An Ode To India’s ‘Desi Drink’- Shikanji

Most of us know but for those who don’t, shikanji is a hindi name for lemonade. However, it is just not a simple lemonade but with Indian spices like amchur, cumin and black salt. This is what makes it a desi drink!! Most popular in North India, this drink has ample localized versions. This undoubtedly refreshing drink is commonly sold at handcarts having huge matkas. A common delight in Delhi, shikanji is served chilled with mint leaves. 

Also Read: Have You Seen This Gorgeous Rose-Pink Coloured Shikanji That Has Taken Instagram By Storm?

Shikanji is even sold by street sellers who use cylindrical vessels to make this drink. There is a steel jar filled with this drink inside the vessel and is surrounded by layers of crushed ice with salt. You can easily make shikanji at home as it is just a lemonade with some more flavours but you just cannot beat the taste of roadside shikanji especially the one sold in the streets of Delhi and Haryana. 

Apart from having capability of sating our soul, shikanji has numerous health benefits. Moreover, if you make shikanji using soda water, its benefits increase even more. This drink not only makes you feel relaxed and energized but is an excellent thing when it comes to solving digestion problem. What else do we need? Let us appreciate the beauty of this desi drink that we have been drinking since ages and still have not found its alternative. We never will!!

I agree that there is nothing that can beat the taste of that roadside shikanji glass sold for like Rs 10. But we can help you bring that taste in the shikanji that you make at home. Yes, you can do that!! Since we told you that it is just a nimbu pani with added flavours, it is all about adding the right amount of right spices. It is that easy. Follow these steps and have this desi drink down your throat. 

Ingredients

• 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black salt
• ¼ tbsp cumin powder
• 1 cup water
• 4 mint leaves

Method

• To begin with, cut the lemon into half and drain their juice.
• Take a jug and add water, squeezed lemon juice and sugar.
• Stir the mixture until sugar gets dissolved.
• Now add salt, cumin powder and black salt.
• Mix well. Taste it and add the spices if required.
• Take a glass and add crushed ice in it.
• Pour the shikanji into the glass and garnish with some mint leaves. 
• Serve and enjoy!