Limbu Sarbat (Indian Lemonade)

A glass of limbu sarbat with mint and cardamom

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This easy and cooling limbu sarbat (Indian lemonade) is made with a touch of simple syrup infused with cardamom and mint for a perfect hot weather beverage.

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Inactive Time2

Total Time2 10

Servings: servings

Calories: 68kcal

Author: Karishma Pradhan

Ingredients

For the simple syrup

8 whole green cardamom pods or ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ cup granulated white sugar
¼ cup fresh mint leaves de-stemmed
¼ cup water

For 1 serving of lemonade

2 - 3 ice cubes
2 tablespoons cardamom simple syrup see recipe above
2 - 3 tablespoons lemon juice from about 1 lemon, plus more if desired
Pinch of salt
½ cup ice cold water plus more if needed
2 fresh mint leaves for garnish

For 4 servings of lemonade

½ cup cardamom simple syrup
¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 4 lemons
2 cups ice cold water plus more if needed
Pinch of salt to taste
12 ice cubes
8 fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

For the simple syrup:

If using 8 whole green cardamom pods, crush the pods with the back of a knife or a mortar and pestle until broken open.
In a small saucepan, add the ¼ cup granulated white sugar and ¼ cup fresh mint leaves. Rub the mint into the sugar for about a minute to release any essential oils.
Add the cardamom pods (or ground cardamom) and ¼ cup water, and whisk to combine.
Set over medium heat, and bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves.
Remove from the heat and pour liquid into a heatproof container. Cool completely.
Once cooled, strain liquid through a fine mesh sieve. Store in a clean, airtight container for at least 2 weeks up to one month.

For 1 serving of lemonade:

In an 8-ounce glass, add 2 - 3 ice cubes.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, the simple syrup, and a pinch of salt to taste. For a punchier lemonade, add 3 tablespoons lemon juice.
Add the water, and stir to combine. Adjust to taste and garnish with fresh mint.

For 4 servings of lemonade

To a pitcher, add ½ cup cardamom simple syrup, ¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 cups ice cold water and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust as needed.
Fill 4 glasses with ice cubes, then evenly divide the lemonade amongst the glasses. Garnish with fresh mint.
Note: Salt can really bring out the flavors of the lemonade, so don't be afraid to use a little bit here.

Notes

Tips

This recipe yields a subtle mint-cardamom flavor. If you'd like something stronger, you can allow the simple syrup to marinate overnight in the fridge before straining.
A pinch of salt can really help to balance out the sweet-tart flavors of the drink.
Feel free to muddle the mint in your glass before adding the rest of the ingredients to extract more flavor.
This lemonade can easily be converted into a cocktail or a mocktail by replacing some of the water with sparkling water.

Recipe inspired by Kaumadi Marathe's Essential Marathi Cookbook

Nutrition