This is another super-easy, refreshing drink that’s perfect for the hot summer. It actually tastes good without lemon too (actually I prefer lemon-less), but I added lemon so that the photos will turn out nicer and more cheery, heh. Winter melon sugar complement the taste of barley more than rock sugar, so do try this combi if you can find it =D
Barley drink has cooling properties and I remember that my mum used to make me a water bottle of this drink to bring to school =P
I really love the first photo very much – my mum was clearing her extra cutlery and I spotted this beautiful lone teacup and grabbed it. It makes such a pretty photo, don’t you think 
P.S. I have been busy these few days so I haven’t been visiting some of my friends’ food blogs or following up on some of the comments yet – but I’ll get to it soon.
Lemon barley drink (柠檬薏米水) – warm
Ingredients
(Serves 2)
- 2 litres water
- 200g raw barley, washed
- 50 to 100g winter melon sugar “sticks” 冬瓜糖 – see photo above (or use rock sugar)
- 2 pandan leaves, tied in a knot
- lemon juice & lemon slices (optional)Directions
1. Boil the water and add the washed barley and pandan leaves to the boiling water. Simmer for about 30 minutes to an hour. Drain and discard the barley & pandan.
2. In the last 10 minutes before you turn off the stove, add winter melon sugar to taste. Note that the winter melon will not dissolve – you can eat the winter melon for the crunchy sweet taste or you may discard it.
3. Drink warm or chilled. If making lemon barley, add a few drops of lemon juice and garnish with a slice of lemon.
Lemon barley drink – chilled
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Also check out – Chrysanthemum Tea Recipe
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I am sending this refreshing drink to Dil Se, the host for this week’s Weekend Herb Blogging, a popular food event started by the fabulous Kalyn’s Kitchen ^_^
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This is a standard at my home too. My son loves it! I skip the pandan, use melon sugar and sometimes wolfberries.
I agree – great photo!
I like your teacup too! Love the blue foral print in the last photo.
It’s been some times since I boiled some barley water. Adding lemon makes the drink even more refreshing.
This drink is so exotic to me. I’ve never had a barley drink before. It looks refreshing!
absolutely love this! a must try!
Ooh I love barley and you have just reminded me I should be boiling this now that its so hot here. Lovely pictures btw!
ooo. I love this drink as well. Esp ice cold! Home made is always nicer as u can adjust the level of sweetness.
I have not tried a barley drink before. But with pandan and wintermelon sticks, I’m sure this tastes good. I love your teacup!
Can we add winter melon together with the barley and pandan?
I agree. Putting the lemon just brightens up the entire picture
Singapore is so hot that I need to drink more of this.
Hi everyone, thank you for the nice comments
Dee – wow wolfberries, sounds interesting … I shall try this next time
PP: Yup isn’t the weather unbearable? No amount of cooling drinks is enough
Hi juhuacha, I usually add sugar at the last step because after boiling for half hour, the water will evaporate and you may cause the drink to be over-sweetened
If I’m using rock sugar (instead of melon sugar), I add them only during the last 5 minutes. 
First time here, nice blog you have here!
I really should make this drink for my family since my mom gave me some sweet winter melon. Thanks for the reminder!
I am going to try your recipe this morning. I have always been intrigued by barley but have not used it very much at all.
Dear noobcook,
Thanks for visiting, too! I left a comment on the radish with leave soup for you. Do check it out!
Btw, I have a query on your tempting barley lemon drink. May I know is there any other particular reason for choosing Chinese barley instead of pearl barley for this recipe, beside for its EXTRA cooling effect?
Thanks in advance.
Hi MWL! The guy at the Chinese medical hall told me that this particular type of Chinese barley is more cooling and suitable for our warm weather, hence ideal if you are using one type of barley. However, I think it’s ok to experiment with different types to see what’s your favourite
Vegeyum: I hope u like it! Let me know if you have any suggestions
LCOM: Thank you!!
Yes, I think I will try it with pearl barley. I have also never added with pandan leave in barley water before.
Must give it a try. I have confidence that the taste is really good one. Will keep you posted once I tried. Thanks for sharing!
Healthy refreshing drink for this scorching summer..Thanks for sending it in..
I made it with ordinary barley with some lemongrass and ginger and it was delicious! I think it will be a staple in our house now.
MWK: Hope u like it! Let me know if you have any feedback after trying it
Divya: Thanks for hosting
Vegeyum: Glad u like it! ah, the addition of lemongrass and ginger sounds great!
i have never had raw barley tea, only roasted, but i am sure this is just as delicious and refreshing!
Good to the last kernel! I could go for a pot of that right now. I have a bit of a sore throat today.
A barley based drink sounds interesting. I have never had pandan either. That drink looks really good!
Wow, I have never seen anything like this. It sounds healthy and refreshing.
cindy: I love roasted barley as much as I love raw barley too
Nate: Thanks!
Hope you’re feeling better now …
Kevin: Thanks!
Natashya: Thanks and welcome
Looks so refreshing. What a cute set of pictures!
hihi, can I know when to add lemongrass and ginger? After which step?? thanks ^_-
Mmm, this looks so good, I’ll have to make it once we get some barley
Hi,
I tried the Lemon Barley Drink and the Chrysanthemum Tea recipes. They tasted great! The wintermelon reminded me of how my mom used to homemade water chestnut, sugarcane and wintermelon drink for us. =)
Hi Ann, thanks for your feedback, I’m happy to hear that you liked the recipe
erms can i ask how much lemon juice to add?
Just a little will do. A few drops to a tablespoon because pure lemon juice is very sour. Start small and adjust the amount to your liking.