Lemon Balm-Infused Lemonade for a Virtual Baby Shower

We’re still grasping at summer even though there is a decided ‘nip’ in the air. I found myself day dreaming about turkey dinner recently and had to shake myself out of the reverie by reminding myself that, hey! it’s still August. At least it won’t be a shock when the leaves start turning color, as I think I’m already in fall mode.

Still, I haven’t pulled out the crock-pot yet. We continue to enjoy chilled soups for lunch and dinners that feature or favorite seasonal vegetable, corn.

We got a late start on gardening this summer, but my herbs still pulled through and are thriving. Lemon Balm, a fast-growing herb from the mint family that has a lovely lemon scent, has wasted no time pushing the boundaries of the raised bed.

I adore lemon balm, and make a point to pick a few leaves and roll them between my palms every time I pass the garden beds, but this bushy herb was in need of some serious pruning. What to make?

With twenty-or-so guests on their way over for my birthday celebration, I knew a jug of fresh-squeezed lemonade would be perfect. And infused with lemon balm? Even better.

(You have to remember, I’m a strict teetotaler during pregnancy (obvi!) so I have to get creative with my caffeine-free, alcohol-free summer drinks.)

This lemon balm-infused lemonade did not disappoint. Perfumed lightly with the herb, it offered a mildly minty taste that, naturally, paired perfectly with the lemonade. Refreshing and tart, it was a lovely start to our evening – for young and old alike.

This tray of lemonade is my contribution to a virtual baby shower for the soon-to-be mama Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod! Maria and Josh, I toast the two of you with this non-alcoholic summer drink and wish you the very best in this new crazy adventure called Parenthood. Believe me when I say it is the best journey you will ever take.

A warm thank you to Marla and Lisa for organizing this virtual shower. You ladies are super sweet! See bottom of post for the full menu.

Lemon Balm-Infused Lemonade

5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 quarts
Calories: 434kcal
Author: Aimee

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Demerera sugar
  • 1 cup agave syrup
  • 3 cups fresh lemon balm leaves slightly compacted in the measuring cup
  • 3 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice strained

For Garnish

  • Thinly sliced lemons
  • Fresh lemon balm leaves
  • Plenty of ice

Instructions

  • Combine four cups of water, the sugar and agave together in a 2-quart pot. Bring to a boil. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from heat.
  • Add lemon balm leaves to the simple syrup, stir, and cover with a lid. Allow to infuse for about two hours or until the mixture is completely cool.
  • Strain the syrup through a fine sieve into a gallon glass jar or large pitcher. Discard wilted lemon balm.
  • Add lemon juice to the lemon balm-infused simple syrup and stir. Add 12 cups cold water. Taste and adjust as required. Add more agave if you find the lemonade too tart. Alternately, add more lemon juice if you prefer your lemonade on the puckery side.
  • Chill until ready to serve.
  • Serve over ice with a garnish of fresh lemon slices and fresh lemon balm. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 434kcal | Carbohydrates: 110g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 395mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 92g | Vitamin A: 1435IU | Vitamin C: 81.6mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 2.1mg

Virtual Baby Shower for Two Peas & Their Pod

Drinks

Simple Bites – Lemon Balm infused Lemonade
Ingredients, Inc. – Healthy Fruit Punch
Food for My Family – Lemongrass Soda
She Wears Many Hats – Mini Pistachio Smoothies
Georgia Pellegrini – Watermelon Agua Fresca & a New Pea

Appetizers/Savory Bites

Family Fresh Cooking – Baby Peas & Cheese Frittata
Barbara Bakes – Creamy Orange Fruit Dip and Fruit
Aggie’s Kitchen – Pasta Salad with Balsamic Basil Vinaigrette
Reluctant Entertainer – Nutella Berry Bruschetta

Dessert

TidyMom – Blue and Chocolate Cake Balls
i am baker – Baby Pea Baby Shower Cake
Brown Eyed Baker – Pavlova
Picky Palate – Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Sandwich
Cookin’ Canuck – Nutella & Cream Cheese Swirled Blondies
Kevin and Amanda – Baby Blue Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Cups
Sweetopia – Decorated Sugar Cookies
Mountain Mama Cooks – Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Bake at 350 – Petit Fours with fondant pea pods
Recipe Girl – Baby Button Cookies
Recipe Boy – Mud Cups with Gummy Worms
Add a Pinch – Blackberry Tartlets
Dine and Dish – Oven Baked Cinnamon Apples
Vintage Mixer – Mint Chocolate Pudding Shots

Crafts

Our Best Bites – How To: Make a Diaper Cake Centerpiece

How are you hanging onto summer?

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58 Comments

  1. This sounds delicious! I have never tried lemon balm. Actually, I am trying to branch out with my herb usage, since I typically eat just the *normal* ones – basil, oregano, parsley, sage 🙂

  2. I love lemon balm. We’ve been enjoying cold lemon balm tea all summer. I even made up a bunch of concentrate and put in the freezer to get me through the winter months. Love the idea of adding it to lemonade. :0)

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  5. How am I holding onto summer? I’m not. I’m ready for fall. Let it come! Of course, our days are still warm, so I can’t completely escape summer. 🙂

  6. My husband and I were introduced to Lemon Balm this summer. But, we got some in a box of produce that we get every few weeks, and I haven’t seen it since (in stores, or in our produce box). We LOVE it! I will have to plant it in my apartment garden next summer!

  7. What a wonderful for refreshment for a baby shower or any occasion (sitting on the back patio seems like as good a reason as any for me to try this). I am definitely bookmarking this to try.

  8. Aimee, this lemon balm infused lemonade sounds wonderful! Wish I had some of that growing in my garden. Waaayy better than simple squeezing a lemon in water. Thanks for joining in on the fun today 🙂

  9. Aimee, this sounds absolutely delicious!! I have to admit, I had never heard of lemon balm before this or even knew you could grow it… so thank you for introducing this to me and a big thank you for helping to make this so special for Maria! ~ Cheers

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