• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Piping Pot Curry logo
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Instant Pot
    • Air Fryer
    • Indian
    • Cooking 101
  • Resources
    • Amazon Store
    • Instant Pot 101
    • Air Fryer 101
    • Meal Plan
    • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Instant Pot
  • Air Fryer
  • Indian
  • Shop
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipe Course » Beverages

    Shikhanji Nimbu Pani (Indian Lemonade)

    September 13, 2022 . By Meeta Arora . Leave a Comment | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe
    Shikhanji Nimbu Pani
    Shikhanji Nimbu Pani

    This homemade salty Indian Lemonade, also known as Shikanji or Nimbu Pani, is so refreshing, flavorful, and helps to beat the summer heat. Made with lime juice, sugar, water, and spices, it can be served at any time of the day.

    Indian lemonade

    Hotter days are here! And we definitely need something that cools down our bodies and helps to fight this heat. This drink has it all. It is the best Indian summer drink!

    I had to take the train to go to college (undergrad) in Mumbai. And right next to the stairway to enter the train station was a vendor selling Nimbu pani. It was my everyday routine to enjoy a glass of refreshing Nimbu Pani in the scorching summer heat before getting back home.

    Indian lemonade is so refreshing and flavorful, perfect for hot summer days. It has a tangy, sweet, and lemony flavor that will make your mouth water.

    It is a great drink to make it for a last-minute picnic or lunch plans, it pairs well with any dishes.

    What is Shikanji/Nimbu Pani?

    Nimbu Pani is also known as Shikanji or Indian Lemonade, or Salty Limeade to be more precise. Made with lime juice, sugar, water and some spices. This instant energy drink is super refreshing and easy to make at home.

    You might be wondering how would spices play in lemonade - Salt, cumin, and chaat masala, all come together make this Shikanji so refreshing. Like any other dish, salt enhances the flavor of the drink!

    Benefits of drinking Nimbu Pani

    • It helps fight against heat stroke.
    • It is a great source of Vitamin C.
    • It flushes out all the toxins.

    Ingredients you'll need:

    • Lime: It is the main ingredient of the drink. Super fresh, and has a zesty sour flavor.
    • Sugar: It balances out the flavor of the drink. You can also use powdered sugar. 
    • Spices: You will need Kala namak or rock salt, Chaat Masala and Roasted Cumin Powder. You can also add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
    • Garnish: Mint leaves and lime slices.
    Ingredients for limbu pani

    How to make Nimbu Pani

    • In a jar, add all the ingredients.
    • Mix them well until well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness (by adding more sugar) and tanginess (by adding more lime juice). 
    • Garnish with mint leaves and lime slices. Serve immediately.
    Nimbu pani garnished with mint leaves

    Nimbu Pani Variations

    • Mint Shikanji - Muddle some mint leaves and add them while making the shikanji. 
    • Shikanji Soda - Mix soda in place of water. 
    • Cocktail - Add vodka, or gin to make a Boozy Shikanji. 

    Common Questions

    Can you prepare Nimbu Pani in advance?

    Yes, you can. Refrigerate - it will be good for up to 2 days.

    Can you drink Nimbu Pani everyday?

    Yes, you can a glass of nimbu paani every day is good enough. Do not overdo anything.

    Hope you enjoy this wondrous summer drink from India. Do share pictures of your creations with #pipingpotcurry

    Here are some more beverages you might enjoy:

    • Mango Lassi
    • Masala Chai
    • Strawberry Lassi
    • Thandai
    • Fig Banana Smoothie
    • Masala Chaas (Indian Spiced Buttermilk)
    • 25+ Best Indian Snacks
    Tried this recipe?Give a rating by clicking the ★ below
    shikanji nimbu pani in 2 glasses garnished with mint leaves

    Refreshing Shikhanji Nimbu Pani (Indian Lemonade)

    Meeta Arora
    This homemade Indian lemonade, also known as Shikanji or Nimbu Pani, is so refreshing, flavorful, and helps to beat the summer heat. Made with lime juice, sugar, water, and spices, It can be served at any time of the day.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Save Saved! Pin
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 61
    Course: Beverage
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten-free, Vegan
    Method: No-cook
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 5 mins
    Total Time: 10 mins

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2.5 cups Water
    • 2 tablespoon Sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon Black salt (Kala namak) or Rock salt
    • 1 Lime
    • 1 teaspoon Roasted cumin powder
    • ¼ teaspoon Chaat masala optional
    • ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper optional, adjust to taste
    • Ice cubes
    • Lime slices for garnish
    • Mint leaves for garnish
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • In a jar, add all the ingredients.
    • Mix them until well combined.
    • Taste and adjust the sweetness and tanginess. 
    • Serve immediately. Garnish with mint leaves and lime slices.

    Video

    Notes

    Make it fancy: Instead of adding salt to the nimbu pain, try rimming the glass with rock salt.
    Cocktail: To make this Indian lemonade a cocktail try adding vodka, or gin to make a Boozy drink.
    Mint Shikanji Variation: Muddle some mint leaves and add them while making the shikanji.
    Shikanji Soda Variation: Mix soda in place of water. 

    Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 61kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 163mgPotassium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 29IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword indian lemonade, nimbu pani, shikanji
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @PipingPotCurry or #pipingpotcurry

    More Beverage Recipes

    • Thandai served in 3 glasses for Holi garnished with rose petals and saffron strands
      Thandai (Flavored Drink for Holi)
    • Thanda powder in a jar with holi colors around it
      Thandai Powder
    • 15+ Best Indian Drink Recipes Collage
      15+ Best Indian Drinks
    • Mango Lassi in a glass garnished with saffron strands
      Mango Lassi
    103 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Meeta Arora of Piping Pot Curry

    I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need to explore the ingredients and create great food. Here you will find easy & delicious recipes using Instant Pot & Air Fryer.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Roasted sweet potato pieces in a white plate
      Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potatoes
    • Easy Coconut Curry chicken in a white bowl
      Instant Pot Coconut Chicken Curry
    • A crispy Kale Chip closeup in hand
      Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips
    • Instant Pot Chana Masala served along with basmati rice.
      Instant Pot Chana Masala (Punjabi Chole Masala / Chickpea Curry)
    • Instant Pot Dal Fry
      Indian Dal Tadka / Dal Fry with Basmati Rice - Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
    • Basmati Rice Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
      Perfect Basmati Rice - Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    AS FEATURED ON

    Piping Pot Curry Featured on websites

    Footer

    AS FEATURED ON
    Piping pot curry Featured on sites

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Meeta
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

    Recipes

    • Instant Pot 101
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Indian Food Recipes
    • Cooking 101
    • Web Stories

    Resources

    • Shop
    • Gift Guide
    • How to start a blog?
    • Subscribe

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Piping Pot Curry