Citron Presse is a French drink like lemonade except that it’s served as individual components that you mix yourself at the table. It’s refreshing and fun!
What Is Citron Pressé?
Citron Pressé means “squeezed lemon” and is really just deconstructed lemonade. It’s a staple in French cafes and perfect for summer.
I prefer it to lemonade because each person is able to adjust the sweetness and tartness to their own taste (I make mine really really sour). This is possible because each component is served separately.
What Do You Need?
You get a pitcher of iced water, a container of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a container of simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water), and a glass with ice. Then you and your guests can each make their perfect glass.
Another advantage of citron pressé is that you can easily make a single glass of it for yourself without having to mix up a whole jug. Just squeeze lemon juice into a glass, add some ice cubes, squirt in some sweetener, and top off with water.
Print
Citron Pressé
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: French
DESCRIPTION
Citron Presse is a deconstructed lemonade meaning that you serve the lemon juice, water, and sweetening ingredients separately and everyone mixes their own drink to their liking at the table.
Ingredients
- 5 lemons, divided
- 1 cup simple syrup or agave nectar
- Ice
- Cold water
Instructions
- Squeeze the juice from 4 of the lemons. Pour the juice into a small jug. Slice the fifth lemon and place the slices on a plate.
- Put the simple syrup or agave in a jug.
- Fill a large jug with ice and top with cold water.
- Take the jug of lemon juice, of syrup and of water to the table along with 4 glasses and 4 spoons.
- Allow everyone to mix their own drink to their desired sweet and sourness.
This post originally appeared in 2010 and was revised and republished in April 2022.
Sheila Baicoianu says
This is also delicious made with sparkling water
Christine Pittman says
Thanks for the suggestion, Sheila!
Dani says
When we’re in central FL visiting my parents, the highlight for my kids (aside from the golf cart) is picking oranges. Disney? Who needs that when you can make your own juice! Anyway, I really enjoy the tone of your blog. It’s always all about the story for me.
cookthestory says
Yes, the juice here is fantastic. With the cold weather snaps we’ve been having, my favorite thing has been going out in the morning and picking oranges to squeeze immediately, while their juice is still cold. Nothing better.
I’m so happy that you like my blog. Thank you.
Audrey says
Do you like the light or dark Agave nectar?
cookthestory says
There’s some interesting info from the “Queen of Green” (Debra Lynn Dadd) about differences she’s detected between the two here: http://www.dld123.com/sweetsavvy/sweeteners/summary.php?id=Agave%20Nectar
I’ve only ever bought the dark and love it!
cookthestory says
I didn’t know it could happen either. I was like, “WHAT is THAT???” But it was the best lemon I’ve ever smelled or tasted. Thanks for visiting :).
jenna laughs says
Lovely drink! Those bumpy lemons are out of control. I didn’t even know that could happen?? Thank you for your visit to my blog! Looking forward to sharing recipes :)