Nimbu Shikanji (Masala Shikanji, Shikanjvi) is a refreshing Indian drink made from lime juice, Shikanji Masala (a unique spice blend), and sparkling water. This Indian version of lemonade is very easy to prepare at home and provides instant relief from the scorching heat.

It is a popular summer drink in North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, and also in some parts of Pakistan. During the hot summer months, you can also find many carts on the roadside selling this refreshing drink in large clay pots.

I remember coming home from school in the summer and being served a big glass of Shikanji or Aam Panna to instantly relieve the body from the scorching heat outside. There was a jug of this summer cooler in the fridge all summer long to sip throughout the day.

How to prepare Shikanji Masala?

Shikanji Masala is made by roasting and grinding some everyday whole spices like coriander seeds, cumin, and black peppercorns. It is then mixed with Chaat Masala, black salt, and regular salt.

Cumin and Chaat Masala have digestive properties and also make this drink tangy and refreshing.

Black salt, also known as Kala Namak or rock salt, gives this drink a very earthy flavor that is very different from the taste with regular salt. It is salty and sour at the same time. If possible, try not to replace it with regular salt.

I always double or triple this spice blend recipe and keep it in my pantry. It's handy when I want to make this drink.

The quantities in my recipe yield enough Shikanji Masala to prepare 15-20 glasses of Shikanji.

There is a very popular brand of Shikanji Masala called Jain Shikanji Masala. You could also buy it at an Indian grocery store if you want to save some time.

In this post, I am sharing my mom Flory's Shikanji Masala recipe. I'm sure you'll love it!

Ingredients

• Lime: Lime is the main ingredient of this drink. It adds the perfect amount of tanginess, making it refreshing and delicious.
• For a milder taste, you can use lemon instead of lime.
• Sugar: Cane sugar is added to sweeten the drink. You can use fine sugar (not powdered sugar) if you don't want to keep stirring until the sugar dissolves.
• Mint leaves: They add a very refreshing flavor.
• Still water or sparkling water: If you like carbonated drinks, prepare the Nimbu Shikanji with chilled sparkling water, otherwise still water is fine too. Make sure to add a few ice cubes to the glasses to enjoy the drink chilled.
   

You can also use club soda, Coca Cola, Sprite, or ginger ale instead of water to make a different variation. Sometimes I also add chia seeds soaked in water.

FAQs
 

What are the health benefits of Shikanji?

Since lime is the main ingredient here, this drink is rich in vitamin C, which helps in the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the immune system, and wound healing. Not to mention, it is also very good for skin and hair.

The ingredients used in Shikanji such as cumin, mint, and lime can also help with weight loss.

Can we drink Shikanji Masala daily?

Yes, this drink is loaded with the goodness of lime, black salt, cumin, and coriander seeds. Drinking it daily is very good for your body.

What is the difference between Nimbu Paani and Shikanji?

The only difference between these refreshing summer coolers is the addition of the spice blend. While Nimbu Paani is made only with water, lime juice, sugar, and salt, a spice blend (Shikanji Masala) is added when making Shikanji.

What is Indori Shahi Shikanji?

There is another version of this drink called Indori Shahi Shikanji, which is very different from the regular version. It is sold on the streets of Indore, a city in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is made from milk, saffron, cardamom powder, sugar, salt, yogurt, and nuts.

Variations

Once you have mastered making Nimbu Shikani, you can try some variations. Here are a few ideas:
 

• Pomegranate – Add pomegranate juice and pomegranate seeds.
• Pineapple – Add pineapple juice and chopped pineapple.
• Blue Curaçao – Add some Blue Curaçao mix,
• Green – Blend coriander, mint, and ginger in a mixer. Add this mixture to the drink.
• Berries – Cook some chopped strawberries or raspberries with sugar. Add this mixture to the Shikanji.
• Watermelon – Replace water with fresh watermelon juice.
   

Storage suggestions

You can prepare a large amount of Shikanji Masala and store it in a glass container at room temperature for up to a month. Whenever you want to serve Nimbu Shikanji, just add it to the glasses with the other ingredients and prepare the drink.

You can also prepare a large jug of Shikanji and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. If you prepare it in advance, use regular water instead of sparkling water, as the sparkling water will lose its fizz over time and Shikanji won't taste good.

Freeze the leftovers in popsicle molds in the freezer for a summer treat.

Ingredients

For Shikanji Masala

• 1 tbsp whole cumin seeds
• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
• ½ tsp whole coriander seeds
• 1 tsp Chaat Masala
• 1 tsp black salt (Kala Namak)
• 1 tsp table salt

This amount makes enough Shikanji Masala to prepare 15-20 glasses of Shikanji. Use as much as needed and store the rest in an airtight container for later use.

For Nimbu Shikanji for 2 people

• 2 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice for a milder taste)
• 2 tbsp cane sugar
• 1 tsp Shikanji Masala
• 5-6 mint leaves
• ice cubes (as needed)
• chilled sparkling water or still water (as needed)
  
   

Instructions

Prepare Shikanji Masala

Roast whole cumin seeds, whole black peppercorns, and whole coriander seeds in a pan over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned. Stir constantly while roasting.

Once the spices are roasted, put them together with Chaat Masala, black salt, and regular salt into a mortar or spice grinder and grind everything to make a fine powder. Your Shikanji Masala is now ready.

Prepare Nimbu Shikanji

Take 2 tall glasses and add 1 tablespoon of lime juice to each glass. Now add 1 tablespoon of cane sugar to each glass and stir with a spoon until the sugar has dissolved. If you like your drink sweeter, you can add more sugar.

Add ½ teaspoon Shikanji Masala and 2-3 mint leaves to each glass.

Add ice cubes as desired. Fill the glasses with chilled water or lemonade and stir gently.

Serve immediately.

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