What Is Shikanji?

Before leaving the house on a hot summer afternoon, my mom would almost always say the same thing.

“Wait. First, have a glass of nimbu paani.”

It didn’t matter whether I was going out to play cricket, meeting friends or simply running errands with my parents. There was always a tall glass waiting on the kitchen counter. Fresh lemon, cold water and just enough care poured into it to make you slow down for a moment. At the time, I never thought much of it. Looking back, I realise it wasn’t just a drink. It was her quiet way of saying, take care of yourself before you step into the heat.

Growing up, nimbu paani was the simplest form of hydration in our home. Across South Asia, that same idea takes on many forms, and one of the most beloved is Shikanji. If you’re wondering what Shikanji is, the simplest answer is that it’s a traditional South Asian lemon drink. But that definition only tells part of the story. Shikanji isn’t remembered because everyone makes it the same way. Quite the opposite. Every family has its own version. Some lean brighter with citrus, others bring in fresh herbs or carefully chosen spices. Every glass carries the signature of the person who made it.

That’s what has always fascinated me. Shikanji reminds us that refreshment doesn’t have to rely on sweetness alone. Bright citrus wakes up the palate, herbs bring freshness, spices add quiet depth, and together they create something that unfolds with every sip. Long before layered cocktails, botanical sodas and craft soft drinks became fashionable, kitchens across South Asia had already discovered that complexity could be refreshing too.

When we set out to create our interpretation, I wasn’t trying to recreate my childhood in a can. Memories are meant to stay exactly where they belong. Instead, I wanted to capture the feeling that those summer afternoons left behind: real lemon juice, real mint, a restrained blend of spices and fine bubbles that lift every flavour without overwhelming it. Familiar enough to feel comforting, yet thoughtful enough to make you pause after the first sip.

Perhaps that’s why Shikanji has endured for generations. It has never been defined by one recipe or one ingredient. It is a reminder that the best drinks are often the simplest in appearance, yet the most generous in character. They don’t compete for attention. They quietly become part of your memories, just as a glass of nimbu paani became part of mine.