Nimbu Pani (Lemonade)

Found online while searching for traditional Indian recipes at "Sailu's Kitchen". The recipe seems to use lemons and limes interchangeably, but I just used lemons in the ingredients as it is compared to lemonade. Here is what is stated about this drink: Vitamin C rich, Nimbu Pani aka Lemon water, a refreshing thirst quencher is a common summer drink in Indian homes. Basic recipe involves lime juice, water, sugar and pinch of salt. For a deeper lemony flavor, add the squeezed out lemons to the prepared lemonade and allow to sit for an hour or so. Strain and serve. For variation, add pinch of cardamom OR pinch of chat masala powder OR pinch of jaljira powder to a glass of Nimbu Pani.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 11  cups water (divided)
• 2⁄3 cup sugar (can use brown sugar)
• 9 -10  lemons (1 cup lemon juice)
• 1  teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Prepare sugar syrup first by simmering a cup of water to which 2/3 cup sugar or brown sugar is added. Allow sugar to dissolve completely and cool.
2. Extract juice from 9-10 limes/lemons or approx 1 cup of lime/lemon juice. Strain and discard the seeds. Keep aside.
3. Take a pitcher and add 10 cups of cold water, add the extracted lime/lemon juice and cooled sugar syrup and combine. Add 1 tsp of salt and combine. If you find it to be less sweet, add more sugar syrup and if it needs to be more tart, add more lime/lemon juice. Serve with ice in tall glasses.