Name: Refreshing Shikanji Recipe: The Ultimate Indian Summer Drink
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 Lemons (juicy lemons are key for optimal flavor.); 500 ml Water; 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (jeera; lightly toast for a deeper flavor.); 1/4 tsp Salt (kala namak; adds a unique, black, but the flavor will differ., slightly eggy flavor. can substitute with regular salt); 3 tbsp Sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness.); 5-10 leaves Mint Leaves (optional, for added freshness.); 500 ml Water (additional water for dilution.); Ice Cubes (as needed)

Refreshing Shikanji Recipe: The Ultimate Indian Summer Drink

20 minutes

1065 reads

4.41 from 5 votes

Chettinad Homestyle Cooking South Indian

About Refreshing Shikanji Recipe: The Ultimate Indian Summer Drink

Shikanji, also known as Nimbu Pani, is a quintessential Indian summer beverage, beloved for its refreshing and tangy flavor. This traditional lemonade from North India and Pakistan is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of simple ingredients. The perfect blend of sweet, salty, and zesty notes creates a truly unique and thirst-quenching experience.

What sets Shikanji apart is the magical combination of fresh lemon juice, a touch of sugar, and the distinctive taste of black salt (kala namak) and roasted cumin powder. These spices add a depth of flavor that elevates this simple drink to something truly special. While regular salt can be substituted, black salt provides an authentic, slightly eggy flavor that's key to the Shikanji experience.

This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to help you make this classic summer cooler at home, perfect for beating the heat and enjoying a taste of India.

30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Stop Thinking About What to Cook Every Day

Weight loss, PCOS, and Healthy Eating, all planned out for you. Just follow the plan and cook. From ₹499.

Explore Meal Plans

Recipe Time & More

Prep10

Cook10

Total20

Calories37 kcal

Serves

Served AsBeverages

Recipe TasteSalty Savoury Sour Sweet Tangy

Ingredients

For the Shikanji Concentrate:

▢ 3 Lemons juicy lemons are key for optimal flavor.
▢ 500 ml Water
▢ 1 tsp Cumin Seeds jeera; lightly toast for a deeper flavor.
▢ 1/4 tsp Salt kala namak; adds a unique, black, but the flavor will differ., slightly eggy flavor. can substitute with regular salt
▢ 3 tbsp Sugar adjust to your preferred sweetness.
▢ 5-10 leaves Mint Leaves optional, for added freshness.

For Serving:

▢ 500 ml Water additional water for dilution.
▢ Ice Cubes as needed

Start Focussed Cooking Mode →

Instructions

Prepare the Cumin Powder

Lightly dry roast 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in a small pan until fragrant. Grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.

Juice the Lemons

Cut 3 lemons in half and juice them, removing any seeds.

Make the Shikanji Concentrate

In a bowl, combine 500ml of water, the lemon juice, sugar, black salt, and cumin powder. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.

Add Mint (Optional)

If using, add 5-10 mint leaves and gently muddle them to release their flavor.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the Shikanji concentrate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. To serve, add 500ml of chilled water to a glass, pour in the Shikanji concentrate, stir, add ice cubes, and garnish with a few extra mint leaves if desired.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Perfect Shikanji

For a smoother Shikanji, strain the concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling.
Adjust the amount of sugar and black salt to your liking. Some prefer a more tart and salty Shikanji.
Experiment with adding other spices, such as a pinch of cardamom or ginger, for a unique twist.
For a non-alcoholic version, you can prepare a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.