Ariani: A Refreshing Yogurt Beverage

By
Nancy Gaifyllia
Nancy Gaifyllia
A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties.
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Updated on 07/23/21
Greek yogurt
Cultura DM/Diana Miller/Getty Images
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
134 Calories
1g Fat
8g Carbs
23g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 134
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 382mg 17%
Total Carbohydrate 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 23g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 257mg 20%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 320mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Although too simple to be a recipe and possibly an acquired taste, ariani is a delicious Greek yogurt -based refreshing and non-alcoholic beverage. In addition to cooling you off and restoring your sodium levels, ariani — αριάνι in Greek and pronounced ah-ree-YAH-nee — enjoys a reputation as a hangover killer. It lends itself to some interesting variations if the taste of plain yogurt doesn't particularly appeal to you.

The drink is originally from Turkey, but it has become widely known in areas of Greece with large populations of Greeks of Turkish descent. It's a direct legacy from the Turkish — it's called aryan there — and is especially popular in the Greek regions of Evros and Thrace. 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt

  • 2 cups water

  • Salt, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Add the yogurt, water, and salt to a blender.

  3. Blend until the mixture becomes very foamy on top.

  4. Serve over ice.

  5. Enjoy!

Ariana Variations

  • Many prefer this drink without salt. If you've never tried ariani before, consider starting without salt. Just blend the yogurt and water, then give it a taste test. Add a little salt, then blend some more and taste again. Keep on until you have a beverage with just the right amount of saltiness that appeals to you.
  • When Iranians make this recipe, they add a touch of fresh mint to the glass after preparation. They call their version doogh. 
  • Ariani is sometimes confused with kefir, but it's different. Kefir is made with grains and milk, not yogurt. 
  • Although the addition of fruit is not traditional, it can hit the spot. Chop the fruit of your choice in the blender with a little water, then pour it through a sieve or strainer to get rid of any pulpy parts. Add the ariani to the fruit mixture and stir well. 

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