Lemons
नींबूلیموں
nīmbū
Fresh, juicy lemons.
Its job: The sourness.
Science-backed recipe
From the MedRise Food Science kitchenPublished
Masala Shikanji: Sweet, Sour, Salty and Ice-Cold
Also called Nimbu Pani · Shikanjvi · मसाला शिकंजी · नींबू पानी · مسالہ شکنجبین · لیموں پانی
Fresh lemon juice with sugar, roasted cumin, black salt and black pepper, shaken with mint and ice. Still or fizzy.
In short
Shikanji is India’s spiced lemonade: lemon, sugar, roasted cumin, black salt and pepper, served still or with soda.
From the MedRise Food Science kitchenPublished - Active
- 10 min
- Prep
- 10 min
- Total
- 10 min
- Serves
- 4 glasses
Why this recipe works
- ✓Sweet, sour, saltyAll three in balance.
- ✓Black saltThe street-stall flavor.
- ✓Still or fizzyWater or club soda.
- ✓Ten minutesNo cooking.
What is shikanji?
Shikanji, or nimbu pani, is North India’s summer lemonade, spiced with roasted cumin, black salt and pepper. It’s sold from roadside carts all summer; the town of Modinagar is famous for it.
Meet the ingredients
The main ingredients, with their English, Hindi and Urdu names.
Black salt (kala namak)
काला नमकکالا نمک
kālā namak
Pinkish-gray rock salt that smells of egg.
Its job: The savory, sulfurous street-drink flavor.
Roasted cumin powder
भुना जीराبھنا زیرہ
bhunā zīrā
Cumin seeds dry-toasted, then ground.
Its job: Smoky warmth.
Mint
पुदीनाپودینہ
pudīnā
Fresh leaves.
Its job: Cooling freshness.
Grow it yourself: Mint (pudina)
The lab notes
The science behind every step
Restaurant cooks do these things by habit. Here’s what each step is actually doing to the food, so you can cook by understanding instead of guesswork.
Lab note01
Syrup first
Dissolve the sugar in a little warm water before chilling.
Sugar dissolves slowly in ice-cold water; a quick syrup mixes evenly so the last sip isn’t the sweetest.
Lab note02
Why black salt tastes eggy
Use kala namak, not just table salt.
Black salt contains sulfur compounds that give it an egg-like savor; a pinch makes the drink taste deeper and more savory.
Lab note03
Salt makes it taste less sour
Add salt even to a sweet drink.
Salt dampens bitterness and rounds off sharp acidity, so the lemon tastes brighter rather than harsh.
How to make it, at a glance
- Make the syrupStir the sugar into the warm water until dissolved.
- MixIn a pitcher, combine the syrup, lemon juice, roasted cumin, black salt, pepper and salt. Lightly crush the mint and add it.
- Top upAdd the cold water (or club soda, poured gently just before serving) and stir.
- ServePour over ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint.
Exact amounts and timings are in the recipe card below.
Health benefits, honestly rated
A lighter alternative to soda.
Macros per serving
Calories70
Protein0 g
Carbs18 g
Fat0 g
Fiber0 g
Sodium480 mg
0.0 g protein per 100 calories. Estimated from the ingredients with USDA FoodData Central values.
Gym-friendly tip: Treat-sized. For more protein, serve with a cup of milk (+8 g) or Greek yogurt.
Vitamin C
Fresh lemon juice supplies vitamin C.
Keep in mind
- Sugar and salt add up; it is not a medical oral rehydration solution.
- Acidic drinks can erode tooth enamel; rinse with water.
General nutrition information, not medical advice. Numbers marked “estimated” are calculated from the recipe’s ingredients and vary with brands and portions. If you have diabetes, heart or kidney disease, a food allergy, or are pregnant, ask your doctor or a registered dietitian how this dish fits your diet.
Health sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C · Dietary Guidelines for Americans
See the full ingredient health guide: benefits, traditional roots and the science →
Questions, answered
What is the difference between shikanji and lemonade?
Shikanji adds roasted cumin, black salt and pepper, so it’s savory as well as sweet and sour.
Is shikanji the same as nimbu pani?
Yes; shikanji is the spiced version.
Can I use honey?
Yes, stir it into the warm water.
About MedRise Food Science
Desi restaurant favorites, recreated at home and explained with food science: every recipe is tested in a home kitchen and comes with the why behind each step.
Recipe card
Masala Shikanji
Masala shikanji, India’s spiced summer lemonade: fresh lemon, sugar, roasted cumin, black salt, black pepper and mint, still or with soda. With the food science of why it tastes so refreshing.
Prep10 minCook0 minTotal10 minServes4 glasses
Ingredients
Shikanji
Instructions
- Make the syrupStir the sugar into the warm water until dissolved.
- MixIn a pitcher, combine the syrup, lemon juice, roasted cumin, black salt, pepper and salt. Lightly crush the mint and add it.
- Top upAdd the cold water (or club soda, poured gently just before serving) and stir.
- ServePour over ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint.
Notes
- Roast your own cumin
- Dry-toast cumin seeds in a pan until a shade darker, 1–2 minutes, then grind.
- Make ahead
- Mix everything except the soda up to a day ahead.
Equipment
- Pitcher
- Citrus juicer