Classic Non-Alcoholic
Nimbu Pani
Delhi summer in a glass
Indian spiced lemonade, salted for electrolytes. The street-stall fixture of a Delhi summer. Counterintuitive the first sip — the salt catches you off guard — then you realize it's exactly right for a hot day.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Salt optional
- 4 leaves Fresh Mint
- 5 oz Water
Method
In a collins glass, combine lemon juice, sugar, and a generous pinch of salt. Stir to dissolve. Add cold water and ice. Slap mint leaves between your hands and drop in. Stir once more. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Sourced from Indian summer staple, traditional across North India. Also known as Shikanji. Canonical per Veg Recipes of India, Cook With Manali, Spice Cravings; street-vendor tradition documented for generations.