The flavor is its own reward. There's no bitterness — just a subtle interplay of roasted chicory root notes and bright lemon oil that plays refreshingly across the palate. The lemon here isn't sharp or acidic; it comes from cold-pressed rind oil, which gives it an aromatic, almost floral citrus lift rather than the tartness of juice. The chicory root adds an earthy undertone that grounds it — the same quality that makes chicory satisfying as a hot drink carries over beautifully into cold.
The result is something closer to a craft iced infusion than a tea substitute. Clean, refreshing, and genuinely easy on the stomach.
Ingredients
• 1 tsp Vallée de Galène Chicory Lemon Concentrate
• 8 oz Still water (warm or room temperature for mixing)
• Ice: Crushed ice or cubed — crushed gives a better chill rate
• Optional: A fresh lemon wedge for extra citrus brightness
Instructions
• Mix the Concentrate: Add 1 tsp of Lemon chicory concentrate to a glass of warm or room-temperature water. Stir well until fully dissolved. Warm water helps the concentrate integrate cleanly before the ice dilutes it.
• Prepare the Ice Glass: Take a second glass and fill it about 2/3 full with crushed ice.
• Pour Over Ice: Pour the prepared chicory mixture over the ice and stir with a straw until the drink is evenly chilled.
• Optional — Fresh Lemon: Squeeze a fresh lemon wedge directly into the glass for an extra layer of citrus. The lemon oil already in the concentrate is aromatic and clean; fresh juice adds a brighter, slightly tart edge if you want more intensity.
Quick Tips
• Concentrate First: Always dissolve the concentrate in water before adding ice. Pouring directly over ice can prevent it from mixing evenly, leaving a concentrated pool at the bottom.
• The Ratio: Start with 1 tsp per 8 oz of water. For a bolder, more roasted profile, add a half teaspoon more. You cannot reduce once added, so build up gradually.
• Lemon Oil vs. Lemon Juice: The concentrate uses cold-pressed lemon oil from the rind, which is aromatic and non-acidic. Fresh lemon juice adds tartness and a little acidity if that is the profile you want. Both work — they just create a slightly different drink.
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