks for your contribution!
Abdul Waheed says
Its magical drink and the way you described it, made it more attractive. I liked the information about Ayran yogurt drink too. Did not know much about this before visiting your interesting page. Thanks for sharing dear Zerrin!
Aaron says
There is an Iraqi restaurant here in Portland, Maine on Forest Ave called Babylon. This was my first experience with Ayran, The woman who served us warned against its sourness and saltiness since most Americans are not used to it. I loved it, and will order it whenever I go!
Bob says
Recently spent some time in Ankara and was introduced to this drink during a light lunch. At first was not to sure but by the end of my stay was absolutely hooked and was wondering how I was going to find it when I got back to the uk. Thanks for this recipe, problem solved and Ayran back on the menu!! 😀
Zerrin says
Great to hear that Bob! I know people from abroad find it a bit strange when they first try it. Then it becomes addictive. Isn't it great that it's very easy to make it at home. Enjoy!
johan says
Hi Zerrin
Thanks for sharing.
Last night we arrived at Atatürk from Sicily where we ate a lot of sweet stuff - because that's what they do at most places; Gelato, custard pastries etc. Healthy alternatives were not easy to find. At night or our own meals included lovely cheeses and meats.
I have never been exposed to Turkish food, but was quite surprised to find a health food restaurant selling Turkish food. We bough what was called Kabak Grated, Ayran and a kebab of mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil - like a Caprese salad on a stick.
The Kabak Grated we loved because of all the cheese, some minced meat and zucchini. I could only find this english recipe
Ayran, the waiter, said was salt, water and yogurt. I could not believe my luck.
BTW: I Sicily you could buy yogurt in the natural from but most were sweetened - like in sugar.
At home in South Africa, I start my day with a Kefir and Yogurt mixed with dried seeds and salt.
Now that I know how to make frothy Ayran, as per your recipe, I have a new drink to enjoy.
Thanks.
Johan
Jo-An VanSweden says
thank-you for the refresher on how to make Ayran we lived in Turkey many years ago and never forgot the great taste of Ayran. Wonderful!!!!
Annette newton says
Back in England should we buy natural yogurt or Greek yogurt not to sure,but we drink a lot of it when we are in Turkey. Thank if ou could let me know.
Zerrin says
Hi Anette, it doesn't matter; you can use both of them to make ayran. If you use Greek yogurt, you need to use more water though.
Mina Joshi says
So refreshing and healthy. This is very similar to the lassi we make to serve with Indian food. I love the cups you have used to serve Aryan.
Reeni says
I've heard you mention this drink so often Zerrin! I'm glad to finally know what it is about and how to make it. You make it sound very refreshing and delicious! Would love to try it.
Zerrin says
We love to accompany our foods with ayran in Turkey! Better than coke! I'm sure you will love it when you try!
Lorna Moravec says
This is magical. Something so delicious and yet so very simple. I have been eating yogurt for years and I don't like it without honey or fruit in it, but I like ayran even better than sweet yogurt. Thank you very much. If you had not posted this on here I would still not know about it.
Zerrin says
Hi Lorna! I hardly ever have sweet yogurt. I used to love to add a little sugar in it as a kid, and I sometimes add fruit in it now. But my favorite use of yogurt is always savory. Ayran is one of them and the other is cacik, another refreshing recipe with it. A mixture of yogurt, water, salt, cucumber and dried mint. We have it as a side dish, but I can even crave for it at nights! If you love ayran, I'm sure you will love cacik too!
Tracey@Tangled Noodle says
I had this for the very first time a few months ago and must admit that the first taste was unexpected - very salty and tangy at the same time. But after a few more sips, I enjoyed it very much. It was incredibly refreshing on such a hot day! Now that it's summer here, I'll give this a try at home. 😎
Zerrin says
Hi Tracey! I can guess how it was weird when you first taste it as such cold and refreshing drinks are generally sweet. It's great that you loved it then! Do you know why it's made salty? You know our body loses salt when we sweat on hot summer days, so ayran helps our body providing the salt it needs.Take care!
Bam's Kitchen says
How refreshing and love the delightful foam on top. Your cups are so beautiful. Take care, BAM
Zerrin says
Thank you Bam! We love to have the foam fisrt! The more foam, the funnier! I love these copper cups, which are traditional used to serve water or ayran in some cities. I bought them from Diyarbakir, a city in the east of Turkey.
Chet Ivory says
Moonmetalsmithing.com makes high end ayran cups to order, in the States, along with other Turkish ware!
Nancy/SpicieFoodie says
Hi Zerrin! This is a new drink to me so thank you for the introduction. I love yogurt based drinks like lassi or smoothies. Lovely photos and the froth is great:)
Zerrin says
Hi Nancy! I had had no idea about lassi until some FB friends told that ayran is very similar to lassi. So I'm sure you will love our ayran if you love lassi!
Turkey's For Life says
Thanks a lot for the mention, Zerrin, and the kind words to go with it. Think we need to have a go at making our own ayran. We love the really frothy versions. Yummy! 🙂
Julia
Zerrin says
My pleasure Julia! Your dad made me laugh a lot! I had no idea that people from other countries think ayran is a kind of milk:) You should try it with Kızılay mineral water too!
TasteofBeirut says
here too it is called ayran and most people buy it in the markets or order it at restaurants; haven't met anyone yet who actually makes it at home; usually here people sprinkle dry mint powder on it. Love your version with the froth, yum! the best thing with kebab, I agree!
Zerrin says
So it has the same name there, great! I heard that people in Cyprus sprinkle dried mint on it too. Love to share such cultural things with you Joumana!
Rose barrett says
I also agree, my favorite turkish drink!!