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This recreates the roadside soda-shop drink found across Indian cities, where a spiced masala paste is stirred into fresh lemon juice before the soda is poured, rather than just sprinkling spices on top, so every sip carries the same balanced heat. The fizz from the soda water is what makes it feel like an instant pick-me-up on a hot, humid day.
Per serving
60kcal
Calories
15g
Carbs
12g
Sugar
Prep Time
8 min
Cook Time
0 min
Servings
1 people
Difficulty
easy
Follow step-by-step with voice guidance.
In the bottom of a tall glass, combine the lemon juice, sugar, black salt, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, and a pinch of red chili powder.
Stir well until the sugar and spices form a smooth, slightly thick paste with the lemon juice.
Add a few ice cubes to the glass.
Slowly pour in the chilled soda water.
Stir gently from the bottom to lift the masala paste through the drink.
Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon wedge.
Serve immediately while still fizzy.
Mix the Masala Paste First: Combining the spices with the lemon juice and sugar before adding soda ensures the flavor is distributed evenly instead of settling at the bottom. Use Fresh Roasted Cumin Powder: Freshly roasted and ground cumin has a much stronger aroma than pre-ground jars that have been sitting for months. Pour Soda Gently: A slow pour down the side of the glass keeps more carbonation in the final drink.
The addition of black salt, roasted cumin, and chaat masala gives it a savory, slightly spiced depth that plain sweetened lemon soda doesn't have - it's a distinctly Indian street-food flavor profile.
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