Shikanji, the Ayurvedic Mojito: What Is It and How to Prepare It?

Shikanji, also called or is a lemon and spice-based drink typical of India and northern Pakistan. In the West, it’s generally known as “the Ayurvedic mojito”, comparing it to the standard cocktail.

However, it doesn’t contain alcohol and its ingredients offer some health advantages. In addition, it’s considered a very good thirst quencher, because it hydrates and refreshes at the identical time. How is it prepared?

What is Shikanji?

Some people know as ‘spiced Indian lemonade’,  ‘Ayurvedic lemonade’, or ‘Ayurvedic mojito’. This is since it’s a lemon-based drinkwherein spices resembling cumin powder, black pepper, mint, ginger, and (an Indian spice) are also added.

In fact, in its countries of origin, India and Pakistan, a homemade powder called is then added to this drink. In order to do that, various ground spices, resembling whole coriander seeds, cumin seeds and whole black peppercorns, are roasted and ground.

It’s then combined with , black salt, and customary salt. In addition to this, mineral water or a carbonated soft drink and ice cubes are used. The result? A refreshing drink, stuffed with flavor, which also provides some nutrients.

Potential advantages of Shikanji

As a standard drink, is linked to a wide range of health advantages. However, it’s essential to notice that so far there’s no scientific research to support its properties. The effects attributed to it come largely from popular literature and anecdotal data.

In this vein, it’s said to be useful for the next:

• Weight loss
• Stimulation of digestion
• Cardiovascular health
• Prevention of infections
• Skin and capillary health

However, a few of its effects are based on the dietary value contained in its principal ingredients. Lemon, for instance, stands out for its abundant content of vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium, B complex vitamins, magnesium, and calcium.

A study shared via states that it also incorporates flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, limonoids, and essential oils which are helpful to the body. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and immunomodulatory effects are attributed to it.

Ayurvedic spices have micronutrients and antioxidants which are valued in traditional medicine. A review reported in states that their caloric content is low and so they’re an interesting source of antioxidants and bioactive compounds.

To be more precise, they have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antihypercholesterolemic potential. According to this publication, they’re useful in promoting heart health.

There aren’t any studies that concretely evaluate the consequences of this drink. In addition, it needs to be considered that it incorporates sugar, which could also be counterproductive in some people, resembling those with metabolic syndrome.

Does Shikanji support weight reduction?

It’s claimed that the ingredients utilized in this Indian beverage are useful in supporting weight reduction. However, this isn’t entirely true. While lemon and spices are considered healthy, the recipe includes added sugar.

According to information from magazine, the consumption of sugars predisposes to increased adiposity, increased body weight and, ultimately, chubby and obesity.

That doesn’t mean that drinking results in weight gain as such. As long as its consumption is moderate, it has a spot within the food regimen. Still, when you’re following a weight reduction plan, it’s best avoided.

Is Shikanji a very good selection for hydration?

may not support weight reduction as some claim. However, it considered a very good selection for hydration. Since it combines salt, spices (which give micronutrients), water and sugar, it helps replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat and urine.

How to organize Shikanji at home?

There are many versions of the recipe for preparing Shikanji. As mentioned above, some are made with homemade powder, which will be prepared or purchased ready-made in the marketplace. Other methods use the spices of their natural form. We’re suggesting the latter. Let’s get to work!

Ingredients

• 2 lemons
• 500 milliliters of water
• 1/2 tablespoon of cumin powder (2 grams)
• 1 pinch of black pepper powder
• 1/2 tablespoon salt (2 grams)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar (15 grams, optional)
• 1 pinch of grated ginger
• 5 grams of powdered ginger
• 4 mint or mint leaves
• Ice

Instructions

• To begin with, squeeze the juice of two lemons right into a pitcher. Then add the water.
• Next, add the salt, cumin, pepper, sugar, finely chopped mint, and grated ginger.
• Stir the ingredients well until they’re well integrated.
• Add ice to taste and serve.
• Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.

Shikanji is refreshing and hydrating

is a drink of Ayurvedic origin that combines the flavour of lemon with several healthy spices. Ingested in moderate amounts, it may be a very good choice to hydrate and quench thirst on hot days.

The original recipe incorporates added sugar, so it isn’t suitable for individuals with diabetes, extra weight, obesity, or any condition related to metabolic syndrome. However, it be prepared without added sugar.

Why not give it a go?