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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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)
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the pearl barley under cold water thoroughly to remove any dirt or excess starch.
Step 2
In a medium-sized pot, bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil. Add the rinsed barley to the boiling water.
Step 3
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the barley uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
While the barley is simmering, zest the lemons and orange, and then juice them. Set the zest and juice aside.
Step 5
Once the barley is cooked and the liquid has taken on a slightly cloudy appearance, remove the pot from the heat.
Step 6
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).
Step 7
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.
Step 8
Allow the barley water to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled if serving cold.
Step 9
Pour the prepared barley water over ice or serve warm, and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1984.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 611.0 |
| Total Fat 1.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 64.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 147.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 23.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 56.9g | |
| Protein 13.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 241.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 842mg | 0% |
Source of Calories