Nimbu Pani (Lime Juice with Seltzer, Black Pepper, and Sugar)

In northern India, where the thermostat can hit well into the 100s on a summer day, a whole host of drinks are sold on the streets and in cafés to beat the heat. Many of these include copious spice, which induces the perspiration that cools you down; this bubbly limeade gets a spicy kick from a pinch of coarsely ground black pepper. With its lip-smacking tang, it's the perfect refresher to combat the summer heat. This recipe first appeared as part of the digital edition of our August/September 2014 special India issue.