Old Fashioned Lemon Citrus Barley Water
Quench your thirst with a timeless favorite: Old Fashioned Lemon Citrus Barley Water. This refreshing, nutrient-packed beverage combines the natural goodness of pearl barley with zesty lemon and orange, creating a perfectly balanced drink that’s both tangy and subtly sweet. Infused with fresh citrus zest and juice, this traditional recipe offers a unique blend of vibrant flavors, while optional honey or sugar adds a customizable touch of sweetness. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this versatile drink can be served warm for cozy evenings or chilled over ice for a revitalizing treat. Garnished with fragrant mint leaves, this homemade barley water is a nourishing way to stay hydrated and enjoy a sip of nostalgia. Perfect for a cooling summer refreshment or a soothing winter warmer!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 100 grams pearl barley
- 1.5 liters water
- 2 whole lemons (zest and juice)
- 1 whole orange (zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 5 leaves fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Rinse the pearl barley under cold water thoroughly to remove any dirt or excess starch.
In a medium-sized pot, bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil. Add the rinsed barley to the boiling water.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the barley uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the barley is simmering, zest the lemons and orange, and then juice them. Set the zest and juice aside.
Once the barley is cooked and the liquid has taken on a slightly cloudy appearance, remove the pot from the heat.
Strain the barley water through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or pitcher, discarding the barley or saving it for another use (e.g., soups or salads).
While the liquid is still warm, stir in the lemon zest, orange zest, and juice of both fruits. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
Allow the barley water to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled if serving cold.
Pour the prepared barley water over ice or serve warm, and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
75 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.5 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 19 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.6 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.0 g | ||
| Protein | 1.4 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 62 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 127 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
