barley water

Barley Water Recipe

By Swasthi on April 23, 2023, Comments, Jump to Recipe

Barley Water is a traditional cooling, detoxifying and hydrating drink made with just 2 ingredients – Barley and water. Recognized in many parts of the world as a refreshing beverage, it also offers some really great health benefits. Barley Water is made by simply boiling barley grains in water, then optionally flavoring that water to make it a palatable drink. In this post I share how to make Barley Water at home on the stovetop & instant pot pressure cooker.

barley water served in a glass

That water, which may seem to some as the byproduct of cooking barley, is actually a much-desired beverage. In fact, it has a very long history as a source of nourishment. Barley was one of the earliest cultivated grains, thousands of years ago. It has been used to make various dishes like stews, soups and many more.

About Barley Water

Barley Water is a healthy drink made by simply simmering barley grains in water, until most of the nutrients and the flavor is released to the water. It is a traditional drink in several cultures across the world as it is well known for the nourishing and healing properties.

Chinese and Indian households have been making this for generations to beat the heat, nourish the body and to recover from illness.

Health Benefits

That being said, it is not a miraculous drink that can cure diseases but it can help the body recover faster from fever, dehydration, sunstroke, UTI, kidney stones and water retention.

In India, doctors suggest drinking barley water to people suffering from kidney stones and Urinary Tract Infections due to its diuretic properties. It is also suggested to pregnant women with water retention (edema) problems.

Barley water also provides us many more benefits like clearing toxins from the stomach, helps to reduce bad cholesterol there by improving the ratio of LDL & HDL.

It also helps keep the skin clear as it is capable of flushing out toxins. Above all, barley water is considered to be one of the best summer drinks as it hydrates and cools the body.

Here are a number of reasons to drink barley water.

  • It may help lower blood sugar
  • Barley is a good source of soluble fiber
  • It may help with weight loss since it can detox by flushing out the toxins.
  • It may help with balancing bacteria in the gut.
  • Barley water may help lower cholesterol.

Store bought Vs Homemade?

In many parts of the world, barley water can be found commercially bottled. Mexico, Australia, England, and many parts of Asia have embraced this drink as a health tonic. In many places it is enjoyed as a refreshing cold drink over ice.

In Singapore, barley water is the most consumed beverage due to the hot and humid climate throughout the year. It is a staple in many households & is pretty much available everywhere from cafes to hawker centers.

Of course it is possible to purchase premade barley water in cans or bottles. While this is rather convenient, these versions are often sweetened and considerably more expensive than the cost of making it at home.

The bottom line is that making it yourself will yield a beverage that is free of additives and preservatives. Beyond that, you are able to create a drink that suits your taste, giving you the opportunity to control the amount of sugar.

You can also adjust the flavor with the addition of lemon or other aromatics that contribute great flavor and health benefits. Best of all, you can make it at home quite easily and affordably, giving you the ability to control the quality, flavor, and freshness of this amazing health drink.

Different Types of Barley

Barley is a very nutritious grain, delivering fiber and a number of nutrients that benefit the body when it is in its most natural form, with the bran intact. Through processing, the value of these nutrients can be diminished making it lower in vitamins and minerals.

For that reason, it is important to choose the best barley for making barley water so you are sure to derive the greatest benefit that will make your efforts worthwhile.

The following are a number of barley types, beginning with the least processed variety and moving towards those varieties that are processed and more finely milled:

  • Unhulled barley: These are barley grains in their most raw form, best for barley sprouts and barley tea.
  • Hulled barley: The husk of the barley is removed, leaving the bran intact, resulting in a more digestible grain that is high in fiber, iron, and minerals.
  • Pot barley (Scotch barley): This barley has been milled a few times leaving part of the bran intact. It is somewhat higher in fiber than pearl barley.
  • Pearl barley: This type of barley is commonly found at grocery stores. Because some of the bran has been removed through the milling process, it is lower in nutrients and fiber. It tends to cook more quickly as a result, and has a rather mild flavor.
  • Quick-cooking (instant) barley: This variety of barley has been partially steamed and flattened to shorten the cooking time.
  • Barley grits: Much like corn grits, barley grits are toasted and cracked grains that are sometimes cooked in porridge or breakfast cereal.
  • Barley flour: Barley flour is milled finely much like wheat flour. It does contain the protein called gluten, though not as much as wheat flour.

For more summer beverages, you can check
Celery Juice
Cucumber Juice
Fruit juice recipes
Sabja seeds drink (tukumaria seeds)
Aloe vera juice

How to Make Barley Water (Stepwise Photos)

There are a couple of steps that go into properly preparing your barley before delving into the cooking process. It is important that you follow the process to give you the best possible outcome that will taste great and offer the best, most nutrient-rich beverage.

Choosing Barley

1. The first step in making barley water is selecting the grains that will give you a delicious and nutritious beverage. For this I recommend one of four options: Hulled, pot (Scotch), pearl barley or barley flour, depending on what is available at your local grocery store.

Once you get your barley grains home, be sure to sort and rinse well. Much like beans, small stones or other debris may need to be removed.

barley on a slate

Sorting and Rinsing

2. After you have looked over your grains for unwanted particles it is important to rinse them well. For this, it is best to have your barley in a generously sized bowl. I used ¼ cup grains. Cover them with plenty of water, rubbing and moving them around.

rinsing barley in lots of water

3. Then straining. Repeat this process a few times to wash away any sediment over the barley grains.

rinsed barley

Soaking Barley

4. The next step is the soaking of the grains. This is an important process that makes the barley more digestible by neutralizing something called phytic acid, resulting in a finished product that is more easily digested.

Beyond that, soaking helps to break down the gluten, a hard to digest protein found in a lot of grains like barley, wheat etc. The recommendation here is at least a 7-hour soak that will yield a more nutritious and beneficial barley beverage. You can also soak them for a shorter period. This will also reduce the cook time.

soaking barley to reduce phytic acid

Simmering

5. Once you have your grains selected, sorted, and soaked you are on your way to making your own barley water.
Discard the water and add the grains to a large pot or pressure cooker. Pour 3 cups of water. If you have not soaked the barley then use 4 cups water for pressure cooker and 4½ cups for pot method.

cooking barley in instant pot

6. Bring the water to a boil and simmer for about 40 to 50 minutes or until the barley is soft, tender and mushy.
Instant pot: To make in the Instant pot, add the barley and water to the steel insert. Secure the lid and position the vent to sealing.

instant pot vent in sealing mode

7. Press the porridge button and set the timer to 20 minutes. When the pressure releases naturally, open the lid.

set 20 mins porridge mode for instant pot barley water

Stove-top Pressure cooker: If making on the stovetop pressure cooker, cook for 5 to 6 whistles on a medium heat. Please be sure to use a large pressure cooker or pressure pan otherwise the barley water can overflow from the vent while pressure cooking. When the pressure drops, open the lid. I have always used a 5 liter and above cooker for this recipe.

8. Once the barley is cooked, cool it down. You will see barley water being cloudy & the grains quite soft.

soft cooked barley in a pot of water

9. All of the barley settles down at the bottom. Gently pour the water to serving glasses. You can strain it.

straining barley water to serving glass

Flavoring & serving suggestions

In Singapore, we usually add a spoon of cooked barley and no salt or sweetener is added to the drink. We drink barley water (at room temperature) and then eat up the barley. Back home in India too my mom never added anything to barley water. It was a plain drink.

adding barley

Barley water has a mild nutty flavor with almost no taste. But knowing it is a health drink, you won’t mind having it plain because it tastes better than plain water.

barley drink with a spoon

If you are consuming it for kidney stones, UTI, dehydration, fever etc, then serve it plain at room temperature without any additions, not even sweetener. If you want to add anything else consult your doctor.

For kids many people add rock sugar as it is considered cooling and better than regular sugar. Also many people in Singapore add preserved winter melon.

If you want to sweeten your barley water add honey, maple syrup, palm jaggery, palm sugar, coconut sugar or any other of your choice. But remember that though barley water is low in calories, it is a high carb drink so it is best to have it plain without any sweetener.

If you live in colder climate, have it hot or warm. You can also add some ginger and black pepper while boiling the barley.

You can also flavor it with lemon juice, calamansi juice or orange juice. Some people also add pandan leaves towards the end of boiling barley water. For this recipe you may add 1 pandan leaf.

Barley water recipe made with whole grain barley water and sweetener

Once you have made it for yourself you will be inclined to make barley water a part of your diet.

Faqs

Can we drink barley water daily?

Yes most healthy people can consume a single serving of homemade barley water regularly. Each serving of homemade plain barley water is as low as 83 calories. Too much barley water can cause side effects due to its diuretic properties.

What is the best time to drink barley water?

It can be had anytime of the day and yearlong in moderate quantities. Serve it hot or warm if you live in a cold country and have it at room temperature if you live in a warm or hot country.

How long can I keep barley water?

Barley water is best made and served on the same day as it is a health drink but it can also be refrigerated for a day or 2.

How do you take/serve barley water?

The healthiest way is to have barley water plain or with some lemon juice or calamansi juice added to it. It can be served hot, warm,at room temperature or over ice, depending on how you like it. Barley water can also be sweetened before serving.

How to Store Barley Water

Since this is a health drink it is best made and served on the same day. Sometimes barley water turns slimy if you leave the cooked barley in the water for longer. So consider straining the water after cooling down a bit, if you want to keep it longer at room temperature.

Once you have made barley water, you can keep it in your refrigerator for a day or 2. Great to make ahead, it is nice to have on hand so that you can enjoy it for a hydrating beverage any time of the day. But if you are trying to recover from illness, make and consume it fresh.

Make barley water with flour

Some people prefer to make barley water with readily available flour since there is no wastage, cost effective and it can be prepared quickly. However the nutrition level of the barley water made with flour is different.

If you prefer to make barley water with flour, use super fine flour. Mix 1 teaspoon flour with 1 ¼ cups water and boil on a medium heat until it reduces to 1 cup. Strain it and drink. It will be like a thin porridge.

Related Recipes

Recipe Card

barley water recipe

Barley Water Recipe

Barley water is a traditional cooling, detoxifying and hydrating Asian drink made with just 2 ingredients – barley and water. Recognized in many parts of the world as a refreshing beverage, it also offers some really great health benefits. 
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For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card

Prep Time4 hours
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time4 hours 30 minutes
Servings2
AuthorSwasthi

Ingredients (US cup = 240ml )

  • ¼ cup Barley (pot barley, hulled barley or pearl barley)
  • 3 cups water (4 cups for unsoaked)
  • 1 teaspoon rock sugar or pink salt as needed (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice or as needed


Instructions

How to make Barley Water

  • Add barley to a large bowl. Pick and discard any debris, hulls or stones.
  • Pour water and rinse them well at least 4 times in plenty of water. Rub and rinse them well. Drain the water completely.
  • Optional but recommended: Soak them for at least 7 hours. Soaking the grains not only reduces the cook time but also avoids flatulence or abdominal gas, breaks down hard to digest gluten and reduces the phytic acid in the grains. After soaking drain the water and rinse them.
  • Cooking in pot: Add them to a large pot and pour 4 cups water. Bring to a boil on a medium high heat and then reduce to medium to low flame. Let simmer for 40 to 50 minutes until the barley is soft and slightly mushy. If required add more hot water as you cook.
  • Pressure cooker: Add the barley to a pressure cooker and pressure cook on a medium heat for at least 7 to 8 whistles, or until soft. When the pressure releases open the lid.
  • Instant pot : Add the soaked barley to the inner pot/ steel insert along with 3 cups water for soaked barley or 4 cups water for unsoaked . Secure the lid and position the vent to sealing. Press the porridge mode & set the timer to 20 mins. When the pressure drops, open the lid.
  • If you live in a colder country you can serve it warm or hot. But barley water in Asian countries is consumed at room temperature.
  • Strain barley water to serving glasses and consume it plain or sweetened with rock sugar, honey or any other sweetener you wish. You can also squeeze some lemon juice and relish.
  • Some of the cooked barley can be eaten along with the water or add it to salads. It can also be added to yogurt and mixed. Then topped with pomegranate arils.


Notes

  • The nutritional values are for each serving of plain barley water, unsweetened and without lemon. The recipe makes 2 servings.
  • If you have a sensitive stomach, do not use barley without soaking. It can upset the tummy due to high fibers.
  • If using hulled barley, it requires a minimum of 8 hour soaking and also takes more than an hour to cook in the pot. Just keep adding more water as needed while you boil it.

Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.

For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.

NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)

Nutrition Facts
Barley Water Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 83 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 21mg1%
Potassium 105mg3%
Carbohydrates 17g6%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 5IU0%
Calcium 19mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @SwasthisRecipes or tag #swasthisrecipes!

© Swasthi’s Recipes

Barley Water Recipe

About Swasthi

I’m Swasthi Shreekanth, the recipe developer, food photographer & food writer behind Swasthi’s Recipes. My aim is to help you cook great Indian food with my time-tested recipes. After 2 decades of experience in practical Indian cooking I started this blog to help people cook better & more often at home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook I am sure Swasthi’s Recipes will assist you to enhance your cooking skills. More about me

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Hi Swathsi,

Here in the U.K we still have a commercially produced Lemon (and an Orange one too) Barley Water available but it is in a cordial so has to be diluted with water. We usually drink it ice cold on hot Summer days but I’m going to try your recipe. It would be really nice hot at the moment as snow is forecast for tomorrow.
I’ll try to get the whole bran type but Pearl Barley is readily available.

5 stars
You have answered my query with lot of ways to prepare. Blessings

5 stars
Barley water’s detoxifying properties and abilities to promote digestion have made it my go-to beverage for a healthy and happy gut.

5 stars
Great simple recipe

We soak barley over night and boil in the morning with the same water used for soaking. We drink it immediately. Is this okay? As your suggested way is to use fresh water after discarding soaked water.

Could I make a larger batch & freeze it to use later?

5 stars
Thank you for bringing back childhood memories. Going to try this barley water soon

5 stars
Thank you for this wonderful recipe. Been making barley water for few months and using up the same to make your barley soup. Fantastic and love them!!

5 stars
I am using hulled barley and even though I strained it after cooking a pulp or sediment settles down at the bottom of the barley water. Should I be mixing up and drinking this pulp or should I get a better strainer that doesn’t allow the particles of the barley to come through into the water?

Thanks so much for your reply!

I am interested in making this. However the only Barley I was able to find is quick pearl barley. Am I able to make barley water with this?

5 stars
Nice article!
What if you want to preserve it for a much longer time?
For example, I don’t always have the time to prepare things like this daily. So what if I prepare a large volume bottle and put it in the refrigerator, and for the next two or three weeks, I just go and pick a bottle and drink it? What is the best preservative to use, please?

I have citric acid at home, I will experiment. Thanks for your swift response.

5 stars
Thanks for uploading this invaluable and priceless video

I will try to day

Barley water can cure UTI!

Having barley water, how soon can one be cured from urinary tract infection. Is it good having the cooked barley for UTI.

Hello I was wondering if barley has any health benefits for people who have stomach problems?

I have read several articles on barley water. This is what I do.
I use Use Hulled barley only, for making barley water. I Soak it for 6-8 hours. I Cook/boil it for about 30 minutes. Barley should be tender. While boiling, I can add more water if it goes down. I drink the unstrained barley or let it cool. I strain contents, of Water and cooked barley into a nut bag and squeeze the bag to get as much water as I can. I Discard barley. I read you should discard as cooked hulled barley can be hard on digestive system. I store the hulled barley water in the fridge for up to 5 days. Try one glass per day as it contains a lot of fiber and you may go to the bathroom often. Everyone is different.
Try making a little bit at the beginning, 1/4 cup of hulled barley to 1 1/2 cups of water. Dont forget, you should soak hulled barley first. As is boils you may need to top up water. You can even wash your face with the water for clearer skin.
I put 1 cup of hulled barley water in my protein shake.

I have barley powder..how can i prepare barley tea..please tell me anyone

Really excellent and clear explanation of preparing Barley Water

Hi,

I’ve Barely flour. Can I boil it with water and then drink? Or do I need to soak it?

5 stars
Hi Swasthi,

My mom follows a completely different procedure.

Dry roasts the barley seeds, powders them and using the powder prepares barley water which gets completed within 10mins.

Is this procedure an effective one?

How does we use soft barely