Refreshing Lemon Barley Water

Ingredients

Barley

1 cup

Water

8 cups

Lemons

2, juiced and zested

Granulated sugar

1/2 cup, or to taste

Lemon zest

1 tablespoon, from the juiced lemons

Fresh mint leaves (optional)

for garnish

Ice cubes

for serving

Instructions

1. Rinse the barley under cold running water until the water runs clear, ensuring any dust or impurities are removed.
2. In a large pot, combine the rinsed barley with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the barley simmer for about 45 minutes, or until it is tender but not mushy.
4. Strain the cooked barley using a fine-mesh sieve, reserving the cooking liquid (this is your barley water). Set the cooked barley aside for another use, such as adding to salads or soups.
5. In the warm barley water, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
6. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill thoroughly.
7. Serve the Lemon Barley Water over ice, garnished with lemon slices or fresh mint leaves if desired.