Refreshing Lemon Balm Water

Lemon balm water is one of my favorite ways to make staying hydrated feel refreshing instead of routine. When plain water starts to feel boring, a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves transforms it into a crisp, citrusy drink that’s easy to sip all day long.

This simple cold-infused recipe is light, calming, and naturally flavorful—perfect for mornings, afternoons, or anytime you want a clean, uplifting drink. I’ll show you exactly how to make it, plus a few easy add-ins to customize it to your taste. And if you love bright, fresh beverages, you might also enjoy this Banana Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Balm Water Recipe

If you’ve been looking for a refreshing way to stay hydrated, lemon balm water is a simple ritual that instantly upgrades your day. Here’s why it stands out:

Gentle, Spa-Like Flavor

Unlike sugary detox drinks or flavored waters, lemon balm water tastes clean and naturally bright. Its subtle lemon-mint aroma makes every sip feel like a little reset.

Zero Sugar, All Flavor

This drink is made with fresh herbs, clean water, and optional add-ins like cucumber or mint. No sweeteners, no artificial flavors—just pure, refreshing hydration.

Naturally Calming and Refreshing

Many people enjoy lemon balm for its soothing aroma and relaxing feel. It’s a lovely choice when you want something calming without turning to caffeine. You can read more about commonly discussed uses and research in this Medical News Today overview of lemon balm.

Cold-Infused for the Best Flavor

Cold-brewing preserves lemon balm’s delicate oils and keeps the flavor crisp and clean. No bitterness, no heat required—just a smooth, refreshing infusion.

Supports Wellness Goals

Lemon balm water can be a helpful daily habit if you’re trying to stay hydrated or reduce unnecessary snacking. It’s light, flavorful, and easy to sip throughout the day.
If you enjoy this gentle, refreshing drink, you might also like our Lemon Balm Tea Recipe for Weight Loss which offers a warmer, more concentrated flavor.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Let’s explore what goes into this refreshing drink—and why each element matters for flavor and overall enjoyment.

Fresh Lemon Balm Leaves

The star of the recipe. You’ll need about 1 to 1.5 cups (lightly packed) of fresh lemon balm. Its natural citrus-mint aroma gives the water a bright, calming feel. Many people enjoy lemon balm for its soothing scent and gentle herbal flavor, making it perfect for infused water.

Cold, Filtered Water

Good water makes a noticeable difference. Using 8 cups (2 quarts) of cold, filtered water keeps the infusion clean and crisp. Cold-brewing also helps maintain the herb’s delicate aroma and prevents bitterness, giving you a smooth, refreshing result.

Optional Add-ins

You can personalize your lemon balm water with simple ingredients that add flavor and freshness:

• ½ Lemon, Thinly Sliced: Adds a bright, citrusy lift.
• ½ Cup Cucumber Slices: Brings a cool, spa-like feel.
• Fresh Mint Sprigs: Adds a deeper herbal note and pairs beautifully with lemon balm.

These additions are completely optional, but they make the drink feel extra refreshing and vibrant.

The Secret to the Perfect Lemon Balm Water

The magic of this recipe isn’t just in what you use—it’s in how you prepare it. Cold-infusing is the real key.

Cold Water Infusion Preserves Delicate Compounds

Unlike hot tea, which can sometimes make herbs taste a little sharp or overly strong, cold-brewing gently draws out lemon balm’s natural aroma. This method keeps the flavor smooth, light, and refreshing without any bitterness.

Lightly Crushing the Leaves Unlocks Aroma

Don’t skip this part! Gently bruising the leaves between your palms helps release their natural citrus-mint scent. This simple step boosts the flavor and ensures your water tastes bright rather than faint or flat.

The Ideal Steeping Time

Let the water infuse for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you prefer a stronger herbal taste. The longer it rests (up to about 12 hours), the more vibrant and rounded the flavor becomes.

Use a Glass Pitcher or Jar

Glass works best because it keeps the flavors pure and fresh. It won’t affect the taste of the infusion, and it helps your lemon balm water stay crisp and clean.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gently Rinse the Lemon Balm

Rinse the fresh lemon balm leaves under cool running water to remove any dirt. As you do, you’ll catch the first hint of their bright, lemony aroma.

2. Lightly Crush the Leaves

Take the rinsed leaves and gently bruise them between your palms. You’re not tearing them—just pressing lightly to release their natural citrus-mint scent. This step deepens the flavor of your infusion.

3. Combine in a Glass Pitcher

Place the crushed lemon balm into a large glass pitcher or jar. If you’re using add-ins like lemon slices, cucumber, or mint, layer them in now. Each one adds its own refreshing note—cucumber for coolness, lemon for brightness, mint for herbal depth.

