11 Nimbu Pani Variations You Need to Taste

2. Shikanji — Masala Lemonade

Taste profile: Tangy and peppery with warm cumin notes. This is the North Indian street style often called shikanji. Ingredients for 1–2 servings: 2 limes (juice), 1 cup water, ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder, ¼ teaspoon black salt or regular salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon sugar, ice. Preparation steps: Roast cumin seeds lightly and grind. Mix lime juice, water, and sugar until dissolved. Add cumin, black salt, and pepper. Stir and chill briefly; serve over crushed ice. Serving suggestions: Top with a pinch of chaat masala and a thin lemon slice; serve with fried snacks or grilled paneer. Health note: Roasted cumin aids digestion, a reason masala lemonade is popular after heavy meals (WhiskAffair.com). Substitutions: If you can't roast cumin, use store-bought roasted cumin powder. Black salt might be found in Indian groceries; use regular salt if needed and add a small squeeze of tamarind paste for tang.