11 Nimbu Pani Variations You Need to Taste

6. Jaljeera-style Nimbu Pani

Taste profile: Tangy, savory, and aromatic with a cumin-chili backbone. Jaljeera is a traditional spiced cooling drink and makes a bold nimbu pani. Ingredients for 1–2 servings: Juice of 2 limes, 1 cup water, ½ teaspoon jaljeera powder or ¼ teaspoon roasted cumin, pinch of black salt, 1 pinch dry ginger powder (saunth), 1 teaspoon sugar, ice. Preparation steps: If ready jaljeera powder is available, dissolve it in water with sugar and lime. If making a small blend, roast cumin and dry-mix with black salt, ground pepper, and dry ginger. Stir into lime water until dissolved. Serve over ice. Serving suggestions: Garnish with a lemon wedge, and pair with chaats and light meals. Health note: Jaljeera blends often include digestive spices and are used as after-meal tonics in some traditions. Substitutions: Use store-bought jaljeera spice mixes or make a small batch of roasted cumin and dry-ginger powder if you don’t have the ready blend.