Lemon Barley Water

Name: Lemon Barley Water
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: about 5 cups (1.2 L); 6 glasses
Ingredients: 0.5 cup pearl barley, rinsed; 6 cups water (1.4 L); 3 wide strips of lemon zest; 0.33 cup sugar or honey; 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice (120 ml); lemon wheels and ice

An old household drink that is a lot better than it sounds. Simmering barley gives the water a soft body, and the lemon makes it taste like the best homemade lemonade. It is cheap and calming, and kids and grandparents both love it.

about 5 cups (1.2 L); 6 glassesYield

EasyDifficulty

What you'll need

0.5 cup pearl barley, rinsed
6 cups water (1.4 L)
3 wide strips of lemon zest
0.33 cup sugar or honey
0.5 cup fresh lemon juice (120 ml)
lemon wheels and ice

How to make it

Bring the barley, water and zest to a boil, then simmer gently for 25 minutes.
Strain into a pitcher, saving the barley for soup. Stir in the sugar while warm.
Cool, stir in the lemon juice and chill. Serve over ice.
Glass: Tumblers. Garnish: A lemon wheel.

Chef's secrets

Do not skip rinsing the barley.

Add a sprig of mint when serving.

Good to know

Make ahead

Keeps for 4 days in the fridge.