SWEET AND SALTY LIME SODA ~ NIMBU PANI

Summers in India put summers in the Midwest to shame.  The temperature soars to the 110s on a daily basis and often there is no respite from the heat.  Right before the monsoon is when the heat is the most unbearable–high 90s to 100s on a daily basis and 100% humidity.  These harsh conditions have taught Indians a thing or two about surviving in the heat.  People largely stay indoors during the peak hours of the sun.  Afternoon siestas are common, as are refreshing drinks such as this sweet and salty lime soda.

Perhaps you are wondering what makes a beverage such as this so special?  I ask you to allow me the opportunity to let the medical student in me come out:  When you sweat or exercise, you lose a good amount of salt and water.  If you rehydrate with just water, you won’t actually be able to retain all the water.  You need salt to help push water into the cells to actually help you rehydrate at a cellular level.  Potassium is also needed to ensure that any potassium that is lost by the kidney in the rehydration process is properly replenished.  That’s why this soda perfect!  It has water, salt, and potassium–25 mg of potassium in a half a lime.  It also has sugar to provide glucose for tired cells.  It’s a perfect replenishing drink, just like gatorade but actually all natural!

This soda is very refreshing and super delicious.  It’s perfect on a hot summer day or after a workout.  It’s also very adaptable.  Feel free to substitute the sparkling water for still water and the sugar for a sweetener of your choice–agave nectar, honey, calorie free sweetener, etc.  Enjoy!

Recipe:
per 8 oz. serving

Juice of 1/2 lime
2.5 tsp. sugar
1 pinch to 1/4 tsp salt
8 oz. sparkling or still water
Ice cubes
Lime slices for garnish

Combine the juice, salt, and sugar and stir until the salt and sugar are mostly dissolved.  Pour in the soda and stir to combine.  Add a couple ice cubes.  Pour into a glass and garnish with a lime slice.  Enjoy!