Mugi Cha, or Barley Tea, is a traditional Japanese beverage made from roasted barley grains steeped in water. Popular across Japan, Korea (where it’s called boricha), and China, this naturally caffeine-free tea is celebrated for its toasty, nutty flavor and its cooling, hydrating properties, especially during the hot summer months.
Served both hot and cold, Mugi Cha is commonly enjoyed as a daily drink, often replacing water at mealtimes. The flavor is mild yet distinct, with a slight bitterness and deep roasted undertones that make it incredibly refreshing. It contains no sugar or calories (unless sweetened), making it a healthy, guilt-free alternative to sugary sodas and energy drinks.
Traditionally, Mugi Cha is made by simmering roasted barley kernels in water or by steeping pre-packaged tea bags. Cold-brewing it in the refrigerator overnight is a popular method during summer, resulting in a crisp, clean taste that helps cool the body and aid digestion.
Besides being refreshing, Mugi Cha is believed to offer several health benefits. It may support digestion, promote blood circulation, and help reduce fatigue. Due to its antioxidant properties and lack of caffeine, it’s suitable for children, pregnant women, and those trying to avoid stimulants.
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment at home or looking to add a healthy beverage to your routine, Mugi Cha provides a comforting, earthy flavor with centuries of tradition behind every sip.
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted barley
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, add the roasted barley and 4 cups water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and strain the tea into a pitcher or teapot.
- Serve the barley tea hot or chilled.
Mugi cha is lifesaver! I love how it’s caffeine-free, and my kids can drink it too! Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was way too easy! I thought it would be complicated but it was super simple! My kids liked it too.
Does it really taste good? I tried once and it was kinda bland. How can it be better? 🤔
I think it’s all about the brewing time! I let mine steep for longer and it really brought out the flavor. Give that a try! 😊
Took me too long to boil! Had to check my phone every 5 minutes. Not great.
This tastes really nice but I wish the recipe mentioned whether to rinse the barley or not. I used it straight and it was fine, just wondering.
(: Perfect summer drink! I chilled it and added lemon slices. Refreshing!
Barley tea is good for digestion, they say. I make it every week now! My family loves it. Give it a try, folks!
Good but I thought it would be sweeter or something… where’s the sugar? 😂 4 stars.
I don’t know, this barley tea tasted kinda bland to me. Maybe I did it wrong?
Mugi cha is actually from Japan, not Korea. Just saying. But I like it! ☕️
Mugi Cha for lyfe! So refreshing in summer! I drank it all the time in Japan.
Loved how simple this is—just barley + water and you get a cozy tea. I simmered mine closer to 35 min and it tasted a bit deeper. Chilled with ice was especially refreshing.
Does barley tea have caffeine? I need something to kick me awake in the mornin’!
Nope, barley tea is caffeine-free! It’s great for relaxation, but might not be the best for a morning kick!
I thought it had some caffeine! Guess I’ll stick to coffee then. Thanks for the info!
Isn’t barley tea supposed to be for hot weather? I drink it all year, haha! Funny!
I think it’s great you enjoy it year-round! Barley tea is so refreshing. Love it!
Love this tea! So refreshing, especially in summer. I added a bit of honey for sweetness. Yum!
I totally agree! Mugi Cha is the best, especially on hot days. Honey is a great touch! ☀️
I don’t get the hype. Isn’t barley tea just water with a hint of flavor? *shrugs*
Can you re-use the barley or is it one-and-done? I hate wasting food!
Not what I expected. The smell while boiling was kinda weird.
Simple and effective! I love how easy this recipe is. I added a bit of honey, and it was perfect! Will definitely make again.
I thought it would taste sweet. What a letdown! It was really bitter instead.
I’m sorry you didn’t like it! Mugi cha is supposed to be a bit nutty, not sweet. Maybe you brewed it too long?
Bitter? I thought it was supposed to be refreshing. Maybe you meant to make a sweet tea? 🤷♂️
I’m skeptical about how much flavor you get from just barley and water. Mine tasted kinda watery until I steeped/ simmered extra time. Next time I’ll roast the barley myself a bit darker.
Yeah I get your point—if the barley isn’t strong enough, it can totally taste thin. I’ve had better luck simmering closer to 40 mins and letting it sit off-heat for a bit before straining.
For some reason, mine tasted a bit bitter. Maybe I boiled it too long? 🤔
Mine didn’t taste like what I’ve had at restaurants. Maybe I used the wrong “roasted barley” because mine was more caramel-ish. Anyone have brand tips?
I made this for my family and they actually liked it! Surprised me.
Mugicha is a hit in our house! It’s easy nd healthy. Great for the kids too.
I love mugicha too! It’s so refreshing, especially in summer. Kids love it cold!
Tasted alright, but a bit bland for my liking.
This tastes so comforting—nutty and lightly toasted. I simmered a bit longer (about 35 min) and it got even richer. Definitely making again.
Yes! That nutty toasted flavor is exactly why I love this one. I usually do closer to 35 min too—totally richer.
I tried it and it was good, but mine tasted a little too mild. Maybe my barley wasn’t roasted enough? Still comforting though.
Wow, who knew making tea could be so easy! Will be making this again for sure!
Easy? I dunno, I burnt my barley last time. Maybe I’m just bad at cooking!
So glad you found it easy! Barley tea is super refreshing, especially in summer.
This is the best tea ever! I love the nutty flavor of barley. So good hot or cold! 🍵
Easy to make, but I feel like I messed it up somehow. Mine looked different.
This barley tea is amazing! I never thought I’d like tea made from barley, but it’s so refreshing. 5 stars!