Shikanji is a refreshing Indian lemon drink made with lemon juice, water, sugar, salt, and spices. It is cooling, tangy, lightly sweet, and often enjoyed during hot weather.
Unlike regular lemonade, shikanji has a savory-spiced flavor from roasted cumin, black salt, and sometimes chaat masala.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cold water
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black salt
- 1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- Pinch of regular salt
- Pinch of black pepper, optional
- Mint leaves, optional
- Ice cubes
How to Make Shikanji
- Add lemon juice, sugar, black salt, cumin, and regular salt to a pitcher.
- Add cold water and stir until sugar dissolves.
- Taste and adjust sweetness, salt, or lemon.
- Add ice cubes.
- Garnish with mint leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Add sugar gradually.
- Use chilled water.
- Add sparkling water for a fizzy version.
- Add mint for extra freshness.
Shikanji vs Lemonade
Lemonade is usually sweet and citrusy. Shikanji is sweet, salty, tangy, and spiced, giving it a more complex flavor.
Shikanji is an easy Indian summer drink with lemon, salt, sugar, and warming spices. It is perfect when you want something more flavorful than regular lemonade.