Barley Water is a light, cooling drink made by cooking barley grains in water and straining the liquid. It can be lightly sweetened and flavored with fresh lemon juice for a balanced, refreshing taste. This hydrating drink is easy to make on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot and is especially suitable during hot weather or when you prefer a simple, soothing beverage.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 245 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes
  • Total time: 265 minutes
  • Yield: 3
  • Category: Beverages
  • Cuisine: World

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup pearl barley (or hulled barley - 50 grams; check point no 1 & 2 in notes below for cooking hulled barley)
  • 5 cups water (for Instant Pot - check instructions for other methods)
  • 3 teaspoons lemon juice (or as needed)
  • 3 tablespoons raw sugar (or as required - optional)
  • rock salt ((edible and food grade) as required - optional)

Method

Prep Barley

  1. First take the barley grains in a plate and pick, discard if any stones in them.
  2. Rinse the grains in a strainer for a couple of times. Next, there is the option to soak the grains for 4 to 5 hours or overnight. (See notes)

Cook Barley

  1. Next, proceed based on your cooking method:1. Instant Pot: Add the prepared grains to the steel pot of the IP. Pour in 5 cups of drinking water. Barley grains increase in volume a lot, so you may need to add more water while cooking. If you prefer a more concentrated barley water, only add 4 cups.2. Pan on a stovetop: Add barley grains to a large pot with a tight fitting lid. Add 4 cups water. 3. Stovetop Pressure Cooker: Use at least a 3 to 4-litre pressure cooker as the water bubbles and froths while cooking. Add 4 to 4.5 cups water.
  2. Cook the soaked pearl barley.1. Instant Pot: Seal the lid and position the pressure release valve to sealing position. Press the pressure cook/manual button and pressure cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. When you hear the beep sound after the cooking is complete, wait for 10 minutes and then do a quick pressure release. After all the pressure and steam is released then only remove the lid. 2. Pan on a Stovetop: Place the cover on the pot and cook for 30 to 35 minutes. 3. Stovetop Pressure Cooker: Cook for 12 to 15 minutes (or for 8 to 9 whistles) on medium-heat. After the cooking is complete, when the pressure falls naturally in the cooker, then only open the lid.
  3. You will see a cloudy, opaque water and the barley grains all plumped and softened.

Strain and Flavor Barley Water

  1. Let the water cool enough to handle. Strain the grains from the water using a mesh strainer.
  2. Lightly press the grains with the back of a spoon to extract the most water.
  3. Add lemon juice according to your taste preferences. Finally, add your sweetener of choice or omit the sweetener.
  4. Stir to combine. (For more flavoring ideas, read the notes below)

Serving suggestions

  1. Pour in glasses and serve. You can serve barley water warm or cool depending on your preference.
  2. Feel free to garnish with some mint leaves if you like. Refrigerate any leftovers for a day only.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.