Simple lemonade with basil seeds

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

simple lemonade with basil seeds in a glass with yellow straw.

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 lassimasala lassi and rose lassiMake 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.

basil seeds before and after soaking in water to make simple lemonade.

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.

process of making simple lemonade with basil seeds and spices.

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

pouring simple lemonade with basil seeds in a glass.

Check out another refreshing recipe on the blog made with basil seeds – coconut basil seed drink.

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.

Top shot of basil seed lemonade.

Simple Lemonade with basil seeds

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 lemonade has a perfect blend of tart, sweet flavours.
4.73 from 11 votes
Print Pin Rate Start Cooking
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 3 glasses
Calories: 104kcal
Author: Geetha

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

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 sweet and tartness of lemonade.
 
** Nutritional information provided here is estimated and for guidance only. Please refer my Recipe Disclaimer for more details.

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 810mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg
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