If you're from Pakistan or India, you know what this recipe is about from just the title. We are making Pakistani lemonade, or "skanjabeen", or "nimbu pani", aka lemonade that actually tastes good. Let's go!
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WHAT IS PAKISTANI LEMONADE?
Calling it "Pakistani lemonade" feels a bit strange, if I am being honest, because growing up, it was just "lemonade". It was the drink of choice in my family for the ultra hot and humid summer days, and every Ramadan, we had to have a large pitcher of lemonade to open our fasts with.
But then, I moved to the US for my undergrad. I still remember the day - it was the first football match of the season at Vanderbilt University, and it was HOT. There was such a crowd in the stadium and I felt parched. I saw a stand serving drinks that had a large sign for lemonade. My spirits rose. I needed that lemonade. That lemonade was going to make everything ok.
So I chipped out 3 or 4 dollars (yikes) for one cup. And, with the highest and most innocent expectations, brought the cup to my lips and took a large sip.
YIKES.
What WAS that!?
It just tasted like... sugar. and lemon. But in a really strange way.
And that was my rude introduction to American lemonade. Not my thing, at all.
Look - if you're from the US or love American lemonade, more power to you. I by no means am trying to disrespect it as I know every culture / country has their own preference for flavors. But to my taste buds, this lemonade just doesn't feel right. It's missing a crucial ingredient....
SALT.
Yes, salt. You need salt in lemonade. It's what balances it and makes it delicious.
If you already know what Pakistani lemonade is, great.
If you don't, maybe, just maybe, try it before you get mad. Maybe you won't like it just as I don't like American lemonade. But maybe you'll love it and your life will never be the same again. 😉
Okay - enough with the dramatics - let's get into the recipe.
INGREDIENTS
Here's what you need:
- Lemon juice: freshly squeezed is definitely the way to go
- Sugar: of course. I see some recipes using simple syrup or other kinds of syrup but that's unnecessarily complicated. Just use plain sugar and a blender will blend it in easily
- Salt: Now, don't skip this ingredient! I know it might sound strange, but without it, it's not Pakistani lemonade
- Ice: as much as you like
- Water
- Mint leaves: this is optional, as I know not everyone likes mint (including my husband). But, to me, mint is an essential in lemonade. It adds that extra kick of freshness and tastes so so good.
- Optionally, you can add club soda or sparkling water
HOW TO MAKE PAKISTANI LEMONADE
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It's just as simple as putting everything in a blender and mixing it up. But here are my 2 most important tips:
- First add just a little water to blend, and then dilute with more water. This is important because you need to taste the lemonade and adjust it to your liking, and there's nothing worse than adding too much water and then having to add more lemon juice, sugar and salt. Also, when I make mint lemonade, I find that my blender doesn't blend in the mint well if there's a lot of liquid. It does a much better job with a small amount of water first, for some odd reason.
- TASTE, TASTE, TASTE. For both sugar and salt, first add a smaller amount (especially if you're new to Pakistani lemonade). I suggest starting with 4 tablespoon sugar and ½ teaspoon salt, and then tasting and adjusting from there. This is not only important because everyone has different taste preferences, but also because not all lemons are created equal. Some lemons are a lot more sour than others, and following my exact quantities may not give you the optimal outcome.
EQUIPMENT
You will need:
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- A blender - I love using my nutribullet for this!
- Lemon squeezer - optional, but makes it so much easier
That's all! I hope you try this recipe and like it, especially if it is your first intro to Pakistani lemonade.
If you don't like it... well, it's okay, I had to try American lemonade too :p
Print
PAKISTANI LEMONADE (SKANJABEEN)
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 2
Description
The best Pakistani lemonade recipe perfect for Ramadan and hot summer days! This recipe serves 2 but you can scale it up or down as needed.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (between 1 to 2 lemons)
- 4 to 5 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 to 1.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ice
- 3 cups water (or 2 cups water + 1 cup club soda / sparkling water)
- 3-4 mint leaves (or more if preferred) - optional
Instructions
- Add the lemon juice, sugar, salt, mint leaves (if using), ice and ½ cup water to a blender. For both sugar and salt, start with a smaller quantity so you have the ability to taste and add more if needed.
- Blend for 30 seconds or until the sugar is well dissolved
- Add the remaining water (2 ½ cups) and mix. If you want, you can replace some of the water with club soda or sparkling water. Taste and adjust the flavor as needed
- Pour into 2 large glasses and serve!
Notes
- It is important to adjust the quantity of salt and sugar to your liking, especially because some lemons are more sour than others. I suggest starting with 3 tablespoon sugar and ½ teaspoon salt, tasting, and then working your way up to 4-5 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon salt (which is where I like it)
- Lemonade is best enjoyed within a couple hours because the fresh flavor or lemon does not last for too long
- Prep Time: 5 min
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Asma Amer says
Great share. I too am quite a fan of mint lemonade. It’s like margarita. Absolutely perfect proportions you shared for a perfect glass of heavenly drink. More power to you.
Zoha says
Thank you so much!
Zainab Qureshi says
I just tried and it was the best and yummiest lemonade I have ever had. It’s true that American lemonade does not taste like Pakistani lemonade at all!
Zoha says
yay!! Thank you for the high praise, Zainab!
Abbas Gill says
Hi it was nice to read my favourite childhood summer drink but you failed to say sakanjbeen always made with green fresh limes yummy
Zoha says
Thank you!!! And that's interesting - I always had it with lemons growing up
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Maryam says
Bestt bestttt and THE BESTTTT ❤️
Zoha says
hehe agreed!
Sara says
This has been made so many times this past month that my mint plant is struggling to keep up!! Made it for guests also and everyone was raving about it!
Zoha says
hahahaha I love that!!! it's truly one of the best drinks
Ash says
Truly the best lemonade recipe! I found it sometime last year and now it's the only one I use. We rarely have lemons at home, but it tastes just as delicious with limes.
Zoha says
:') This made my day!