Fresh lemonade is the absolute best thing to sip on a warm day, don’t you think? So when life hands you lemons, make this refreshing sabja nimbu pani or Indian lemonade with fresh mint and sweet basil seeds.
Classic lemonade needs no introduction at all. I have fond memories of childhood summer days spent guzzling glasses of sticky sweet lemonade.
Did you know that in India, lemonade is enjoyed either sweet-tart or salty-spicy? Both versions help you cool down on a hot day. My favorite one is of course, the sweet version. All you need to make it are fresh lemons and simple syrup. During summer, I always stock some simple syrup in my fridge to quickly whip up a glass of fresh lemonade.
Another great ingredient usually added to nimbu pani (Indian style lemonade) is sabja or sweet basil seeds. These appear similar to chia seeds and swell up when soaked in water. Sabja seeds are great for summer drinks as they help reduce body heat.
You can learn more about sabja seeds and how to use them in these delicious and easy recipes.
- Sabja & Berry Pudding
- Falooda {Rose Flavored Indian Dessert Beverage}
- Orange Strawberry Falooda
- Oats, Quinoa & Almond Breakfast Bowl With Plum Sauce
Sabja lemonade is an easy, inexpensive and refreshing way to stay cool during the hot summer days. Make just a serving or two, or make a large pitcher of lemonade for your summer party guests. This is the only “fancy” beverage that you need! And oh, add a sprig or two of fresh mint leaves. Bonus points if you can simply pluck them fresh from your garden. Ahh… life’s little pleasures!
Stock up on juicy lemons this summer and set up your very own lemonade stand.
Here’s my easy homemade lemonade recipe.
- Sugar - 1½ cups
- Water - 1½ cups
- Fresh mint leaves - 5-6, optional
- Lemon juice - ⅔ - ¾ cup (see Notes)
- Water - 6 cups, cold
- Basil seeds (sabja or tukmaria) - 2 tsp
- Ice - for serving
- Simple syrup: Prepare simple syrup by boiling sugar in water till dissolved. Add mint leaves to the syrup for a minty flavor. Strain, cool and use as needed.
- Sabja seeds: Soak sabja seeds in ½ cup of water at least 10 minutes before serving. Sabja seeds will swell and soak up some water. You can drain the excess water, if any.
- Lemonade: Mix together lemon juice, cold water and simple syrup in a large pitcher.
- Serve chilled in a glass with a spoonful of plumped-up sabja seeds mixed in.
2. Sweet basil seeds are available in Indian or Asian grocery stores and may be marked as sabja or tukmaria.
Bid summer blues goodbye with this delicious and refreshing nimbu pani recipe.
Don’t forget to PIN & SAVE this recipe for later.
So, tell me, how do you stay cool in summer? What is your go-to summer beverage? Have you tried lemonade with sabja added to it? Do give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it.
You know, I have a thing for lemonades. Here are more lemonade recipes for you to try.
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Nectarine Ginger Lemonade
- Sparkling Mango Mint Lemonade
- Rose Lemonade
- Blueberry Limeade/Lemonade
- Brazilian Lemonade
- Lemon, Mint & Ginger Summer Cooler
Or check out my Beverages page for more inspiration.
f you like this post, please follow this blog via Email to get post updates (find subscription box on the right side of this page, or scroll down in mobile version).
Stay connected on social media, PIN and SHARE this post.
Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Google+
I am sharing this over at Fiesta Friday.
So gorgeous Anjana! Your pictures absolutely blow me away every time. This is so perfect for summer, you’ve got me craving lemonade now. Thanks for bringing this gorgeous drink to FF!
Thank you for the kind words, Shinta 🙂 Happy FF to you too!!