- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 5 kcal
Quick summary
“Hydrating and refreshing drink prepared with freshly squeezed lemon juice, filtered water and aromatic mint sprigs. A simple and invigorating citrus infusion, ideal for daily consumption and to stimulate digestion.”
What you need to know
- The use of freshly squeezed lemon juice preserves the natural vitamin C content and prevents oxidation with a metallic taste.
- Resting under refrigeration for 30 minutes allows the essential oils of the mint to diffuse gradually into the water.
- The balance of one large lemon for one liter of water delivers pleasant acidity without irritating the oral mucosa.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 large lemon
- 1 liter of filtered water
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
- Mint sprigs (optional)
Instructions
Principal
- Start by washing the lemon well under running water.
- Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a pitcher.
- Add the liter of filtered water to the pitcher with the juice.
- Stir well with a spoon so that the juice mixes with the water.
- If desired, add sweetener to taste and mix again.
- For a special touch, add sprigs of mint to the drink.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve in glasses with ice and garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves.
Chef's tips
- Wash the lemon peel with a small brush under running water before cutting to eliminate any surface residue.
- Roll the lemon on the cutting board while pressing gently with your palm before slicing to extract maximum juice from the fibers.
- If using mint leaves, give the sprigs a light slap before placing them in the pitcher to release the aromatic oils.
Variations
- Add thin Japanese cucumber slices with peel to pitcher to boost diuretic freshness.
- Add some crushed fresh red fruits to the bottom of the jar to give a pinkish color to the lemon water.
- Use chilled sparkling mineral water instead of regular filtered water for an effervescent and digestive version.
Substitutions
- Regular Tahiti lime can be substituted with Sicilian lemon or key lime for more floral and sweeter citrus notes.
- The culinary sweetener can be swapped for a dessert spoon of wild honey or omitted entirely.
- Fresh mint can be substituted with fresh rosemary sprigs or thin slices of unpeeled fresh ginger.
How to store
Keep the jar in the refrigerator covered for up to 24 hours. Consume preferably on the same day, as lemon juice oxidizes after long periods, losing the fresh aroma and acquiring a slightly bitter taste.
Can it be frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze the ready-made water, but you can squeeze pure lemon juice into ice cube trays with mint leaves and freeze the cubes for up to 3 months to use directly in glasses of water.
What to serve with
Excellent to accompany light daily meals, salads with grilled items, fish and seafood dishes, or served upon waking on an empty stomach for morning hydration.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put the rounds with peel inside the jar?
You can, but remove after two hours of infusion, as the white part of the lemon peel (pith) releases bitter compounds into the water.
Does lemon water harm tooth enamel?
Constant citric acid can wear down the enamel; it is recommended to drink it with a straw or rinse your mouth with plain water after consuming.
Is it better to drink lemon water cold or warm?
To refresh and hydrate, serve very cold with ice cubes; if the goal is digestive in the morning, serve warm or at room temperature.
Can I prepare the lemon water the night before?
Ideally, prepare a few hours before serving; the day before, the juice loses aromatic freshness and degrades a large part of the vitamin C.
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