Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a glass of *honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade* on a hot summer day! The moment you take a sip, you’re hit by that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a refreshing hint of herbal goodness from the lemon balm. I remember one sizzling afternoon, I whipped up a batch while lounging on my porch, and wow, it felt like a mini-vacation in a glass! Not only is it delicious, but lemon balm is also known for its calming properties, making this drink a delightful treat for both your taste buds and your spirit. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket all summer long!
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup honey, adjust based on your sweetness preference
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice, preferably freshly squeezed for the best flavor
- Ice cubes, for serving
How to Prepare *Honey Sweetened Lemon Balm Lemonade*
Step 1: Boil Water
First things first, grab yourself a pot and fill it with 4 cups of water. Place it on the stovetop over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. This step is crucial because it’s going to set the stage for all that lovely flavor we’re about to unleash from the lemon balm!
Step 2: Steep Lemon Balm
Once the water’s boiling, toss in your packed cup of fresh lemon balm leaves. Oh, the aroma is heavenly! Let those leaves steep for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens—those leaves will infuse the water with their vibrant flavor, so don’t rush this step. Set a timer, sip a little of your favorite drink, and let the herbal goodness work its charm!
Step 3: Strain and Mix
After the steeping time is up, it’s time to strain the mixture. Use a fine-mesh strainer to catch those leaves, and pour the warm lemon balm tea into a large bowl or pitcher. Now, while it’s still warm, add in your honey. Stir it up until it’s fully dissolved. This step is key—if you don’t mix it well, you’ll end up with clumps of honey at the bottom!
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice
Next, squeeze in a cup of fresh lemon juice. I always say, fresh is best! It really elevates the flavor of your lemonade and gives it that zesty punch. Just imagine how refreshing it’ll taste! Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Now, pop your pitcher in the refrigerator and let it chill for a bit. You want it nice and cold! When you’re ready to serve, grab some ice cubes and pour that gorgeous lemonade over them. Trust me, it looks as good as it tastes! Garnish with a sprig of lemon balm or a slice of lemon if you’re feeling fancy. Cheers to a refreshing sip of summer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing and invigorating, perfect for those hot summer days.
- Quick to make—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Uses natural honey as a sweetener for a healthier twist.
- Packed with the soothing benefits of fresh lemon balm.
- Flexible sweetness—adjust the honey to suit your taste.
- Perfect for gatherings or just to enjoy on your own.
- Looks gorgeous in a glass, making it a feast for the eyes as well!
Tips for Success
To make your *honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade* truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t skip on the freshness—using fresh lemon balm and lemon juice really makes a difference in flavor. If you find the drink too sweet for your taste, feel free to reduce the honey or even use agave syrup for a different twist. Another fun idea? Try adding a splash of sparkling water when you serve it for a fizzy kick! And remember, this drink is all about balance, so taste as you go and adjust to your liking. You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information
Each refreshing serving of this *honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade* packs in some delightful flavors while also being mindful of your nutrition! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use. For example, if you opt for a different sweetener, the sugar and calorie content might change. But don’t worry, no matter how you make it, you’re still treating yourself to a deliciously refreshing drink!
FAQ Section
Can I use dried lemon balm instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh lemon balm really shines in this recipe! If you must use dried, use about half the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How can I store leftovers?
Simply pour any leftover lemonade into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to a week!
What can I substitute for honey?
If you’re looking for alternatives, agave syrup or maple syrup can work well. Just adjust the amount to taste since they can vary in sweetness.
Can I make this lemonade ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for making ahead. Just chill it in the fridge and serve over ice when you’re ready to enjoy.
What other flavors can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Adding a few slices of fresh ginger, a handful of berries, or even a splash of mint can give your lemonade a fun twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of your *honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade*, don’t worry! Storing it is super simple. Just pour the lemonade into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, so you can enjoy those refreshing sips later on!
When you’re ready to serve it again, there’s no reheating needed—just pour it over some fresh ice to keep it nice and cool. If it’s been sitting for a while, give it a little stir before serving to mix any settled flavors. You can even spruce it up with a fresh lemon slice or a sprig of lemon balm for that extra touch! Enjoy the refreshment all over again!
Print
Honey Sweetened Lemon Balm Lemonade: 5 Refreshing Sips
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing drink made with honey and lemon balm.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add lemon balm leaves to the boiling water.
- Steep for 10 minutes and then strain the leaves.
- Mix honey into the warm lemon balm tea until dissolved.
- Add fresh lemon juice to the mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator.
- Serve over ice.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon balm for the best flavor.
- Adjust honey based on your sweetness preference.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade
