When the summer sun blazes overhead, there's nothing more refreshing than a glass of Shikanji — the traditional lemonade from Punjab.
Also known by names like Shikanjvi, Shikanjbi, Shikanjbeen, or simply Nimbu Paani, this humble drink is a true thirst quencher and an absolute must during the hot months. The beauty of Shikanji lies in its simplicity and the perfect blend of flavours.
In South India, we call it Panakam, but it skips the Shikanji masala and but flavoured with cardamom powder. This is an easy tutorial for Pankam, also known as the Creamy Lemonade, which was a craze some time ago.
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And speaking of summer magic, if you are anything like me, you will love having a few more cooling drinks up your sleeve. During Holi, we often make a big batch of Thandai packed with nuts and spices. When mangoes are in season, you must try my Mango Lemonade — it is summer in a glass!
Jal Jeera is another absolute favourite for those who like a little spice—spicy, tangy, and incredibly cooling. On days when I want something light and healthy,a probiotic Mattha does the trick.
If you feel a bit indulgent, a glass of Tender Coconut Falooda is bliss. Or maybe a colourful mocktail like Twilight or a refreshing Cranberry Sangria for your next get-together?
Oh, and do not miss out on Orange Mist—a citrusy drink that bursts with sunshine—or my favourite Lemon Barley Water, which is cooling and gives you a lovely energy boost! This Lemon Basil Granita is perfect on a hot lazy weekend.
Honestly, summer feels so much better with a fridge full of these homemade coolers, don't you think?
A Special Memory – My Introduction to Authentic Shikanji
I first truly appreciated Shikanji during our Bloggers Meet #75 in Delhi. My flight was scheduled for the next day, and the lovely Vaishali and her family graciously hosted Apeksha and me. They welcomed us warmly, took us shopping, and treated us to the vibrant street food of Delhi.
During this visit, I picked up a fantastic find — authentic Shikanji Masala. Ever since, it has become a staple at home, and we enjoy this delightful lemonade regularly.
Interestingly, while working on the Cooking Odyssey project, I searched for Shahi Shikanji from my memories of Indore, but kept landing on regular Nimbu Paani recipes. Only after my trip to Delhi did I realise the difference — a small, funny reminder that sometimes it takes a journey to rediscover old favourites!
The ingredients of Shikanji
- Fresh lemon or lime juice
- Powdered sugar
- Ice-cold water
- Regular salt
- Black salt
- Roasted cumin powder
Some traditional recipes even add a touch of saffron for a luxurious twist! Every ingredient works together to replenish the salts and minerals lost in the sweltering heat, making Shikanji delicious and wonderfully restorative.
How to make Nimbu Pani
Making Shikanji at home couldn't be easier! Here's how you do it:
- In a large mixing bowl or a deep vessel, so that nothing spills.
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice, chilled water, powdered sugar, Shikanji masala, and a little salt.
- Stir well till the sugar dissolves completely — no one likes grainy Shikanji!
- Taste it. This is the fun part!
Want it a little sweeter? Add more sugar. Craving a bit more tang or a punch of masala? Adjust it the way you like. Shikanji is all about balancing flavours with your mood.
Once you're happy with the taste, pour it into glasses filled with ice cubes and serve immediately.
Refreshing, tangy, slightly spiced — pure summer bliss in a glass!
Substitutions and Variations
- If you don't have Shikanji Masala, you can make it at home by mixing roasted cumin powder, black salt, regular salt, and a pinch of pepper.
- You can sweeten your Shikanji with honey or powdered jaggery instead of white sugar if you prefer a healthier version.
- Adding crushed fresh mint leaves to the drink makes it cool and adds a lovely herbal note.
- Replace plain water with soda water for a bubbly Shikanji.
- Soak a few strands of saffron in warm water and add them to your lemonade. It will give your lemonade a beautiful colour and a delicate aroma.
Equipment for Lemonade
- Bowl
- Spoons and Ladles
- Glasses
Related Recipes
This is an old post that I am updating with newer pictures and a write-up as a part of the group Foodies_RedoingOld Post.
Shikanji Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Bowls
- Spoons and Ladles
- 4 Glasses To serve
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 4 cups Water chilled
- 8 tablespoon Sugar powdered
- 1 teaspoon Shikanji masala
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- In the bowl, add 4 tablespoon Lemon juice, 4 cups Water, 8 tablespoon Sugar, 1 teaspoon Shikanji masala, ½ teaspoon Salt.
- Stir well till the sugar dissolves completely.
- Adjust the taste to suit your tastes.
- Serve chilled.
Priya Suresh says
Very refreshing drink, excellent to drink while the weather is too hot outside. Shikanji masala rocks;
ArchanaPotdar says
True it does Priya.
Usha says
Remember drinking loads of it during summer holidays when growing up, but off course without shikanji Masala.
ArchanaPotdar says
Yes me too Shikanji masala is new.
Srivalli says
Oh this one sounds fantastic Archana, never read about shikanji masala though I have made it a couple of times with the ingredients..good one!
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 as if you need a recipe you are a walking talking encyclopedia.
Gayathri Kumar says
That is one perfect drink for summer Archana. I do regular lemon juice, with sugar and ice, but never tried with shikanji masala.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Mayuri Patel says
A simple but very satisfying cooling and thirst quenching drink. Sometimes such simple flavors are the best.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Varada says
Very refreshing! I did not know there was a special masala for shikanji. Have to look into it.
ArchanaPotdar says
I too learnt about it in Delhi.
Nisha Ramesh says
Oh, thats a refreshing drink. It amazes me how such a simple drink has so many versions throughout the world. Is there a recipe for shikanji masala ?
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 Yes every country has lemonade in some variation or other.
Pavani says
Such a refreshing and delicious Indian style lemon juice. My kids have been asking me to make lemonade for a very long time - will try this recipe for them.
ArchanaPotdar says
Do let me know what they think about it Pavani.
Chef Mireille says
I would love it though without the masala - I dont really go for savory drinks
ArchanaPotdar says
It is not savoury Mir! It is a sweet drink.
sapana says
This is one simple and refreshing energy booster summer drink.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Geetha Priyanka says
Any drink with lemon is surely refreshing and perfect on hot and humid days, but I've never tried anything except sweet or salty lemon juice and lemonade. I'm tempted to try this interesting recipe!! I'm so loving the idea of using shiakanji masala. Thanks for sharing this fab summer recipe.
ArchanaPotdar says
Aww thanks a lot, dear I hope you do try it out. Please tag me when you do try.
Soumya says
So so refreshing drink for summers.. Never heard of Shikanji masala.. Would definitely buy and try it to add extra taste to usual lemonade..
ArchanaPotdar says
Do try it Soumya, it is definitely refreshing.
Shailender Sharma says
A perfect thirst quencher to beat the heat. A super awesome recipe.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thank you, Sir.
Jayashree says
Refreshing drink for summer, I need to get my hands on that shikanji masala soon.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Jayashree. It is quite easy to make at home.
Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth says
It is interesting how a simple lime water can take so many avatars... this looks so refreshing...
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Rafeeda.
Shobha Keshwani says
Perfect summer drink. I love the lemony flavour . It is very refreshing .
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Shobha.
Kalyani says
Shikanji is truly representative of the North. The subtle but clear differences between nimbu paani and shikanji is so important, right? we loved makign this at home, ARchana. lovely share...
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Neha (My Culinary Expressions) says
This Shikanji makes an awesome summer drink. I always think of making Shikanji premix powder but somehow never get the time. But nevertheless, I manage to make it with the roasted jeera, chaat masala and the other basic ingredients that you have mentioned.
ArchanaPotdar says
I like the idea of making the Shrikanji premix making it right away. Thanks, Neha.
Priya Srinivasan says
Aww that glass of chilled shikanji looks so refreshing archana. With the climate soaring here, i would love this everyday!
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 come over.
Preethi says
This shikanji is so nostalgic . Reminded me of my childhood when we enjoyed a lot during summers temperatures would soar and it was very much needed to keep us hydrated . I can never say no to it .
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Mayuri Patel says
I had no idea there is a shikanji masala. I always thought that nimbu pani and shikanji are the same. After reading your post realize the slight difference. The masala makes it so different from the regular nimbu pani.
ArchanaPotdar says
Even I did not know till I had Shikanji in Delhi. It makes a huge difference.
Priya Vj says
Shikanji is most required in this scorching summer heat . One chill glass of shikanji is more than enough to energize and hydrate.
ArchanaPotdar says
True, Priya.
Seema says
The summer time comfort of shikanji cannot be juts decribed in words. We make pitchers for every summer and it finishes real fast.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 True it gets over fast.
Renu says
I tried this with the shikanji masala you gave and it was so refreshing.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Renu.