At the table
Stir, then gently press the lemon with the spoon to release more flavour. Sip the liquid; you do not need to eat the salty peel or seeds.
Contains honey: vegetarian, not vegan. Do not give honey drinks to infants under one year. This water-based recipe contains no tea or coffee, but confirm the base when ordering.
The selected version uses honey and plain water. Sparkling-water versions also exist. Preserved fruit varies in saltiness; confirm the sweetener and base rather than assuming every shop uses the same recipe.
Know what you’re trying.
- Specification
- Mix a small portion of preserved lemon with honey and water, pressing the fruit lightly. Add ice for a cold serving. The selected version uses honey and plain water. Sparkling-water versions also exist. Preserved fruit varies in saltiness; confirm the sweetener and base rather than assuming every shop uses the same recipe.
Ingredients
Salt-preserved lemon, honey and water; ice optional.
Origin & regional roots
Hong Kong
Associated with Hong Kong.
About this regional connection
Hong Kong: Hong Kong preserved-citrus drink tradition; not claimed exclusive to Hong Kong.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有咸檸蜜吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Salted lemon honey drink
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Salt-preserved citrus is used in Hong Kong drinks as well as cooking. Honey water makes a different drink from salted lemon soda: sweetness balances the savoury, fragrant preserved peel.