Lemon Balm Syrup is a light, citrusy herbal syrup with a soft lemon-mint flavor. You make it by steeping fresh lemon balm leaves in a simple sugar syrup, which takes about 10 minutes of hands-on time. Stir it into iced tea, lemonade, sparkling water, and cocktails, or drizzle it over fruit, yogurt, and cakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (16 tablespoons)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 packed cup (about 25 g) fresh lemon balm leaves, lightly bruised
- 1 strip lemon peel (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rinse the lemon balm leaves and pat them dry. Gently bruise them by pressing or lightly rolling them between your palms to release their oils.
- Combine the water, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3 to 4 minutes, and the mixture just begins to steam. Do not let it boil.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the lemon balm leaves and lemon peel, if using. Press the leaves down so they are submerged.
- Cover and steep for 20 to 30 minutes, tasting after 20 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar or bottle, pressing lightly on the leaves. Discard the leaves and peel.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
- Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate.
Notes
- Use fresh leaves: Fresh lemon balm has the brightest flavor. Dried leaves taste hay-like, so use about 2 tablespoons if fresh is not available.
- Don’t boil the leaves: Heat destroys the delicate lemon aroma, so add them off the heat.
- Color: The syrup will be pale golden-green, and it may darken slightly over time. A little lemon juice helps keep the color bright.
- How much to use: Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per drink.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays, then store the cubes in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Ways to use it: Add to iced tea, lemonade, sparkling water, gin or vodka cocktails, or drizzle over berries, melon, panna cotta, or pound cake.
- Flavor ideas: Add a few mint leaves, a slice of fresh ginger, or a sprig of thyme while steeping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 48
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/lemon-balm-syrup/
