Oh, let me tell you about my go-to drink for those hot, sunny days: honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade! It’s incredibly refreshing, bursting with bright citrus flavors, and the honey adds a lovely touch of sweetness that just screams summer. I first stumbled upon this delightful concoction when I was looking for a way to use all that lemon balm growing in my garden—it’s one of those herbs that not only tastes amazing but also has calming properties. Seriously, it’s like a hug in a glass! The combination of fresh lemon juice and the aromatic lemon balm creates a unique flavor profile that’s both invigorating and soothing. Trust me, once you try this lemonade, it’ll become your new favorite thirst-quencher!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves – Make sure they’re vibrant and fragrant! Rinse them gently under cool water to remove any dirt.
- 1 cup honey – Use your favorite variety! Local honey is great for added flavor and sweetness.
- 4 cups water – This will be divided for boiling and mixing, so keep it handy!
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is the way to go for that zesty kick! About 4-6 lemons should do the trick.
- Ice cubes – You’ll want plenty of these to keep your lemonade refreshingly cold!
How to Prepare Honey Sweetened Lemon Balm Lemonade
Alright, let’s dive into making this amazing honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade! It’s super easy and totally worth it. Here’s how I do it step by step.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by boiling 2 cups of water in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. You want it bubbling nicely, so keep an eye on it!
- Once it’s boiling, add in your fresh lemon balm leaves. Give them a little stir and let them steep for about 10 minutes. Oh, the aroma is simply divine!
- After the steeping time is up, strain the liquid into a pitcher using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to catch those lovely leaves. We want only the liquid goodness!
- Next, add in the cup of honey to the warm lemon balm infusion. Stir until it’s completely dissolved. It’ll melt nicely in that warm liquid!
- Now, mix in your freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining 2 cups of cold water. This is where the magic happens! Taste it and adjust the sweetness if you’d like.
- Pop the pitcher into the refrigerator and chill it for at least 1 hour. This gives all those flavors time to mingle and become best friends!
- When you’re ready to serve, pour it over ice cubes in your favorite glass. Enjoy the refreshing sips of summer, my friend!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these estimates with a pinch of salt! That said, here’s the scoop on what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup) of this delightful honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 0g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
It’s a refreshing treat without the guilt, perfect for those warm days when you want something light and invigorating!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up—perfect for those last-minute gatherings!
- Refreshing and hydrating, you’ll feel like you’re sipping sunshine on a hot day.
- Sweetened naturally with honey, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought lemonade.
- The unique flavor of lemon balm adds a delightful twist that you won’t find anywhere else.
- It’s vegan-friendly and made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
Tips for Success
To really nail this honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade, here are some tips that I swear by! First, always use fresh lemon balm—dried just doesn’t cut it for that vibrant flavor. If you can, grab some from a local garden or farmer’s market for the best taste. When steeping the leaves, don’t rush it; let them fully infuse for those aromatic notes. If you like your lemonade extra zesty, feel free to add a bit more lemon juice! And remember, you can always adjust the sweetness—start with less honey and add more if needed. Your perfect sip is just a taste away!
Variations of Honey Sweetened Lemon Balm Lemonade
The beauty of honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade is how easily you can customize it! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of fresh mint leaves for a cooling twist that pairs beautifully with the lemon balm. Want a fruity spin? Toss in some sliced strawberries or muddled raspberries before serving for a pop of color and flavor! If you’re a spice lover, a pinch of ginger or a sprinkle of cayenne can add a surprising kick. For a floral note, consider infusing with some lavender. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade is super easy! Just pour any leftovers into an airtight container or a sealed pitcher and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, though I doubt it’ll last that long because it’s so delicious! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there’s no need to reheat—this lemonade is meant to be served chilled over ice. If it seems a bit too concentrated after sitting, just add a splash of cold water or ice to bring back that refreshing zing. Cheers to enjoying it whenever you like!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade, I love pairing it with light and refreshing snacks! Think about serving it alongside some crisp cucumber sandwiches or a fresh garden salad topped with citrus vinaigrette. For a sweet touch, try it with homemade lemon bars or a fruit platter filled with seasonal berries and melon. Honestly, it’s such a versatile drink that it can complement just about anything! So, whip up a batch, grab your favorite snacks, and bask in the delightful flavors of summer!
Print
Honey Sweetened Lemon Balm Lemonade for a Refreshing Boost
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing lemon balm lemonade sweetened with honey.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves
- 1 cup honey
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Boil 2 cups of water in a pot.
- Add lemon balm leaves and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into a pitcher.
- Add honey and stir until dissolved.
- Mix in fresh lemon juice and remaining water.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Serve over ice.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Fresh lemon balm is preferred for the best flavor.
- Can be garnished with lemon slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: honey sweetened lemon balm lemonade
