Shikanji Recipe | Nimbu Pani Recipe

Shikanji is a simple lemon drink that is widely prepared during hot summer days in India. It is made by mixing fresh lemon juice with water, sugar, salt and few mild spices. The taste is tangy, slightly sweet and little spicy, so it feels very refreshing when the weather becomes too hot and dry.

It's made during afternoon time on summer days or perfect after a heavy meal. A glass of Shikanji helps to cool the body and gives fresh feeling. It is also a better option compared to packaged drinks because it uses simple ingredients that are easily available in the kitchen.

Jump to:

• About Shikanji 
• Shikanji Ingredients
• How to make Shikanji Step by Step
• Expert Tips
• Serving and Storage
• FAQS
• 📖 Recipe Card

About Shikanji 

Shikanji, also called Nimbu Pani in many parts of India, is a traditional summer drink made using lemon juice, water and few simple spices. This drink has balanced taste, its sweet, salty and tangy at same time. The addition of roasted cumin powder and black salt gives a light spicy flavor.

The texture is light as it mostly contains water mixed with lemon juice. Fresh lemon brings bright citrus flavor while sugar reduces the sour taste. Roasted cumin powder adds mild warm taste which makes it enjoyable during very hot days. It takes very less time to mix and the ingredients are always present in the kitchen.

Shikanji is quite popular in North India where many street vendors sell it during summer months. Large glass jars of this are often kept chilled and served to people walking in the heat. Some variations can be made like adding soda water, ginger or chaat masala to give different flavor.

I usually prepare Shikanji at home during peak summer afternoons when everyone feels thirsty. Sometimes I make little extra and keep it in refrigerator so it stays cold for later.

Shikanji Ingredients

• Lemon - I used lemon or tangy taste. Adjust quantity based on how sour you like. I add this to the water.
• Sugar - I added it for sweetness and to balance the sourness  you can adjust according to your taste.
• Roasted cumin powder - I have added for flavor in the drink. It gives warm earthy spice taste and makes the drink little more interesting. Fresh roasted powder usually gives better aroma.
• Black salt - I added small amount for its unique tangy taste. It brings a slight chatpata flavor to the drink. If black salt is not available you can use regular salt.
• Mint leaves - I have added mainly for garnish and aroma. Mint gives fresh smell and cooling feel while drinking. Sometimes I crush little so flavor comes out more.
• Ice cubes - I have added while serving to keep the drink cold. It makes the drink more refreshing during hot weather. If water is already very cold you can reduce ice.
• Lemon slices - I added for garnish while serving. It makes the glass look fresh and colourful. It also gives slight extra citrus flavour slowly.

Similar Recipes

• Kuluki sarbath
• Mosambi juice
• Orange juice
• Watermelon juice
• Carrot juice

How to make Shikanji Step by Step

1.Add 2 cups of water, add lemon juice to it. Add sugar.

2.Mix well until sugar is completely dissolved. Add roasted jeera powder, black salt and salt.

3.Mix well. Get ready with all your ingredients. Take your serving glasses, add ice cubes.

4.Pour lemon juice. Add lemon slice and mint leaves and serve chilled.

Serve chilled!

Expert Tips

• Fresh lemon - I usually use fresh lemon for making this drink. Fresh lemon juice gives better flavour and natural citrus aroma. Bottled juice does not give same taste.
• Balance flavours - I taste the drink once after mixing everything. Then I adjust sugar or salt depending on the sourness of lemon.
• Roasting cumin - I slightly roast cumin seeds and grind them fresh at home. Freshly made cumin powder gives stronger aroma and better flavour in the drink.
• Chilling - I like to keep the drink in refrigerator for some time before serving. Cold drink feels much more refreshing in hot summer.
• Mint freshness - I add mint leaves for the fresh aroma and the drink feels more cooling.

Serving and Storage

Serve Shikanji chilled in tall glasses during hot afternoons or evening time. It is perfect drink when guests come during summer. You can store this drink in refrigerator for one day. 

FAQS

1.Can I use honey?

Yes you can use honey, the flavour will be little different but still refreshing.

2.Can I skip black salt?

Yes it can be skipped if not available. The drink will still taste good.

3.Can I add soda instead of water?

Yes some people like adding soda water. It gives fizzy taste similar to street style drinks.

4.Can this drink be made in advance?

Yes you can prepare and refrigerate for few hours. Stir well before serving.

5.Is mint necessary for this recipe?

No mint is optional in this drink. But it adds fresh aroma which many people enjoy.

If you have any more questions about this Shikanji Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

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