I have to admit, when I first read about barley water I couldn’t imagine it being any good. But I was curious. The beverage has a long and storied history, and it’s still served to tennis players at Wimbleton today. Barley itself is a good source of protein, fiber, magnesium and antioxidants. Barley water has all sorts of alleged health benefits, but I couldn’t find anything concrete (even the National Barley Foods Council – yes, that exists – had no info on whether the water took on any of the nutritional properties of the grain soaking in it). But as a refreshing summer alternative to lemonade or iced tea, though — I dig it. And the novelty factor would make it fun for serving at daytime summer gatherings (with or without the gin). More
