Description
The Lemon Balm Drink is a refreshing, herbal-infused beverage made with lemon balm leaves, a natural herb known for its calming properties. It’s perfect for hot summer days or as a soothing, caffeine-free alternative to traditional drinks. The combination of lemon balm, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of honey creates a delightful, mildly sweet, and citrusy drink.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves (or 2 tablespoons dried lemon balm)
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes (optional, for a cold drink)
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint or lemon balm sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Lemon Balm:
- If you’re using fresh lemon balm, wash the leaves thoroughly. Lightly bruise the leaves by crushing them between your fingers to release their oils. This helps enhance the flavor.
2. Infuse the Water:
- In a heatproof container or teapot, add the fresh or dried lemon balm leaves. Pour the hot water over the leaves and let them steep for about 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor. For a more intense taste, steep for longer.
3. Sweeten the Drink:
- After steeping, strain out the lemon balm leaves, then add the honey to the warm infusion. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add more honey to taste.
4. Add Lemon Juice:
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice to give the drink a zesty, citrusy kick. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference.
5. Serve:
- If you’d like to enjoy the drink cold, let it cool down to room temperature, then pour it over ice cubes. Alternatively, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes for a refreshing cold drink.
6. Garnish:
- Serve the Lemon Balm Drink in glasses, garnished with lemon slices or a sprig of fresh lemon balm or mint for a decorative touch.
Notes
- Caffeine-Free: This drink is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great alternative to iced tea or coffee, especially in the evening.
- Herbal Variations: You can experiment by adding other herbs like fresh mint, chamomile, or lavender to enhance the flavor profile.
- Sweeteners: Besides honey, you can use agave syrup, stevia, or maple syrup as alternative sweeteners to suit your taste.
- Cold Brew Option: To make a cold brew version, simply steep the lemon balm leaves in cold water in the fridge for several hours or overnight. Then strain and serve chilled over ice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: Beverage, Herbal Tea
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: Herbal, Refreshing
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 20 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0g
Keywords: Lemon Balm Drink, herbal tea, refreshing drink, lemon balm beverage, soothing drink