Looking for a delicious way to cool down and calm your nerves this summer? This sparkling lemon balm lemonade might be just what your nervous system ordered. Infused with fresh lemon balm from the garden, sweetened with raw honey, and finished with a bubbly splash of sparkling water, this herbal drink is as good for your mood as it is for your taste buds.
At Jean Bee Apothecary, we’re celebrating Lemon Balm Month with simple, nourishing ways to use this beautiful plant. Whether you grow it yourself or find it at your local herb shop, lemon balm is an easy herb to fall in love with.
🌿 Why Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a beloved nervine herb, traditionally used to:
- Soothe stress and anxiety
- Lift the spirits
- Support mental clarity and calm
- Encourage deeper, more restful sleep
It has a light lemony flavor with soft minty undertones, making it perfect for herbal teas, tinctures, and refreshing summer drinks like this lemonade.
✨ Sparkling Lemon Balm Lemonade Recipe
This recipe is easy to make, endlessly adjustable, and perfect for warm afternoons or alcohol-free gatherings. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1–2 handfuls fresh lemon balm leaves (enough to loosely fill a French press or small teapot)
- 2 cups just-off-the-boil water
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- ÂĽ cup raw honey, or to taste
- 2 cups ice, plus more for serving
- Sparkling water, plain or lemon-flavored
- Optional garnish: lemon slices, lemon balm sprigs, edible flowers
Instructions
- Steep the lemon balm
Place the fresh lemon balm in a French press or heat-safe container. Pour 2 cups of hot water over the leaves. Cover and let steep for 10–15 minutes. Tip: Steeping for 10 minutes gives a brighter, more delicate flavor. At 15 minutes, you’ll get a deeper herbal note. - Sweeten with honey
Strain or press the tea into a pitcher. Add honey while still warm and stir until fully dissolved. - Add lemon juice and chill
Stir in fresh lemon juice. Add 2 cups of ice to bring the temperature down quickly. - Serve with a sparkle
Fill a tall glass with fresh ice. Pour in lemonade until about halfway full, then top with sparkling water. Garnish if desired and enjoy!
đź’› A Sip of Summer Self-Care
Lemon balm lemonade isn’t just a pretty drink—it’s a simple way to invite calm and joy into your day. Whether you’re winding down after time in the garden, skipping that evening IPA, or just treating yourself to something beautiful, this herbal refresher is a summer staple.
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Want More Lemon Balm Goodness?
Check out my handmade Calm & Shield Herbal Lip Balm, infused with fresh lemon balm and raspberry seed oil—naturally soothing and perfect for summer.
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