1. Gather Your Ingredients: Lay out your cold water, protein powder, fresh lemon juice, and sweetener. Have your glass and a spoon or whisk ready.

2. Combine Liquid Ingredients: Pour the cold water into your serving glass or a shaker bottle.

3. Add Lemon Juice and Sweetener: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and your chosen sweetener. Start with 1 tablespoon of sweetener and add more later if needed, tasting as you go.

4. Introduce Protein Powder: Add one scoop of protein powder to the liquid. This is where a shaker bottle can be particularly helpful for smooth mixing.

5. Mix Thoroughly: Stir vigorously with a spoon or whisk until the protein powder is fully dissolved and there are no clumps. If using a shaker bottle, secure the lid and shake for 15-20 seconds.

6. Taste and Adjust: Take a small sip. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little more sweetener. If it’s too tart, a tiny pinch of sweetener can balance it out.

7. Add Ice: Fill your glass with plenty of ice cubes to make it extra cold and refreshing.

8. Garnish and Serve: For a touch of elegance and extra lemon aroma, add a fresh lemon slice to the rim of the glass or drop in a few mint leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!