Nimbu Shikanji (Masala Shikanji Powder)

It is a popular summer drink in North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh. Sipping ice-cold Indian style sweet and spiced lemonade on a scorching hot day is one of the best delightful things you can do during the summer. Making shikanji masala is very simple and the ingredients used in masala may vary a bit depending upon the regions. This Masala Shikanji recipe uses my Mom’s homemade recipe.

Ingredients of Nimbu Shikanji 

For Shikanji:

• 3 large Lemons
• 10 tablespoons sugar
• Ice cubes
• A handful of mint Leaves
• Chilled Water or soda Water

For Shikanji Masala:

• 1 teaspoon rock salt
• 1 teaspoon black salt
• 3 teaspoon bhuna jeera powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1 teaspoon chat masala powder
• 1.5 teaspoon dried mint powder

How to Make Nimbu Shikanji 

1. Cut the lemon into 8 pieces.
2. Juice all the lemons using a citrus reamer or simply squeeze them with your bare hands.
3. Masala: In a small mixing bowl, add black salt, black pepper powder, roasted cumin powder, rock salt, chat masala powder, and mint powder.
4. Mix everything well to combine.
5. Shikanji masala is ready. Keep it aside.
6. Add 1/2 cup lemon juice to a large glass.
7. Next, add sugar, 4 teaspoons Shikanji masala.
8. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
9. Lightly crush a handful of mint leaves using a mortar and pestle.
10. Fill 4 tall serving glasses with the ice cubes.
11. After that, add 1 sliced lemons to each glass.
12. Next, add crushed mint leaves to each glass.
13. After that add about 2-3 tablespoons of lemon mixture to each glass.
14. Then pour chilled water or chilled soda into each glass.
15. Shikanji is ready.