Nimbu Pani | Shikanji (Indian Lemonade)

Nimbu Pani or Shikanji is an easy and refreshing popular Indian drink recipe made by mixing fresh lemon juice, sugar, black salt, and spices such as roasted cumin powder with water.

Let’s agree - Summer isn't complete without refreshing fruits, dishes, and drinks. The beverages revitalize us from the inside out, giving us the energy to get through the sweltering summer days.

There are many drinks that can provide us with an immediate boost, but can you name one? For us, there are no other options as great as a tall glass of nimbu pani (or lemon water). Nimbu pani is a summer staple that everyone enjoys. It is energizing and just requires three simple ingredients: water, lemon, and sugar. 

Jump to:

• What Is Nimbu Paani? 
• Ingredients
• How to Make Nimbu Pani
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage Suggestions
• Tips
• Variations 
• Nimbu Pani

What Is Nimbu Paani? 

Shikanji or Nimbu Pani (nimbu = lime or lemon, pani = water) is often referred to as Indian lemonade. Nimbu pani is a popular Indian drink flavored with lemon juice, water, sugar, and a mix of spices like black salt, roasted cumin powder, and chaat masala.

With the tangy taste of lemon coupled with the sweetness of sugar, this beverage is a perfect drink for the hot summer months. It is known by different names based on the region of India where it is being served, with slight recipe variations.

Ingredients

• Lemons: Choose fresh and juicy ones. You can either use lemon or lime.
• Sugar: Use granulated or powdered sugar, which dissolves quickly in water.
• Water: You will need chilled water to make nimbu pani.
• Black Salt (Kala Namak): also known as Indian rock salt - gives the drink a tangy and salty flavor. It's easily available in the Indian grocery store. If you don't have one, use regular salt or Himalayan pink salt.
• Roasted cumin powder: I like to add roasted cumin powder to make this masala nimbu pani. You can skip it if you don't have one.

How to Make Nimbu Pani

Squeeze the lemons with the squeezer or your hand to extract the juice and remove any seeds.

In a large mixing bowl, or pitcher, add lemon juice, sugar, black salt, roasted cumin powder, and chilled water. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

You can refrigerate the drink before serving it or add a few ice cubes to chill it.

Pour into tall glasses and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with mint leaves and serve nimbu pani chilled.

You can also pair nimbu pani with snacks like pakoras, samosas, or chaats.

Storage Suggestions

You can store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give a good stir before serving.

Tips

• Use fresh lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh, juicy lemons. Roll the lemons, pressing down on a hard surface to maximize their juice.
• Use granulated Sugar: Use granulated or powdered sugar to dissolve the sugar quickly.
• Sweetener: You can replace sugar with powdered organic jaggery or honey.

Variations 

Sometimes you get bored with the same old monotonous Nimbu Pani recipe, which makes it necessary to modify the drink with some unique additions and components.

• Coconut Water: Replace regular water with coconut water to make it a refreshing drink.
• Make it Fizzy: Use sparkling water or soda instead of water to make it fizzy.
• Add sabja (sweet basil seeds): You can add soaked sabja seeds to this drink as they have a cooling effect.
• Spices: You can also add a little chaat masala and black pepper powder to this drink for a variation.

If you like this recipe, then check more Indian Beverage Recipes

• Mango Lassi
• Masala Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk)
• Masala Chai
• Badam Milk
• Golden Turmeric Milk
• Ash Gourd Juice
• ABC Juice

★ Like this recipe? FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube for more quick & easy recipes.