During the hot summer months, Indian village kitchens have long relied on simple, natural ingredients to keep the body refreshed. Saunf Shikanji is one such traditional drink. Made with fennel seeds, lemon, jaggery and water, it is refreshing, mildly sweet and aromatic. It can be prepared easily at home and served chilled.

Before packaged beverages and commercial summer drinks became common, Indian households often turned to ingredients available in their own kitchens and gardens. A simple drink like saunf Shikanji reflects that tradition—refreshing, flavorful and made from familiar ingredients.

For people watching their sugar or sodium intake, the amount of jaggery and salt can easily be reduced or omitted. The drink is best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet rather than viewed as a treatment for any medical condition.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds (Saunf)
• 4 cups drinking water
• 1–2 tablespoons jaggery/honey
• Juice of 1 lemon
• A pinch of roasted cumin powder
• A small pinch of black salt
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• Ice cubes, if desired

Method

Soak the fennel seeds in 2 cups of water for 4–6 hours or overnight. Strain the water and gently crush the soaked fennel seeds to release their flavor. Add the remaining water, jaggery, lemon juice, roasted cumin powder and black salt. Mix well and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve chilled.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

·      Fennel (Saunf): Traditionally valued in Ayurveda for supporting digestion, fennel has an aromatic, mildly sweet flavor. Its essential oils, particularly anethole, contribute to its characteristic aroma.

·      Lemon: A natural source of vitamin C, lemon adds refreshing acidity and helps make the drink flavorful without requiring much sweetener.

·      Jaggery: Traditionally used as a natural sweetener, jaggery provides carbohydrates and small amounts of minerals. It should still be used in moderation because it is an added sugar.

·      Mint: Mint contributes a refreshing aroma and cooling sensation. Traditionally, it is used to support comfortable digestion.

·      Roasted Cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor and is traditionally used in Indian households to support digestion.

·      Black Salt: Used in a very small quantity, black salt adds a distinctive savory flavor and complements the sweetness and acidity of the drink. Because it is still salt, moderation is important

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