Shikanji (alternative names include shikanjvi, shikanjbi and shikanjbeen) is a lemon drink which is similar to a lemonade or limeade but is distinct from these as it often contains other ingredients such as salt, saffron and cumin. It is popular as a summer drink in the Indian subcontinent.

It is named after sekanjabin or oxymel a traditional sweet-and-sour syrup from the Middle East. In the 10th century, Persian physician Ibn Sina wrote about its health benefits in a manuscript "Benefits of the drink called Sekanjabin"

  • A Shikanji lemonade seller, outside Red Fort, Delhi, India.

See also