Cold Yogurt Drink Crossword: 7 Powerful Clues to Boost Your Puzzle Solving Skills

Crossword puzzles are a fun and mentally stimulating way to pass time, but they can also be tricky—especially when the clues are short and deceptively simple. One such clue that continues to challenge puzzle lovers is the phrase “cold yogurt drink.” At first glance, it seems straightforward, but unlocking its true meaning can boost your puzzle-solving skills and enhance your knowledge of world cuisines.

This article dives deep into the popular clue, explores powerful related clues, and provides context that helps both novice and seasoned puzzlers sharpen their solving techniques.

Understanding the clue: cold yogurt drink

The clue “cold yogurt drink” has become increasingly common in crosswords like the LA Times and New York Times. It often stumps solvers because the answer is typically not an English word, but a borrowed term from another culture—specifically Indian.

This is a perfect example of a cultural reference appearing in puzzles to test your general knowledge. Knowing international dishes and their characteristics gives you an edge when solving clues that mention ingredients, cuisines, or drinks.

The most frequent answer to this clue is a five-letter word: lassi.

Most common answer: lassi

Lassi is a traditional Indian beverage made with yogurt, water, spices, and sometimes fruit. It can be either sweet or savory and is served cold, making it an ideal refreshment in the warm Indian climate.

Why is lassi the ideal answer to the “cold yogurt drink” crossword clue?

• It’s short (5 letters), fitting many grid formats.
• It directly translates to a yogurt-based drink.
• It’s widely known among those familiar with Indian cuisine.

There are many types of lassi, including mango lassi (a popular sweet version made with mango pulp), salty lassi (with spices like cumin), and even variations with saffron and cardamom. These variations might show up in more advanced crossword clues, so it’s good to be aware of them.

Clue appearances in major crosswords

Clues like “cold yogurt drink” have shown up frequently in major puzzles, particularly the LA Times. Here are a few variations you might have seen:

• Yogurt-based Indian drink (Answer: lassi)
• Mango drink from India (Answer: lassi)
• Spiced yogurt drink (Answer: lassi)

What makes them tricky is the way the clue is phrased. Sometimes it’s straightforward, and other times it’s disguised with additional context or synonyms.

A tip for seasoned solvers: keep an eye on food-related clues that mention cultural specifics—they often point to a non-English term, and “lassi” is a repeat favorite.

7 powerful clues related to cold yogurt drink

Here are seven crossword clues that are either directly about lassi or closely tied to the concept of a cold yogurt drink. Understanding how they work will sharpen your puzzle-solving instincts.

1. Cold yogurt-based Indian beverage (5 letters)
   • Answer: Lassi
   • Why it works: Direct description of the drink’s origin and ingredients.
2. Spiced Indian refreshment (5 letters)
   • Answer: Lassi
   • Trick: “Spiced” might make you think of tea or chai, but yogurt points to lassi.
3. Drink made with curd (5 letters)
   • Answer: Lassi
   • Curd is another word for yogurt, often used in South Asian English.
4. Mango drink, in India (5 letters)
   • Answer: Lassi
   • Mango is a flavor variation, not the actual name, so this could mislead.
5. Salty yogurt drink from Punjab (5 letters)
   • Answer: Lassi
   • Region-specific clues test your cultural food knowledge.
6. Cold dairy drink, Indian-style (5 letters)
   • Answer: Lassi
   • “Dairy” and “Indian-style” together lead directly to this answer.
7. Indian smoothie? (5 letters)
   • Answer: Lassi
   • The use of “smoothie” is informal, requiring lateral thinking.

As you can see, these clues vary in how directly they reference the answer. The more you practice identifying the core elements—yogurt, cold, Indian—the easier it gets to recognize lassi as the solution.

Cultural insight: lassi in Indian cuisine

Lassi is more than just a crossword answer—it’s a beloved drink with centuries of history in Indian culture. Traditionally served during meals or as a standalone refreshment, lassi offers both taste and health benefits. It cools the body, aids digestion, and is a staple in many Indian households, especially during hot summers.

In the northern parts of India, especially Punjab, lassi is often served in large metal cups and topped with butter or cream. In the south, variations may be spiced with curry leaves or chilies. The drink is flexible, refreshing, and deeply rooted in culinary tradition.

If you’re curious to explore Indian food and drinks beyond the crossword grid, IndianFoodGuide is a fantastic place to start. Visit https://indianfoodguide.com.au to learn more about Indian cuisine, recipes, and the cultural stories behind each dish.

How to get better at crossword puzzles

Solving food-related crossword clues, like “cold yogurt drink,” requires more than just vocabulary—it requires cultural awareness and strategic thinking. Here are a few tips to elevate your skills:

• Study common food terms used in crosswords, especially international ones.
• Start with easier puzzles and work up to more complex ones.
• Use word pattern recognition. If you have A_S, think of 5-letter drinks that fit.
• Learn from mistakes. Look up answers you didn’t get and understand why.
• Practice themed puzzles. Food and beverage themes are common in major publications.

Crossword-specific terminology you should know

Understanding crossword lingo helps you solve clues faster. Here are a few key terms and how they apply to clues like “cold yogurt drink”:

• Straight clues – Direct clues with no wordplay (e.g., “Cold yogurt drink” = lassi)
• Anagram clues – Clues that involve rearranging letters
• Cryptic clues – Puzzles with hidden or double meanings
• Fill-in-the-blank clues – Phrases with missing words
• Rebus clues – Involve symbols or multiple letters in one square

Food-related clues like this one are often straight clues, but keep an eye out—editors can get clever with their phrasing, especially in Sunday editions.

Conclusion

The next time you see “cold yogurt drink” in a crossword puzzle, you’ll be ready to fill in lassi with confidence. But more than just knowing the answer, understanding the cultural and linguistic context behind clues like this can make your puzzle-solving experience more rewarding and educational.

Whether you’re an avid crossword enthusiast or a foodie exploring new words, decoding these clues sharpens your mind and expands your knowledge of global cuisines.

If you’re curious to try a real lassi or explore other iconic Indian drinks and dishes, be sure to visit https://indianfoodguide.com.au for authentic insights, recipes, and recommendations. Let your puzzle-solving journey also lead to culinary discovery!