“Our happiness is certainly mixed in with the tragedies of life. You have to find the lemonade. You have to find the silver lining in the middle of everything that happens in life.” -Chandra Wilson
With the house nearing completion, I have been extremely busy with managing the construction and making constant runs to Home Depot. Yesterday I was so exhausted I told the Husband that I felt like a zombie on auto pilot mode. By the time I get home I want something cool and refreshing to drink, something to beat the heat and give me a little pick me up. Nimbu Pani, a cardamom infused limeade is the perfect fit for the craving!
Nimbu Pani is one of those drinks that you will find in most Indian homes during the summer months. It’s a drink made with Indian lemons and sweetened with sugar. Just like its western cousin the traditional lemonade, every household has their “signature recipe” for Nimbu Pani. Indian lemons are smaller than the usual lemon we are used to seeing and taste more like the small limes we get here in the US.
My favorite Nimbu Pani is my mother in law’s recipe (which only involves 4 ingredients). She keeps a concentrated version in the refrigerator for extremely hot afternoons and last minute guests. To give this drink a refreshing boost I made mint ice cubes and added them while serving.
- ⅓ cup of fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoon sugar – to taste (I added 6 teaspoons for 4 glasses)
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
- Pinch of salt
- 5 cup water (chilled)
- ice cubes for serving
- In a pitcher or jug, add one the fresh lime juice and sugar and stir until it dissolves. Add the water, cardamom powder and pinch of salt and mix until everything is incorporated. Add ice cubes a few minutes before serving. Serve in chilled glasses garnished with lime wedges.
Enjoy!
If you like this Indian inspired summer drink you’ll enjoy Kokum Cooler or this Ginger Mint Spritzer
Love your writing, the way you connect your life to the recipes 🙂 looking forward to lots and lots of it
Thank you for the kind words Jasmina! xo
this reminds me of my mom! I think I need to make this for her next time she comes over. I think she would be shocked and delighted 🙂
Oh, and your pictures are gorgeous!
Thank you Pragati! Aw I’m sure she would love that 🙂
These look so refreshing! Lime and cardamom, of course!
Thanks Melinda! They are great during summer 🙂
Wow, Nisha.. Such a simple drink as nimbu paani looks absolutely divine and exotic.. love it
Thank you Farha! Hope you’ll try it out 🙂