10+ Lemon Balm Recipes for Refreshing Drinks and Treats

Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that adds a fresh, zesty flavor to many dishes and drinks. From refreshing beverages to savory meals, lemon balm is versatile and can enhance a variety of recipes.

In this article, you will discover simple yet delicious lemon balm recipes that you can easily try at home. Whether you want to make a soothing tea or a tangy lemonade, these recipes will help you enjoy the unique taste of lemon balm while reaping its potential health benefits.

1) Old-Fashioned Lemon Balm Lemonade

Old-Fashioned Lemon Balm Lemonade is a refreshing drink perfect for warm days. You’ll love the mix of zesty lemon and fragrant lemon balm. It’s easy to make and great for family gatherings.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh lemons and lemon balm for that bright flavor. The sweetness comes from sugar, which you can adjust to your liking.

Ingredients

• 4 lemons
• ½ cup fresh lemon balm leaves
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup boiling water
• 2 ½ cups water
• Ice (optional)
• 2-3 fresh sprigs of lemon balm for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Juice the lemons into a mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, steep lemon balm in boiling water for about 15 minutes.
3. Strain the lemon balm mixture into the bowl with the lemon juice.
4. Stir in sugar until dissolved, then add the cold water.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon balm sprigs. Enjoy!

2) Chilled Lemon Balm Tea

Chilled lemon balm tea is a refreshing drink perfect for warm days. It’s easy to make and tastes delightful.

To start, gather fresh lemon balm leaves. The aroma alone is wonderful. You can boil 1 quart of water (about 1 liter) to make the tea.

Once the water is boiling at 212°F (100°C), pour it over the leaves in a teapot. Let the mixture steep for about 10 minutes. This will help bring out the flavor.

After steeping, strain the leaves and let the tea cool. If you want it cold faster, you can refrigerate it for about an hour. Serve over ice and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• Fresh lemon balm leaves
• 1 quart (1 liter) water

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil 1 quart of water (212°F/100°C).
2. Add fresh lemon balm leaves to a teapot.
3. Pour boiling water over the leaves.
4. Let steep for 10 minutes.
5. Strain the leaves.
6. Chill in the refrigerator or serve over ice.

3) Lemon Balm-Infused Honey

Lemon balm-infused honey is a sweet and soothing treat. This simple recipe allows you to enjoy the calming benefits of lemon balm in a tasty way. You can use it in tea, on toast, or as a flavor boost in various dishes.

To make this infused honey, you can use either dried or fresh lemon balm leaves. If you choose fresh leaves, ensure they are clean and dry.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw honey
• ¼ to ½ cup lemon balm leaves (fresh or dried)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the lemon balm leaves in a clean, sterilized jar.
2. Pour the raw honey over the leaves until the jar is full.
3. Seal the jar tightly and let it sit in a warm spot for about 1 to 2 weeks.
4. After infusion, strain the honey to remove the leaves, if desired. Enjoy!

4) Refreshing Lemon Balm Spritzer

A refreshing lemon balm spritzer is perfect for hot days. It combines sweet and zesty flavors. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare.

Start by mixing honey with warm water in a pitcher. Make sure the honey dissolves well. Then, add fresh lemon juice and cold water for that tart kick.

Next, crush fresh lemon balm leaves and stir them into the mixture. This adds a lovely herbal note. Adjust sweetness to your taste, then chill before serving.

Serve over ice and garnish with extra lemon balm leaves. Enjoy this light and refreshing drink with friends or family!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pitcher, mix honey and warm water until dissolved.
2. Add lemon juice and cold water.
3. Crush lemon balm leaves and stir into the mixture.
4. Chill, serve over ice, and garnish with lemon balm.

5) Cold Brew Lemon Balm Water

Cold brew lemon balm water is a refreshing drink that’s easy to make. You can enjoy it any time of the day, especially during warmer months.

To start, take a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves and crush them slightly. This helps release their wonderful aroma. Next, place the crushed leaves in a quart jar.

Add cold water to the jar, filling it to the top. Cover the jar and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a stronger flavor.

When you’re ready to serve, strain the leaves out, and enjoy your chilled drink. You can also add a slice of lemon for a zesty twist.

Ingredients

• Fresh lemon balm leaves (about 1 cup)
• Cold water (1 quart)

Cooking Instructions

1. Crush the lemon balm leaves gently.
2. Place the leaves in a quart jar.
3. Fill the jar with cold water.
4. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or overnight.
5. Strain and serve chilled.

6) Lemon Balm & Lime Cooler

A Lemon Balm & Lime Cooler is a refreshing drink perfect for warm days. This drink combines the bright flavors of lime with the herbal notes of lemon balm. It’s simple to make and very satisfying.

To start, you’ll need fresh lemon balm leaves, limes, and a sweetener of your choice. You can use sugar, honey, or even maple syrup. Mixing these ingredients creates a flavorful thirst-quencher.

Serve it over ice for an extra chill. You’ll enjoy the delightful taste and the cooling effect this drink brings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup sugar (or your preferred sweetener)
• 4 cups cold water
• Ice cubes

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pitcher, combine the lemon balm leaves and sugar.
2. Muddle them together to release the oils.
3. Add lime juice and cold water.
4. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
5. Serve over ice and enjoy!

7) Herbal Lemon Balm Syrup

Making herbal lemon balm syrup is simple and rewarding. You can enjoy it in drinks or drizzled over desserts.

For this syrup, you will need fresh lemon balm leaves to get the best flavor. Remember to use clean, fresh leaves.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh lemon balm leaves (or ½ cup dried)
• 5 cups water (approx. 120°C)
• 4 cups granulated sugar (approx. 800 g)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the water in a large pot.
2. Add the lemon balm leaves to the boiling water.
3. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture to remove the leaves.
5. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely.
6. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Pour into sterilized jars and seal.

Your herbal lemon balm syrup is now ready to enjoy!

8) Zesty Lemon Balm Salad Garnish

Lemon balm adds a fresh and zesty touch to any salad. You can use whole leaves or finely chop them for an extra flavor boost.

Try scattering lemon balm leaves over a fruit salad for a bright citrus twist. It pairs well with strawberries, melons, and more.

Another option is to mix lemon balm into your green salads. It adds a unique taste and aroma that will make your dish stand out.

Ingredients

• Fresh lemon balm leaves
• Mixed salad greens
• Your choice of fruits (like strawberries or melons)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Vinegar (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lemon balm leaves and any fruits you will use.
2. Tear or chop the lemon balm leaves.
3. In a bowl, combine your salad greens, fruits, and lemon balm.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar if desired.
5. Toss gently and serve.

9) Lemon Balm-Enhanced Green Tea

Adding lemon balm to your green tea can create a soothing beverage that brings extra flavor and benefits. Lemon balm has calming properties that help ease stress and promote relaxation.

To make this tea, you’ll blend the fresh or dried leaves with green tea. This adds a unique taste that complements the tea’s natural flavor.

You will need just a few simple ingredients for this delightful drink.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon green tea leaves or 1 tea bag
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon balm leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 cup water (240 ml)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the water in a pot until it reaches about 175°F (80°C).
2. Add the green tea and lemon balm leaves to your cup.
3. Pour the hot water over the tea and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
4. Strain the tea and enjoy your refreshing drink!

10) Homemade Lemon Balm Iced Tea

Making homemade lemon balm iced tea is simple and refreshing. You will enjoy the subtle lemon flavor of the fresh leaves. This drink is perfect for warm days.

To start, gather some fresh lemon balm leaves and a few other ingredients. You can adjust the amount based on how much tea you want to make.

Ingredients

• 2 quarts (1.9 liters) water
• 1 large handful of fresh lemon balm
• 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil 2 quarts of water in a large pot over medium-high heat (about 100°C).
2. Once boiling, add the fresh lemon balm leaves.
3. Let it steep for 30 minutes to an hour.
4. Strain the tea and add honey if desired.
5. Refrigerate or serve over ice with lemon slices.
6. Enjoy!