Refreshing Lemon Balm Infused Lemonade
This delightful lemonade recipe takes a classic favorite and elevates it with the aromatic essence of fresh lemon balm. Perfect for sunny days, picnics, or a relaxing afternoon, this drink is sure to quench your thirst while providing a burst of refreshing citrus flavor. The combination of zesty lemons and fragrant lemon balm creates a playful yet sophisticated beverage that's enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. Serve it icy cold for the ultimate refreshment!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemons
4 (Scrubbed, rind peeled, and juiced)
fresh lemon balm leaves
1/2 cup (Washed)
sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
boiling water
2/3 cup (N/A)
water
2 1/2 cups (Cold)
ice
optional (N/A)
fresh sprigs of lemon balm
2-3 (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by scrubbing the lemons thoroughly with water to remove any residue.
2
Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel the rind from the lemons, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Set the lemons aside for later.
3
In a small heat-proof pitcher, combine the lemon rind, fresh lemon balm leaves, and sugar. Pour in the boiling water and stir the mixture well, gently pressing down on the lemon balm leaves to release their essential oils and flavors.
4
Allow the mixture to infuse for about 15 minutes, steeping the flavors together.
5
While the infusion is taking place, cut the reserved lemons in half and squeeze out the juice into a measuring cup, ensuring to strain out any seeds or pulp.
6
In a larger glass pitcher, strain the infused syrup into the pitcher, along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
7
Add 2 1/2 cups of cold water to the mixture, or for a chilled option, you can use half water and half ice. Stir well to combine everything.
8
For added garnishing and flavor, drop in a few fresh sprigs of lemon balm.
9
Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator until ready to serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Lemon Balm Infused Lemonade?
It is a classic lemonade recipe elevated with the aromatic essence of fresh lemon balm for a sophisticated citrus flavor.
How many lemons are required for this recipe?
You will need 4 lemons that have been scrubbed, peeled of their rind, and juiced.
What amount of lemon balm leaves should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of washed fresh lemon balm leaves.
How much sugar is added to the lemonade?
You should use 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
What is the purpose of the boiling water?
The 2/3 cup of boiling water is used to create an infusion with the lemon rind, lemon balm leaves, and sugar.
How long should the lemon balm infusion steep?
Allow the mixture to infuse for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
How much cold water is added to the concentrate?
Add 2 1/2 cups of cold water to the mixture in a larger pitcher.
Can I use ice instead of water?
Yes, for a chilled option, you can use half cold water and half ice.
What should I avoid when peeling the lemons?
Carefully avoid the bitter white pith underneath the lemon rind when peeling.
Is this drink suitable for children?
Yes, it is a family-friendly, non-alcoholic beverage enjoyed by both kids and adults.
How do I release the flavor from the lemon balm leaves?
Gently press down on the leaves while they are in the boiling water mixture to release their essential oils.
Should the lemon juice be strained?
Yes, ensure you strain out any seeds or pulp when adding the juice to the pitcher.
How do I garnish this lemonade?
Drop in 2-3 fresh sprigs of lemon balm for added garnishing and flavor.
How should the lemons be prepared before juicing?
They should be scrubbed thoroughly with water and the rind should be removed with a vegetable peeler.
Is it necessary to chill the drink before serving?
Yes, for the best refreshment, chill the lemonade in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What type of sugar is recommended?
The recipe specifies using granulated sugar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total, including the optional ice and garnish.
What tools do I need for the rind?
A vegetable peeler is recommended to carefully remove the rind from the lemons.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Begin by scrubbing the lemons thoroughly with water to remove any residue.
Can I serve this at a picnic?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for sunny days, picnics, or relaxing afternoons.
What should I do with the infused syrup?
Strain the infused syrup into a larger glass pitcher along with the lemon juice.
Is the lemon balm used twice in the recipe?
Yes, leaves are used for the infusion and fresh sprigs are used as a final garnish.
What gives this lemonade a sophisticated flavor?
The combination of fragrant lemon balm and zesty lemons creates its sophisticated profile.
Can I use a heat-proof pitcher?
Yes, a small heat-proof pitcher is recommended for combining the rind, balm, sugar, and boiling water.
How many lemons are used for the juice?
All 4 lemons that were previously peeled are used for the juice.
What is the best temperature to serve this drink?
It should be served icy cold for the ultimate refreshment.
Is the lemon balm washed?
Yes, the preparation notes specify that the lemon balm leaves should be washed.
Does this recipe contain alcohol?
No, this is a non-alcoholic citrus beverage.
How do I ensure the sugar dissolves?
Stir the boiling water, sugar, rind, and balm mixture well to ensure everything is combined.
Where should I keep the lemonade until serving?
It should be kept in the refrigerator to ensure it remains chilled.