Ammiji’s Instant Shikanji

A little bit of stirring is all that is required to make a cool, tall glass of India’s favourite summer thanda – intensely refreshing, supremely beneficial Shikanji! Your Glass of Chill this summer!

 No one can get through the harsh Indian summer without gorging on cool, refreshing drinks. And anyone who’s been brought up in this heat will have memories of being admonished to come in from the heat and have some thanda “nimbu-paani” or Shikanji.

 Shikanji has been the summer cure-all for generations of mothers and grandmothers. Garmi lag gayi? Shikanji pilao! Stomach upset? Shikanji pilao! Feeling tired? Have Shikanji! Feeling nauseous? Have Shikanji!

 Ammiji’s kitchen always used to have a jug of masala Shikanji chilling in the fridge for anyone who came in from outdoors during the peak summer. She used to put a special, secret masala blend in her Shikanji that was not only superbly refreshing but incredibly addictive too. It is that secret masala that we have added to our mix for Ammiji’s Instant Shikanji. Because, as always, Ammiji knows best!

 Shikanji, the desi cousin of lemonade, is sold across the streets of India by hawkers who keep it cool in earthen pots. Fresh lemon and mint, rock salt and cumin, and loads of ice – that’s what makes for a tasty and reviving Shikanji. That is, until you try Ammiji’s Shikanji. Delicately spiced, mildly sweet – it will be your best friend this summer.

 Ammiji’s Shikanji contains dried lemon powder and spices like cumin, clove, pepper and the super-beneficial Myrobalan berries or Haritaki. It also contains a bit of dried mint for that refreshing flavour and a tiny bit of Naushadhar for its digestive properties as documented by Ayurveda. The salt we use is natural pink Himalayan salt, chock full of minerals. Together, these ingredients make a drink that’s not only refreshing but also good for keeping dehydration at bay and keeping the digestive system working optimally during the summers.

 So each time you feel tired, anxious, nauseous, queasy or just plain sick of the heat, take a leaf out of Ammiji’s playbook and stir up some instant coolness for yourself with Ammiji’s Instant Shikanji!

 Directions for use: Add 1 – 1 ½ tablespoons of Ammiji’s Instant Shikanji powder in a glass. Top it up with chilled water. Stir to dissolve. Add ice. Garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves if desired. Your thanda glass of chill is ready!

 Ingredients: Sugar, Powdered Lemon, Pink Himalayan Salt, Cumin, Black Pepper, Clove, Harad, Naushadhar, Dried Mint

 Weight: 250 gms

 Price: Rs 450 350

 Good For: 3 months

 Always use a clean, dry spoon. Store jar away from heat or direct sunlight.