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Soothing Lemon Balm Tea Recipe with Honey & Citrus

This lemon balm tea recipe yields a bright, calming herbal infusion flavored with fresh lemon, a touch of honey, and optional citrus zest. Quick to make and perfect hot or chilled for a refreshing, restorative cup.

⏱
Prep Time 15 min
🔥
Cook Time 30 min
⏰
Total Time 45 min
👥
Servings 4
⭐
Difficulty Easy
International Vegan Drinks Vegan International

About This Recipe

This lemon balm tea recipe yields a bright, calming herbal infusion flavored with fresh lemon, a touch of honey, and optional citrus zest. Quick to make and perfect hot or chilled for a refreshing, restorative cup.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups (1 L) fresh water
  • 1/2 cup packed fresh lemon balm leaves (about 20–25 g), washed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, to taste
  • Optional: thin lemon slices for garnish
  • Optional: ice and extra lemon slices for iced tea

Nutrition Facts

12 Calories 1% daily value
0.00g Protein 0% daily value
3.00g Carbs 1% daily value
0.00g Fat 0% daily value
0.00g Fiber 0% daily value

Instructions

  1. 1
    Step 1: Bring fresh water to a gentle boil in a kettle or saucepan. Remove from heat once it reaches a rolling boil.
  2. 2
    Step 2: Place the washed lemon balm leaves in a teapot or heatproof pitcher. If using zest, add it with the leaves.
  3. 3
    Step 3: Pour the hot water over the lemon balm leaves, covering them fully. Cover and steep for 8–12 minutes depending on desired strength (longer steep = stronger, more herbaceous flavor).
  4. 4
    Step 4: Strain the infusion into cups or another pitcher to remove the leaves and zest. Stir in fresh lemon juice and sweetener to taste. Taste and adjust lemon or sweetener as desired.
  5. 5
    Step 5 (Hot): Serve immediately in warmed cups, garnished with a lemon slice.
  6. 6
    Step 6 (Iced): To make iced lemon balm tea, allow the infusion to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice with lemon slices and extra fresh leaves if desired.

💡 tips

For a brighter cup, add lemon juice after steeping rather than during to preserve delicate aromatics. Use slightly cooler water (just off boil) and a covered steep to keep volatile oils. Double the lemon balm and steep briefly for a more aromatic infusion. If you prefer a blended herbal profile, add a small sprig of fresh mint during steeping.

🔄 substitutions

Dried lemon balm can be used at 1 tablespoon dried = 3 tablespoons fresh; reduce steeping time slightly. Replace honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option. Swap lemon juice for orange or lime for a different citrus note.

📦 storage

Store any leftover chilled tea in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. For best flavor, keep refrigerated and add fresh lemon or a sprig of lemon balm when serving. Reheat on the stove gently if serving warm, without boiling.

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