On a hot Indian summer day, few things are as refreshing as a chilled lime soda. The sharp tang of lime, a touch of sweetness, and the fizz of soda water come together in a drink that cools you down right away. Whether paired with spicy street food or enjoyed on its own, this soda is a simple mix that always hits the spot.
Across India, nimbu soda stalls are a familiar sight in the summer. Vendors squeeze fresh lime into glasses, add sugar or salt, and top it with soda straight from the bottle. The result can be sweet, salty, or spiced with black salt and cumin, a quick, fizzy refresher tailored to every taste.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick and easy, ready in 5 minutes
- Cooling and hydrating for hot weather
- Customizable: sweet, salty, or masala style
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
Lime Soda
Ingredients
- 0.3 g flaky sea salt A large pinch
- 25 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup see below
- 100 g Ice cubes as needed
- 100 ml soda water
To Garnish
- Lime wedge
Instructions
Method
Prepare the Base:
- Crumble the salt into a tall glass.
- Add the lime juice.
- Let it sit for 1 minute to dissolve the salt.
Assemble the Drink:
- Pour in the sugar syrup and stir.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Top up with soda water to taste.
- Stir gently to combine.
Serve:
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Serve immediately.
Sugar Syrup:
- Put 200 g granulated sugar and 200 ml water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Simmer for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and let cool. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Makes about 300 ml.
✅ Tip:
- You can use lemons instead of limes if you prefer or adjust the salt and sugar to get your perfect balance.
Notes
- Replace sugar with honey or jaggery for a natural sweetener.
- Use sparkling water instead of soda for lighter fizz.
- Swap lime with lemon for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Always add soda water just before serving to keep the fizz strong.
- Rub lime wedges on the glass rim and dip in salt for extra zing.
- Use chilled soda and ice cubes for maximum cooling effect.
- Prepare lime juice concentrate (lime juice + sugar + salt) and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Mix with soda water only at the time of serving.
- Not suitable for freezing as carbonation is lost.
- Serve plain sweet lime soda for kids and spiced masala soda for adults.
- Pair with spicy street foods like chaat, pakoras, or kebabs.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or cucumber slices for freshness.
- Masala Lime Soda: Add black salt, roasted cumin, and chaat masala.
- Spicy Soda: Muddle green chili or ginger with lime juice for a kick.
- Fruit Soda: Add orange or pineapple juice for a tropical version.
- Mocktail Soda: Top with a splash of grenadine or rose syrup for color.
Nutrition
FAQs
Is lime soda the same as lemonade?
Not exactly. Lemonade is usually still and sweet, while lime soda is fizzy and can be sweet, salty, or masala style.
Can I make lime soda ahead of time?
Prepare the lime juice base in advance but add soda water only when serving to keep it fizzy.
Is lime soda good for digestion?
Yes, especially masala version of this with black salt and cumin, which are known to aid digestion.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Yes, lemon works well, though it gives a slightly sweeter and less tangy flavor.
What food goes best with lime soda?
It pairs beautifully with spicy Indian street foods like chaat, pakoras, and kebabs.
Lime soda is quick to make, easy to adjust to your taste, and always refreshing. Keep it in your summer rotation for those days when you need something light, cool, and full of flavor.
If you loved Lime soda, enjoy it with Baked Fenugreek Fritters, Paneer Fingers, or Prawn Koliwada. The crisp, spicy flavors of these snacks pair beautifully with the citrusy fizz of Lime Soda, making every sip feel extra refreshing.
If you try this, let me know how it went in the comments. And if you enjoy Indian and Indian-inspired cooking, follow Beyond Chutney for more:
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