Homemade Lemon Barley Water vs Caffè d'Orzo (Italian Barley Coffee)

Both drinks start from barley, but they treat it in opposite ways. Lemon Barley Water simmers whole pearl barley until it releases its starches into a slightly cloudy liquid, then infuses it with lemon zest, sweetens it with granulated sugar and finishes it with fresh juice for a bright, sweet-tart drink served chilled over ice. Caffè d'Orzo instead brews roasted, ground barley like coffee, yielding a hot, caffeine-free cup with natural sweetness and nutty notes, enjoyed black or softened with optional milk.