4. Add the Cold Water

Pour 8 cups of cold, filtered water over the ingredients. The leaves may float at first, but they’ll settle as they begin to infuse. Cover the pitcher and place it in the fridge.

5. Infuse for 4 to 12 Hours

Let the mixture infuse for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a fuller, more rounded flavor. The water will take on a light yellow-green tint as it absorbs the herbal notes.

6. Strain and Chill

Strain the mixture to remove all solids, which keeps the flavor clean and crisp. Serve over ice and enjoy a refreshing sip that feels cool and bright.

Variations & Add-ins

Lemon balm water is easy to customize. Whether you want something bright, herbal, or lightly fruity, these variations keep each batch fresh and fun.

Bright & Minty: Lemon + Mint

Add thin lemon slices and a few sprigs of fresh mint for a crisp, cooling twist. The lemon brings extra brightness, while mint gives a refreshing finish.
If you enjoy this combination of citrus and cooling herbs, you might also like our Cucumber Mint Lemonade

Cooling & Aromatic: Cucumber + Ginger

Add ½ cup of cucumber slices and a few thin pieces of fresh ginger. This mix creates a refreshing, spa-inspired flavor with a gentle warmth from the ginger.
For another aromatic herbal blend, try our Tea with Fennel, Coriander, and Cumin.

Calming Floral Notes: Chamomile + Lavender

A few chamomile flowers and a pinch of culinary lavender add delicate floral aromas. This blend is lovely for unwinding in the evening or creating a more relaxed flavor profile.

Fruity Twist: Berries

Muddle a few raspberries or blueberries before adding them. They bring a touch of natural sweetness and a beautiful blush of color while complementing the lemon balm’s citrus-mint notes.

Sweetened Option: Honey

If you prefer a little sweetness, stir in a teaspoon of honey just before serving. Adding it after straining keeps the infusion clean and smooth.

Serving and Storage Tips

Lemon balm water is at its best when served chilled and fresh. Here’s how to enjoy and store it for great flavor every time.

How to Serve Lemon Balm Water

• Serve Over Ice: Pour the strained lemon balm water into a tall glass filled with ice for a crisp, refreshing drink.
  
• Garnish for Flair: Add a sprig of fresh mint, a floating cucumber slice, or a lemon wheel to make it look extra bright and inviting.
  
• When to Enjoy It: It’s a great drink any time of day—perfect with breakfast, alongside a light lunch, or as a cool afternoon refresher.
  

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate Promptly: After infusing and straining, store the lemon balm water in a sealed glass container and refrigerate.
  
• Shelf Life: For the best flavor, enjoy it within 3 days. It can last up to 5 days, but the herbal notes may fade and added fruit can become bitter.
  
• Always Use Fresh Ingredients: For each new batch, start with fresh lemon balm and add-ins. Reusing old herbs leads to a weaker flavor.
  

Pro Tip:
Make a large batch the night before so you have a chilled, ready-to-pour drink waiting for you the next day.

Lemon Balm Water

Lena

A refreshing herbal water made with cold-infused lemon balm and optional add-ins like lemon, cucumber, or mint. Naturally calming and perfect for daily hydration.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings 8 cups

Ingredients

  

• 8 cups 2 quarts / 2 liters of cold, filtered water
• 1 large bunch of fresh lemon balm about 1 to 1.5 cups of leaves, lightly packed

Optional Add-ins for Flavor & Benefits:

• ½ lemon thinly sliced
• ½ cup cucumber slices
• A few fresh mint sprigs

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Lemon Balm: Gently rinse the fresh lemon balm leaves under cool water to remove any dirt.
• Release the Oils: Lightly crush or bruise the leaves between your hands. This is the most important step, as it releases the natural citrusy oils and aroma for a more flavorful water.
• Combine Ingredients: Place the crushed lemon balm leaves into a large glass pitcher or jar. Add any of your optional ingredients, like lemon or cucumber slices.
• Infuse (Cold-Brew): Pour the 8 cups of cold, filtered water over the ingredients. Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator to infuse for at least 4 hours, or up to 12 hours for a stronger flavor. Infusing overnight works perfectly.
• Strain and Serve: Strain the water to remove all the leaves and other ingredients (this prevents the water from becoming bitter over time). Serve chilled, over ice.

Notes

Crushing the leaves is key to releasing flavor and benefits.

Best consumed within 3 days. Always strain before storing to prevent bitterness.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a refreshing way to stay hydrated, lemon balm water is a simple and flavorful option. It’s light, customizable, and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

With just a few fresh leaves and cold water, you can create a clean, herbal drink that feels crisp and enjoyable. The cold-infusion method also helps keep the flavor gentle and bright.

I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! What’s your favorite way to customize your infused water? Share your ideas in the comments below. And if you’re in the mood for another refreshing drink, try our vibrant  Banana Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie.

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