Nimbu Shikanji Recipe (Indian Masala Lemonade)
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 82kcal
Nimbu Shikanji (Shikanjvi) is a refreshing Indian drink made using lime juice, shikanji masala (a unique spice mix), and club soda. This Indian version of lemonade is super easy to make at home and gives instant relief from the scorching heat.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
For Shikanji Masala
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon whole coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 teaspoon black salt
- 1 teaspoon regular salt
For Shikanji
- 2 tablespoons lime juice or lemon juice for a milder taste
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 5-6 mint leaves
- ice cubes as required
- chilled club soda or water as required
Instructions
Make Shikanji Masala Powder
- Roast cumin seeds, whole black peppercorns, and whole coriander seeds in a skillet over medium heat until very slightly browned (2-3 minutes). Stir continuously while roasting.
- Once roasted, add them to the small jar of a mixer grinder (or a coffee grinder) along with chaat masala, black salt, and regular salt and grind to make a fine powder. Shikanji masala is ready.
- This measurement will give you shikanji masala enough to make 15-20 glasses of shikanji. Use as much as required and store the rest in an airtight container and use later.
Make Shikanji
- Take 2 tall glasses and add 1 tablespoon lime juice to each glass. Now add 2 tablespoon sugar to each glass and stir using a spoon until sugar is dissolved. You can add more sugar if you like your drink sweeter.
- Add ½ teaspoon shikanji masala and 2-3 mint leaves to each glass.
- Add ice cubes as per your liking.
- Top the glasses with chilled water or club soda and stir gently. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Adjust the shikanji masala, salt, and sugar as per your taste.
You can easily double or triple this recipe.
Make the shikanji masala and store it in a cool dry place. You can use it for up to 1 month.
Use powdered jaggery or honey instead of sugar for a healthy alternative.
To get maximum juice from the lime, roll it on the counter with firm hands before cutting it.
You can also use sparkling water, coca-cola, sprite, or ginger ale instead of water or club soda to make a different variation.
Add a little fresh ginger juice for a spicy kick.
Replace plain water with coconut water or orange juice.
Add a splash of your favorite alcohol like vodka, white rum, or gin to make an adult version.
Add a teaspoon of sabja seeds (falooda seeds, tukmara seeds, basil seeds) to this drink for their health benefits.
Freeze the leftover in popsicle molds for a summer treat.
Variations
Once you have learned to make the classic shikanji, try some variations. Here are a few ideas.
Anar - Add pomegranate juice and pomegranate kernels.
Pineapple - Add pineapple juice and chopped pineapple.
Blue Curacao - Add some blue curacao mix.
Blue Pea Flower - Steep some dried blue pea flowers in water and use the water to make the shikanji.
Green - Blend cilantro, mint, and ginger in a blender. Add this mix to the drink.
Kala Khatta - Add kala khatta mix to this drink.
Berries - Cook some chopped strawberries or raspberries with sugar. Add this mix to the shikanji.
Jamun - Add some Jamun puree to it.
Watermelon - Replace water with fresh watermelon juice.
Nutrition
Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1170mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 144IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg