Masala Shikanji
Masala Shikanji is a North Indian spiced lemonade with roasted cumin, black salt, chaat masala, and fresh lemon.
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5 mintotal
Prep 5 min
- Serves
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spice
- Mild
Ingredients
Quantities are for 2 servings.
Active time only; powdered sugar helps the shikanji dissolve quickly in cold water.
Method
In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, powdered sugar, black salt, roasted cumin powder, and chaat masala.
Add a splash of water and stir briskly with a spoon or whisk until the sugar and spices form a smooth syrup.
Pour in the rest of the chilled water. Mix thoroughly.
Take serving glasses and crush a few fresh mint leaves at the bottom of each glass.
Fill the glasses with ice cubes and pour the prepared Masala Shikanji over the ice.
How to tell it's done
The shikanji should be light and clear, with specks of roasted cumin floating and a tangy, salty-sweet balance.
Nutrition
Per serving, from 2 servings.
53kcal
Where the calories come from
- Protein0.2 g1%
- Carbohydrate13.6 g96%
- Fat0.2 g3%
- Sugars
- 12.8 g
- Saturated fat
- 0 g
- Fibre
- 0.2 g
- Potassium
- 28 mg
- Calcium
- 37 mg
- Iron
- 0.5 mg
Estimated by calculation from the ingredient list, using USDA FoodData Central. Not a laboratory analysis.
Getting it right
Tip
Always use freshly roasted and ground cumin for the best street-style aroma. Powdered sugar dissolves instantly in cold water, saving time.
What to serve it with
Serve immediately with pakodas, samosas, aloo tikki, or other salty street-style snacks.
Common mistakes
- The spices settle at the bottom of the glass.
- Make the syrup first, with just a splash of water, and whisk until it is smooth before the rest goes in. Cumin and chaat masala tipped into a full pitcher never disperse.
Substitutions
- Jaggery or honey can replace the sugar, though both cloud the drink and change its character.
- Soda water in place of still water makes a sharper, fizzier shikanji.
Storing and reheating
Mix fresh. The spiced syrup base keeps two days in the fridge and is the sensible thing to prepare ahead; add cold water, mint and ice at the glass.
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