Nimbu Pani / Shikanji (Indian Limeade)
If you're looking for a refreshing and delicious drink to beat the heat, my nimbu pani recipe is the perfect solution! This traditional Indian limeade/lemonade strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy and is sure to quench your thirst and leave you feeling refreshed.
Servings: 4
Calories: 63kcal
Ingredients
- 3-4 lime (or lemon)
- 4 glasses water
- 4 tablespoon sugar or as per taste
- ¾ teaspoon black salt
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cumin powder optional
- ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper optional
- 4-5 mint leaves
- Ice cubes as needed
Instructions
- Combine lime juice, water, sugar, salt, black salt, ground pepper, cumin powder, and mint leaves in a jug. Mix well.
- Taste and adjust the sugar as per your preference.
- Pour ice cubes in glasses and put the nimbu paani on top. Serve immediately.
- Alternatively, chill in the refrigerator and serve as needed.
Notes
Do not skip black salt: All spices are optional except black Indian salt. This is the only essential spice.
Use fresh lime or lemon juice: The key to a good Nimbu Pani is using fresh lime or lemon juice. Avoid using bottled or concentrated juice as it can alter the taste.
Adjust sugar and salt: The amount of sugar and salt can be adjusted to your taste. If you like your shikanji sweeter, you can add more sugar, and if you prefer it tangier, you can add more lime or lemon juice.
Make nimbu soda: This variation involves adding soda or sparkling water instead of plain water to it to give it a fizzy texture.
Ginger shikanji: In this variation, ginger juice is added to shikanji, which gives it a slightly spicy and tangy taste.
Nutrition
Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 595mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg