I add stevia (the sweet counters the bitterness from the lemon peel). I also prefer using orange juice to water as the orange juice adds a nice flavor, especially if you use some stevia. I use a liquid stevia, but the powdered form should work just as well. Even though it is supposed to be fresh OJ, that isn't a reality for me so I use frozen OJ. The drink still works. I noticeably feel better when I am drinking it in the mornings.