Be summer ready and fill up your pitchers with this incredibly refreshing Indian Lemonade called Shikanji or Nimbu Pani. Made with freshly squeezed lime juice this is an excellent appetizer or summer drink that cools the body instantly from the scorching heat.
Shikanji (Shikanjvi, Shikanjbi, Masala Nimbu Pani) is a traditional Indian Summer Drink or beverage made with lime juice, roasted cumin powder and kala namak. This Indian Lemonade, popular in North India, is incredibly refreshing and provides instant relief from scorching summer heat.
During summers, we avoid heavy or rich foods such as curries or dal and resort to light meals. Salads, chilled beverages, popsicles made with natural fruit sugars are perfect choices and feels light on stomach. It also helps regain lost appetite.
When it comes to beverages or drinks, we prefer fresh fruit juices, smoothies with seasonal fruits or home made sherbets to quench our thirst.
Nimbu Pani (Nimbu - Lime / Lemon and Pani - Water) tops the list, when it comes to Indian Summer Coolers!
Think of Shikanjvi as an Indian version of Lemonade or Limeade with the goodness of Indian spices that adds so much flavor. I guarantee once you try it, this is what you would wanna drink the entire summer season!
Serve this at your next barbeque party or pool party with friends along with some chips and dips, grilled vegetables or kebabs.
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Shikanji Sharbat Benefits
Taste-wise, Shikanji or Nimbu pani is khatta (sour) and meetha (sweet). This drink is served as an appetizer or mid-morning drink when the sun is at its peak.
A tall glass of Shikanjvi is the perfect cure for dehydration and restoring lost energy during summers.
Is a Non-alcoholic beverage, does not contain Soda (my version)
Roasted cumin in Shikanji aids in digestion
Perfect appetizer as it helps build appetite, hunger during summers.
Ingredients
Lime Juice - In India, Lime is commonly available and hence I have used the same. However, Lemon / Lime can be used for making this drink.
Before you squeeze juice from lime / lemon, roll it on the countertop or cutting board by applying some pressure to extract maximum juice.
Pro Tip - During Summers, freeze freshly squeezed lime / lemon juice in ice trays to make Shikanji instantly.
Sugar - We have given up white sugar completely at home since last few years and only use raw sugar or powdered jaggery.
I wouldn't recommend honey as it tends to change the taste of the drink.
Roasted Jeera Powder (Cumin) - An absolute must for shikanji. It aids in digestion and adds a lovely earthy taste to the drink.
Indian Black Salt (Kala Namak) - This salt variety has a sulphurous, pungent smell and is used commonly for chaat, salads or kachumber and nimbu pani or lemonade.
It gives a unique taste to the drink and I would recommend not substituting it with regular table salt for the authentic taste.
You can source this easily at supermarkets that stock Indian grocery. In India, this salt is used for cooking during fasting for religious festivals.
Mint Leaves are used for garnish.
Instructions
In a large bowl or pitcher, squeeze fresh lime juice - 3 limes used here.
Add sugar, black salt, roasted cumin powder and mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
Note - If using regular sugar (granulated or castor), the color of the drink would appear lighter.
Add chilled water and mix well. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
Note - Add ice cubes and mint leaves only before serving.
Variations
Basil Seeds / Chia Seeds - Basil seeds are considered quite cooling and are added in Falooda, Rose Milk and other such Indian beverages.
I have made the drink using both the ingredients (separately) and loved the variation.
You can use Club Soda or carbonated water, sparkling water or Ginger Ale.
Shikanji Popsicles - Extra or leftovers can be poured into popsicle molds and frozen. It is a refreshing summer treat for kids and adults.
Try Other Summer Drinks
Masala Chaas with Sattu or Sattu Buttermilk
Pomegranate Juice + Tips to Cut Pomegranate and extract pearls easily
Neer Mor (South Indian Buttermilk)
This post was originally published on March 14, 2021. I have republished the post with added information.
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Shikanji | Nimbu Pani | Indian Lemonade
Ingredients
1 cup is 250 ml, 1 tablespoon is 15 ml and 1 teaspoon is 5 ml measurement
- 3 nos Lime approx 4 to 5 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tbsp Raw Sugar
- ½ tsp Roasted Jeera Powder (Cumin)
- Rock Salt or Kala Namak as per taste
- 2 ½ cups Chilled Water
- Ice Cubes for serving
- Mint Leaves for garnish
- Lemon Slices for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a bowl or pitcher, squeeze fresh lime juice. Add sugar, salt, roasted cumin powder and mix well until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour chilled water, mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- For serving - Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, mint leaves and slices of lime. Pour the shikanji, mix well and serve immediately.
Notes
- Quantity of sugar added to the drink depends on sourness from the limes. Taste check and add extra if required.
- Adding lot of ice cubes dilutes the drink. It may require more sugar / salt which can be added just before serving. Note - Always add ice cubes just before serving the drink.
- Leftovers remain fresh for couple of days. During summers, you can make a tall pitcher (minus ice cubes) of this drink and store in the refrigerator.
- Basil Seeds / Chia Seeds - Basil seeds are considered quite cooling and are added in Falooda, Rose Milk and other such Indian beverages. I have made the drink using both the ingredients (separately) and loved the variation.
- You can substitute chilled water with Club Soda or carbonated water, sparkling water or Ginger Ale.
- Shikanji Popsicles - Extra or leftovers can be poured into popsicle molds and frozen. It is a refreshing summer treat for kids and adults.
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We will be back again with yet another exciting recipe .. Until then, stay healthy and happy!
Vidya Narayan
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