Nimbu pani, often called shikanji, is a refreshing Indian citrus drink balanced with sugar, salt, and warming ground cumin.
Fresh lemon and lime juice are stirred with a quick sugar syrup, cold water, black salt, cumin, mint, and ice.
Taste after chilling because cold temperatures soften sweetness and saltiness; adjust citrus or sugar just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately over ice as a cooling afternoon drink or alongside spicy snacks.
Recipe Notes
Mix the base up to one day ahead without ice. Add mint and ice only when serving.
Indian Nimbu Pani (Shikanji)
A cooling Indian lemon-lime drink seasoned with black salt, cumin, sugar, and mint.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Mix:
- Whisk sugar into hot water until fully dissolved. Cool for 5 minutes.
- Combine the syrup, lemon juice, lime juice, cold water, black salt, cumin, and pepper in a pitcher. Stir well.
Serve:
- Taste and adjust with a little more citrus, sugar, or salt. Add mint and ice.
- Pour into four glasses and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Black salt gives shikanji its distinctive savory aroma; regular salt tastes cleaner but can substitute.
- For a sparkling version, replace half the cold water with chilled plain soda water just before serving.
