Barley Water: Recipe, Ratio and How to Make It

Barley water is a drink made by simmering barley in water; this recipe takes about 40 minutes and yields about 3 cups (710 mL). For another customized drink idea, try the AI infused water generator.

What is barley water?

Barley water is the liquid left after barley has been cooked in water and strained. It has a mild, grainy flavor and can be served warm or chilled. Unlike many spice and seed water infusions, this recipe uses heat to extract flavor from the grain.

Strained barley water is different from a blended drink that includes the cooked grain. The two can have different textures and nutrient content.

What do you need for barley water?

The starting ratio is 1 part pearled barley to 16 parts water by volume. Some water will be absorbed or evaporate during cooking.

• 1/4 cup (50 g) raw pearled barley
• 4 cups (950 mL) drinking water, plus more if needed to adjust the yield

Recipe timing: Allow about 5 minutes for preparation, 25 minutes for heating and simmering, and 10 minutes for resting. The drink is ready to serve warm after straining; chilling takes additional time.

How do you make barley water?

1. Rinse the pearled barley under cool running water and drain.
2. Combine the barley and 4 cups (950 mL) of water in a saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the water looks lightly cloudy. Allow approximately 25 minutes for bringing it to a boil and simmering.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand for 10 minutes.
5. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve into a heat-safe container. If you have less than 3 cups (710 mL), add drinking water to reach that amount; if you have more, the yield may be slightly higher.
6. Serve warm, or cool promptly and refrigerate for a chilled drink. Save the cooked barley for another dish if you like.

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How long should barley water steep?

Let the barley water stand for 10 minutes after simmering. This short rest is part of the recipe; unlike a cold fruit infusion, barley water gets most of its flavor during cooking rather than a long refrigerated steep.

For a milder drink, strain it promptly after the rest. Longer cooking or leaving the grain in the liquid can change the flavor and texture, so the yield and concentration may vary.

How should you store barley water?

Transfer the strained barley water to a clean container, cool it promptly and refrigerate it within 2 hours. Drink it within 24 hours for best flavor, and discard it after 2–3 days or sooner if it becomes slimy, smells sour or changes unexpectedly. Barley water can be naturally cloudy, so cloudiness alone does not necessarily mean it has spoiled.

For more detail, see how long barley water lasts.

How can you vary barley water?

Add flavor after straining so you can adjust it to taste:

• Lemon: Stir in 1 teaspoon (5 mL) lemon juice for a tart finish.
• Ginger: Simmer 1 teaspoon (about 2 g) grated fresh ginger with the barley, then strain it out.
• Plain: Leave the drink unsweetened to keep its mild grain flavor.

What are the benefits of barley water?

Barley water provides fluid, which supports hydration. The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification; the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste. Barley water does not cleanse these organs or flush out toxins.

Some carbohydrates and soluble components may pass into the cooking water, but their amounts depend on the preparation. Evidence about whole barley cannot establish the nutrient content or health effects of this particular strained drink. See barley water benefits for more detail.

Barley water has not been proven to cause weight loss; read more about barley water for weight loss.

Who should avoid barley water?

Barley contains gluten. Avoid barley water if you have celiac disease or need to avoid gluten, and avoid it if you have a barley allergy. If you have diabetes or follow a prescribed carbohydrate plan, ask your clinician or dietitian how the drink fits your plan: strained barley water can contain carbohydrates.

Stop drinking it and seek medical advice if you develop concerning symptoms. Get emergency help for trouble breathing or swelling of the lips or throat. Read more about possible barley water side effects.

Frequently asked questions about barley water

When should you drink it?

Choose a time that suits you; there is no established best time for everyone. Explore the best time to drink barley water, including drinking barley water on an empty stomach and drinking barley water before bed.

Can you drink it every day?

Daily use depends on your needs and how well you tolerate it. See can you drink barley water every day and how much barley water you should drink a day.

Does it break a fast?

Strained barley water can contain calories and carbohydrates, so it may not fit a calorie-free fast. The amount varies by recipe; see barley water calories and does barley water break a fast.