Spicy Nimbu Pani Cocktail, Indian Lemonade

Spicy Nimbu Pani Cocktail, also known as Shikanji, is a beloved Indian beverage that is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day. This delicious drink is made by combining freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar, and water, & then adding a blend of spices such as Cumin, chaat masala, and Himalayan salt to create a unique and refreshing flavour. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavours, Nimbu Pani is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the taste of India.

During the hot summer months in North India, Nimbu Pani or Shikanji is a popular and refreshing drink that provides a quick burst of energy and helps to keep you hydrated. This spiced lemonade, also known as Shikanjvi, is a staple beverage that can be found at street carts throughout Delhi.

What are Nimbu Pani / Shikanji?

1    Nimbu Pani is a refreshing Indian drink made by mixing lime or Lemon juice with water. 

2   The name itself is derived from the Hindi words for lime & water. 

3   Another variation of Nimbu Pani is Shikanji, which includes additional spices and herbs for added flavour.

4   Nimbu Pani, also known as Shikanji, is a popular Indian drink made with freshly squeezed lemons or limes, water, sugar, and spices. 

5 ‘Shikanji comes from the wooden trap used to extract juice from citrus fruits. 

6  In English, it can be described as an Indian version of Lemonade’ but with a unique blend of spices that give it a distinct flavour. 

7  It is a refreshing and popular drink during the hot summer months in India.

What is the difference between nimbu paani and shikanji?

1   While nimbu paani & shikanji are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two. 

2    Nimbu paani & shikanji are popular Indian drinks made with Lemon juice, they differ in sweetness. Nimbu paani has a mild sweetness, similar to a sports drink like Gatorade, while shikanji is typically sweeter, more like traditional lemonade.

3   Nimbu paani & shikanji are popular Indian drinks’ made with lime juice, sugar, salt, and water. However, the main difference between the two is that shikanji always includes additional spices such as roasted cumin powder and chaat masala, while nimbu paani may or may not include these spices. Both drinks are refreshing and perfect for beating the heat during hot summer days.

What is the Benefit of Nimbu Pani?

1   Nimbu paani, also known as lemonade, is a refreshing drink enjoyed for centuries. 

2  The main ingredient in this drink is lime’ which is packed with vitamin C & antioxidants. 

3  These nutrients have been shown to provide a range of health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing the risk of heart disease, preventing kidney stones, aiding in the absorption of iron, & promoting healthy skin. 

4  So, not only is nimbu paani delicious, but it’s also good for you!

Ingredients required for Nimbu Pani Cocktail:

1    1-2 large limes, juiced (or lemon) (2 tablespoons lime juice per glass)

2    2 Cups of water chilled.

3   ½ teaspoon Himalayan Salt or ¼ regular salts

4   1 Pinch of black pepper powder (fine ground)

5   ½ teaspoon Roasted Ground Cumin not regular ¼ Teaspoon Chaat Masala

6   1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar add 1Tablespoon for Nimbu pani, 2 Tablespoons for Shikanji

For Serving:

   Ice cubes 3-4 per glass, or as needed

   Mint leaves 2-3 leaves per glass

How to prepare Nimbu Pani Cocktail:

1    Nimbu paani, also known as Indian lemonade, is a refreshing drink that can be ‘easily made at home. 

2   ‘Simply mix water, lime juice, salt, sugar, spices, & a few mint leaves in a tall pitcher. 

3   Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined. 

4   Taste the lemonade and adjust the salt and sweetness to your liking.

5   Finally, add a few more mint leaves and chill the drink in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving. 

6   To make a refreshing glass of nimbu paani, start by adding ice cubes to your glass. 

7   Next, pour in the nimbu pani and stir it.

8   For an extra touch of flavour, garnish with some fresh mint leaves. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious drink!

Notes:

1    Nimbu paani, a refreshing Indian drink, can be made with either lime or lemon or even a combination of both. 

2   To add a burst of flavour, mint leaves are traditionally used as a garnish. However, if you can’t find mint, don’t worry! You can switch it up by adding some Thai basil leaves for a unique twist on this classic drink.

3   For the most refreshing taste, it’s best to chill nimbu paani in the refrigerator. This allows all the ingredients to blend and create a deliciously refreshing drink. Don’t forget to chill it before serving!

4    For a low-carb version of nimbu paani, you can either skip’ the sugar entirely or substitute it with sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit. These will give you a refreshing & healthy shikanji/nimbu paani without the added carbs.

5   Take your nimbu paani to the next level by turning it into a refreshing cocktail! “Simply add 1oz of your favourite spirit, such as vodka, gin, or white rum, and voila – you have a delicious shikanji cocktail to enjoy. Perfect for a hot summer day or a fun night with friends.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 595mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg