Barley drink is a common beverage I grew up with. It taste best in hot Malaysian weather. The chinese believe that it is a cooling drink (yin- reduces the inner body heat). You might not want to drink it if you are about to sit for an important exam as it has a diuretic effect.
This time around I have an additional ingredient from the garden: pandan leave aka screwpine leave. It was too expensive to purchase that in Glasgow.
The recipe is pretty straightforward:
Boil water, screwpine leave, barley, water, sugar (can be added when it is nearly ready) for 1.5 hours to 2 hours.
1 mug of warm barley drink to enjoy it straightaway and 3 in containers to chill. I prefer it cold.
You can also add fresh lime or fresh lemon into it.