Shinina

Across the Middle East, when the heat rises, this is what gets poured. Shinina is a salted yogurt drink so simple it barely qualifies as a recipe: plain yogurt thinned with cold water, seasoned with salt, and served over ice.

That’s it. Two ingredients plus salt. And yet it’s one of the most refreshing things you’ll ever drink on a scorching afternoon. The tanginess of the yogurt, the mineral hit of salt, and the cold of the ice work together in a way that sweet drinks simply can’t match.

Known by different names throughout the region (ayran, doogh, laban), this is a drink that has cooled people down for centuries.

Kitchen Tips

• Use full-fat plain yogurt for the creamiest, most satisfying result
• Thin with extra water if it’s too thick for your taste; it should be drinkable, not spoonable
• A pinch of dried mint is a common variation that adds a refreshing herbal note
• Serve immediately over plenty of ice; this drink is best ice cold