Refreshing Homemade Shikanji - Traditional Indian Lemonade Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black salt (kala namak)
  • 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
  • 6 cups cold water
  • Ice cubes
  • Mint leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Squeeze fresh lemons to get 1 cup of lemon juice.
  2. In a pitcher or large bowl, add the lemon juice and half cup of sugar. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves.
  3. Add the black salt and roasted cumin powder to the lemon and sugar mixture. Mix well.
  4. Pour 6 cups of cold water into the mixture. Stir again to ensure a uniform mixture.
  5. Add ice cubes and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator before serving for the best taste.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Add a pinch of black pepper for a spicy twist.
  • Replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a healthier alternative.
  • Add a few drops of rose water or orange blossom water for a fragrant flavor.
  • Replace regular water with sparkling water for a fizzy version of Shikanji.
  • Add a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice for a citrusy twist.
  • Garnish with sliced strawberries or other fresh fruits for a fruity variation.
  • Add a few crushed cardamom pods for a hint of aromatic flavor.

Recipe overview

Shikanji, also known as Indian Lemonade, is a traditional and refreshing summer drink from North India. This simple yet flavorful beverage is not only delicious, but also renowned for its digestive benefits. Made from fresh lemons, sugar, black salt, roasted cumin powder, and garnished with mint leaves, Shikanji is both revitalizing and thirst-quenching. This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and is perfect for hot summer days or any occasion where you’re craving something fresh and invigorating. Prepare to enjoy a delightful taste of India with this easy-to-follow Shikanji recipe.

Common questions

  1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice? No, it is recommended to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and taste.
  2. Can I adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe? Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. Add more or less sugar depending on how sweet or tangy you want your shikanji to be.
  3. What can I use as a substitute for black salt (kala namak)? If you don't have black salt, you can use regular salt instead. However, black salt gives a unique flavor to the shikanji.
  4. Can I make shikanji ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare shikanji ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to add the ice cubes and garnish with mint leaves right before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pitcher - A large container to mix and serve the shikanji.
  • Lemon Squeezer - A tool to easily extract juice from fresh lemons.
  • Stirring Spoon - A long-handled spoon for stirring the ingredients together.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the lemon juice, sugar, and water.
  • Mint Leaves - Fresh mint leaves for garnishing the shikanji.

Origin stories

Shikanji, a delightful Indian lemonade, has its roots spread across the vast expanse of North India. The drink, celebrated for its refreshing attributes, is an Indian summer staple and has been passed down through generations. It's not just any ordinary lemonade, but a treasure trove of flavours. It is a harmonious blend of sweet and salty with a hint of spice, bestowed by the addition of black salt and cumin. Interestingly, Shikanji's name is derived from 'Shikanjbeen', a variant of a Persian drink 'Sekanjabin', which was sweet vinegar syrup mixed with mint. Over time, the recipe underwent numerous adaptations as it travelled across regions, and the modern-day Shikanji was born. This beverage is not only relished as a thirst quencher but also believed to aid digestion, making it an essential part of the Indian culinary landscape.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.