Simple Indian Lemonade (Nimbu Pani) Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Nimbu Pani (Indian lemonade) with this easy mocktail recipe. This refreshing alcohol-free drink perfectly balances sweet, sour, and salty flavors with aromatic spices for an authentic taste of India. The perfect cooling beverage for hot summer days!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

2 mocktails

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500ml cold water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml sugar syrup (or 2 tablespoons sugar)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon black salt (kala namak) or regular salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder (jeera powder)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8-10 fresh mint leaves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lime slices for garnish</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

🍗 Protein:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Citrus juicer or squeezer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Tall glasses</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Measuring spoons</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stirring spoon</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Juice the limes using a citrus juicer or by hand, ensuring you extract all the juice while avoiding the bitter white pith. Fresh lime juice is essential as it contains more vibrant flavor compounds and aromatic oils than bottled versions.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large measuring jug, combine the cold water and fresh lime juice. If using granulated sugar instead of sugar syrup, stir vigorously until completely dissolved - this prevents any gritty texture in your finished drink.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the black salt (kala namak) or regular salt. The salt activates your taste buds and enhances both the sweetness and sourness of the lemonade while adding the characteristic flavor that makes nimbu pani unique.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Sprinkle in the roasted cumin powder and stir well. The cumin adds a subtle earthy depth and aids digestion, making this more than just a refreshing drink but also beneficial in hot weather.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Tear or gently bruise 6-8 mint leaves between your fingers and add to the mixture. This releases the aromatic essential oils without creating bitterness that can come from excessive muddling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Stir the mixture thoroughly, then taste and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or tartness to your preference. The perfect nimbu pani has a harmonious balance of all three flavor profiles.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes (about 3/4 full), then pour the prepared nimbu pani over the ice. The rapid chilling creates a refreshing temperature contrast that's especially welcome in hot weather.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Garnish with fresh lime slices and additional mint leaves. Serve immediately while the drink is perfectly chilled and the mint is still aromatic and vibrant.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Simple Indian Lemonade (Nimbu Pani) Recipe?

This refreshing Indian lemonade uses fresh lime juice, cold water, sugar syrup (or sugar), black salt (or regular salt), roasted cumin powder, fresh mint leaves, and ice cubes. It's garnished with lime slices for an authentic flavour profile balancing sweet, sour and salty.

How to make Simple Indian Lemonade (Nimbu Pani) Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Simple Indian Lemonade (Nimbu Pani) at home by combining fresh lime juice with cold water, adding sugar syrup, a pinch of black salt and roasted cumin powder. Stir in some bruised mint leaves, adjust seasonings to taste, then pour over ice cubes and garnish with lime slices and mint. This cooling beverage takes just 5 minutes to prepare.

Can black salt be replaced in Nimbu Pani, or is it essential for authentic flavour?

While black salt (kala namak) provides the authentic sulphurous flavour that defines traditional Nimbu Pani, regular table salt can be substituted. However, the unique taste will be slightly altered. For the most authentic experience, try to source black salt from Indian grocery stores or online.

What's the best way to balance sweetness and tartness in Indian lemonade?

The perfect balance comes from starting with less sweetener than you think needed (about 1-1.5 tbsp sugar per glass), then adjusting gradually. The presence of salt naturally enhances sweetness while reducing tartness, creating the signature three-way balance of sweet, sour and salty.

How long does homemade Nimbu Pani stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Freshly made Nimbu Pani keeps well refrigerated for up to 24 hours in a sealed container, though the mint flavour may diminish over time. For best results, prepare the base mixture without ice and mint, then add these fresh when serving for optimal taste and presentation.

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