Refreshing Nimbu Pani: A Traditional Indian Lemonade Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 large lemons
  • 6 cups of water
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of roasted cumin powder
  • A handful of fresh mint leaves
  • Ice cubes for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the lemons in half and squeeze out the juice. Keep the juice aside.
  2. In a large jug, add the water and sugar. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Add the black salt and roasted cumin powder to the jug. Mix well.
  4. Pour the lemon juice into the jug. Stir again.
  5. Finely chop the mint leaves and add them to the jug. Give it a final stir.
  6. Refrigerate the Nimbu Pani for at least 2 hours before serving.
  7. When ready to serve, fill the glasses with ice cubes and pour the Nimbu Pani over.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Add a pinch of black pepper for a spicy twist.
  • Replace sugar with honey or any other sweetener of choice.
  • Add a few drops of rose water or orange blossom water for a floral flavor.
  • Experiment with different citrus fruits such as lime, orange, or grapefruit.
  • Add a splash of soda water or sparkling water for a fizzy version.
  • Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime and a sprig of fresh mint.
  • Add a few slices of cucumber or a dash of cucumber juice for a refreshing twist.
  • Replace regular water with coconut water for a tropical flavor.
  • Infuse the Nimbu Pani with herbs like basil, thyme, or lemongrass.
  • Add a pinch of chaat masala for a tangy and savory flavor.

Recipe overview

Nimbu Pani is a delicious and refreshing Indian lemonade that is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day. This drink is not only hydrating but also packed with flavors of lemon, mint, and a hint of cumin that gives it a unique taste. The addition of black salt adds a tanginess to the drink that is truly refreshing. Preparing Nimbu Pani is quite simple, requiring just a few ingredients and steps. The final result is a chilled, sweet and tangy beverage that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy this refreshing, traditional Indian drink and beat the heat in style!

Common questions

  1. How many lemons should I use for this recipe? - You will need 6 large lemons.
  2. How much water should I use? - You will need 6 cups of water.
  3. How much sugar should I add? - You will need 1 cup of sugar.
  4. What is black salt and how much should I use? - Black salt is a type of salt with a unique flavor. You should use 1/2 teaspoon of black salt.
  5. What is roasted cumin powder and how much should I use? - Roasted cumin powder is a spice with a smoky flavor. You should use 1/2 teaspoon of roasted cumin powder.
  6. Should I add any garnish to Nimbu Pani? - Yes, you can add a handful of fresh mint leaves to enhance the flavor.
  7. Do I need to refrigerate the Nimbu Pani? - Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving.
  8. Should I serve Nimbu Pani with ice cubes? - Yes, you can fill the glasses with ice cubes before pouring the Nimbu Pani over.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Citrus juicer - This tool will help you easily extract the juice from the lemons.
  • Large jug - A container to mix and store the Nimbu Pani.
  • Stirring spoon - Use a spoon to mix the ingredients in the jug.
  • Chopping board - Needed to chop the fresh mint leaves.
  • Knife - Use a knife to cut the lemons and chop the mint leaves.
  • Refrigerator - To chill the Nimbu Pani before serving.
  • Glasses - Serve the Nimbu Pani in glasses.
  • Ice cube tray - Use this to make ice cubes for serving.

Origin stories

Nimbu Pani, also known as lemon water or Indian lemonade, is a heartwarming tale of simplicity and refreshment, deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. Its origin is as simple and widespread as its ingredients, tracing back thousands of years as a staple refreshment in the searing summer months. The humble Nimbu Pani has quenched the thirst of emperors in their palaces and farmers in their fields, equally beloved in all corners of the country. This refreshing drink, spiced with local flavors like roasted cumin and black salt, is not just a thirst quencher but also plays a vital role in combating the dehydrating Indian summers. It's a testament to India's culinary wisdom, where food and drink balance taste, health, and the demands of the climate. It's more than just a drink, it's a sip of India's rich cultural heritage.

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.