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.
Equipment
- Citrus juicer
- Pitcher
- Small whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Drink
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup hot water for dissolving sugar
- 3 cups cold water
- 1/2 tsp black salt
- 1/2 tsp roasted ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves lightly bruised
Instructions
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.
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 20gSodium: 295mgSugar: 18g