Shikanji
Indian spiced lemonade with roasted cumin and salt. Very refreshing in hot weather.
Built in glass · Highball · Easy · about 2 minutes · alcohol-free
Ingredients
- 30 ml Fresh lemon juice
- 25 ml Sugar syrup
- 150 ml Cold water
- 1 Pinch of roasted cumin
- 1 Pinch of salt
- Mint sprig (garnish)
Method
- Ice the glass
- Add 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- Pour 25 ml sugar syrup into the glass
- Pour 150 ml cold water into the glass
- Add 1 pinch of roasted cumin
- Add 1 pinch of salt
- Garnish
Tip
Toast the cumin in a dry pan first.
About the Shikanji
Shikanji is a spiced Indian lemonade sold by street vendors across northern India in summer.
The lemonade family. Lemonade is one of the oldest soft drinks. Records from medieval Egypt describe lemon juice sweetened with sugar, and in 1676 Paris lemonade sellers formed their own trade company. Today almost every culture has its own version, from Indian shikanji to Brazilian "Swiss lemonade".
Shikanji FAQ
What's in a Shikanji?
30 ml fresh lemon juice, 25 ml sugar syrup, 150 ml cold water, 1 pinch of roasted cumin, 1 pinch of salt, garnished with mint sprig.
Does a Shikanji contain alcohol?
No. It is completely alcohol-free, so it suits drivers, non-drinkers and anyone pacing themselves.
Should I shake or stir a Shikanji?
Neither. Build it straight in the glass over ice, then give it one gentle stir.
What glass do you serve a Shikanji in?
A highball, about 350 ml. Serve it over ice. No highball? Use any tall, straight-sided glass.
