Simple lemonade with basil seeds – a refreshing, healthy and super coolant summer drink that helps to keep us hydrated on hot summer days. This incredibly simple Indian lemonade also called nimbu pani with sabja seeds has a perfect blend of tart, sweet flavours. It is a vegan and gluten free recipe

Jump to:
Basil seeds also known as sabja seeds, falooda seeds or tukmaria are from the sweet basil plant. When these tiny super seeds are soaked in water they absorb water and a translucent layer is formed around these seeds that result to double up these seeds in size. Basil seeds look somewhat similar to chia seeds.
Basil seeds benefits
Sweet basil seeds are considered to be a cooling agent and are perfect to use in summer to quench thirst and rehydrate our bodies. These seeds are a good source of minerals, fiber and being a body coolant have the ability to combat acidity and have a soothing effect on the stomach, regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion and have many other health benefits.
Check out a few more Indian summer drinks on this blog: mango lassi, masala lassi and rose lassi. Make these recipes at home to stay refreshed and hydrated this summer season.
Basil seeds lemonade recipe variations
You could substitute half a quantity of water with orange juice or watermelon juice to infuse fruit flavours.
Swap simple sugar syrup with ginger-lime syrup for extra flavour from ginger.
Fresh mint leaves makes a great refreshing addition too!
Substitute plain water with sparkling water or soda water if you fancy a fizzy drink.
Ingredients
Basil seeds - 2 tbsp
Water - 5 cups
Juice from 2 lemons
Sugar - 5 tbsp
Salt - 1 tsp
Crushed cardamom - 1 tsp
Ground cumin - 1 tsp
Ice cubes
How to prepare basil seeds drink?
Soak basil seeds in 1 cup water for 15 minutes or until basil seeds absorb all the water and double up their size.

In a jar or container, add lemon juice, sugar, salt, remaining water, ground cumin, crushed cardamom and soaked basil seeds, mix until well combined and sugar dissolves completely.

Pour over ice in glasses and serve immediately or keep in the fridge to serve later.

Notes
You may replace sugar with honey or any other healthy sweetener.
Adjust lemon juice and sugar as per your taste preference.
Do not skip salt as it balances the sweetness and tartness of basil lemonade.
More Summer Drink Recipes
Mango Lemonade: Bubbly and frosty tropical summer mango drink that is incredibly easy to make and gets ready in just 5 minutes.
Watermelon Slushie: An incredibly refreshing summer drink that keeps us hydrated.
Iced peach green tea lemonade: Bold and delicious peach drink to enjoy anytime.
Mango Milkshake: Creamy and delicious mango-flavoured milkshake without ice cream is made with just 4 ingredients and gets ready in 5 minutes.
Oreo Milkshake: A delicious, indulgent and creamy 3-ingredient milkshake is great as an after-school snack or alongside a meal.
Pineapple Ginger Juice: Tropical juice made with just 4 ingredients. The sweet and slightly tart pineapple combined with a slightly fiery taste of ginger and a zing of lime produces a bold and bright juice.
📖 Recipe Card
Simple Lemonade with basil seeds
Ingredients
1 Cup = 250ml ; 1 Tablespoon = 15ml ; 1 Teaspoon = 5ml
- 2 Tablespoons Basil seeds
- 4 Cups Water
- 1 Cup Water
- 2 Lemons extract juice
- 5 Tablespoons Sugar adjust to taste
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Crushed Cardamom
- 1 Teaspoon Ground cumin
- Few Ice cubes
Instructions
- Soak basil seeds in water for 10-15 minutes, until basil seeds absorb all the water and double up their size.2 Tablespoons Basil seeds, 1 Cup Water
- In a jar or container, add lemon juice, sugar, salt, water, ground cumin, soaked basil seeds and mix until well combined.4 Cups Water, 2 Lemons, 5 Tablespoons Sugar, 1 Teaspoon Salt, 1 Teaspoon Crushed Cardamom, 1 Teaspoon Ground cumin
- Pour over ice in glasses and serve immediately or keep in the fridge to serve later.Few Ice cubes
Notes
Nutrition
KEEP IN TOUCH
Do let me know if you make this homemade basil seed lemonade recipe. If you like this recipe kindly consider rating it using stars in the comment section or on the recipe card to help more people find this recipe online. You can stay up to date by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or subscribing to my Youtube channel. Or why not subscribe to my blog and get simple recipes straight to your inbox?
Shravya
Perfect!
sasmita sahoo
Lemonade is a common affair. Adding basil seeds make the drink more interesting 🙂 much refreshing and healthy beverage dear, lovely share !!
Geetha Priyanka
Thank you.
Jayashree T.Rao
Lemonade with basil seeds sounds good and will be liked by kids. It is a win-win for us during hot summer days.
Geetha Priyanka
Yes Jayashree, it indeed is a perfect drink on hot summer days and I'm your kids like it too.
cheflolaskitchen
Extremely irresistible! Can't wait to have the magical refreshing sip!
Geetha Priyanka
I'm so glad to know you like this recipe. Do try and let me know how you like it.