How to Make Lemon Balm Tea (Hot & Iced)
Few things are as relaxing as a freshly brewed cup of lemon balm tea. With its light citrus aroma, mild herbal flavor, and refreshing taste, lemon balm has become a favorite among tea lovers and gardeners alike.
Whether you're harvesting fresh leaves from your garden or reaching for dried loose-leaf herbs, making lemon balm tea is simple and requires only a few minutes.
In this guide, we'll show you how to prepare both hot and iced lemon balm tea, along with tips for customizing your cup.
What Does Lemon Balm Tea Taste Like?
Lemon balm tea has a gentle flavor that's often described as:
-
Light
-
Refreshing
-
Mildly citrusy
-
Softly herbal
-
Slightly minty
-
Smooth and easy to drink
Despite its name, lemon balm doesn't taste exactly like lemons. Instead, it has a subtle lemon fragrance with a mellow herbal finish.
Because of its mild flavor, it's also an excellent herb for blending with other teas.
Hot Lemon Balm Tea
Ingredients
-
1 to 2 teaspoons dried lemon balm (or 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh leaves)
-
8 ounces hot water
-
Honey (optional)
-
Lemon slice (optional)
Instructions
-
Bring fresh water just to a boil.
-
Place the lemon balm into a tea infuser or teapot.
-
Pour the hot water over the herbs.
-
Cover while steeping to help retain the aromatic oils.
-
Steep for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.
-
Remove the herbs and enjoy.
For a stronger cup, simply increase the amount of lemon balm rather than extending the steeping time too much.
Iced Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm makes an incredibly refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients
-
4 tablespoons dried lemon balm (or about 1 cup fresh leaves)
-
1 quart hot water
-
Ice
-
Lemon slices
-
Fresh mint (optional)
-
Honey or sweetener (optional)
Instructions
-
Steep the herbs in hot water for about 10 minutes.
-
Strain the tea.
-
Allow it to cool.
-
Refrigerate until chilled.
-
Serve over ice with fresh lemon slices if desired.
It's the perfect drink for warm afternoons on the porch or after spending time in the garden.
Cold Brew Lemon Balm Tea
For an even smoother flavor, try cold brewing.
Simply place fresh or dried lemon balm in cold water and refrigerate overnight.
The result is a refreshing herbal tea with a lighter, naturally smooth taste that's ideal for hot summer days.
Tea Blends That Pair Well with Lemon Balm
Lemon balm combines beautifully with many herbs.
Some favorite combinations include:
Lemon Balm + Chamomile
A classic evening blend with a gentle floral flavor.
Lemon Balm + Peppermint
Bright, cool, and refreshing.
Lemon Balm + Lavender
Lightly floral and wonderfully aromatic.
Lemon Balm + Hibiscus
A colorful, tangy summer iced tea.
Lemon Balm + Rose Petals
Delicate and beautifully fragrant.
Lemon Balm + Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Earthy, fresh, and full of herbal character.
Lemon Balm + Raspberry Leaf
A smooth herbal blend with a pleasantly mellow finish.
Experimenting with different combinations is one of the joys of loose-leaf tea.
Can You Sweeten Lemon Balm Tea?
Absolutely.
Many people enjoy it plain, while others add:
-
Honey
-
Maple syrup
-
Agave
-
Stevia
-
A squeeze of fresh lemon
Try it unsweetened first—you may be surprised by how naturally pleasant it is.
Fresh vs. Dried Lemon Balm Tea
Both make wonderful tea.
Fresh leaves provide:
-
Bright garden flavor
-
Fresh citrus aroma
-
Delicate taste
Dried leaves offer:
-
Convenience
-
Consistent flavor
-
Year-round enjoyment
-
Easy storage
If you grow lemon balm, you'll likely enjoy fresh tea during summer and dried tea throughout the rest of the year.
Tips for the Best Cup
For the best flavor:
-
Use fresh, good-quality herbs.
-
Cover the tea while steeping.
-
Use filtered water if possible.
-
Don't over-steep if you prefer a lighter flavor.
-
Store dried herbs in airtight containers away from heat and light.
Small details make a noticeable difference.
Our Favorite Way to Enjoy Lemon Balm
At Calhoun Farmstead, lemon balm tea has become one of our favorite ways to enjoy this versatile herb.
We harvest lemon balm from our garden during the growing season, carefully dry the leaves to preserve their bright herbal character, and prepare them as loose-leaf tea in small batches.
Whether enjoyed as a warm evening cup or poured over ice on a hot summer afternoon, it's a simple way to bring a little of the garden into your daily routine.
If you don't grow your own lemon balm, our handcrafted Lemon Balm Loose-Leaf Tea offers the same fresh herbal experience in a convenient ready-to-brew blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should lemon balm tea steep?
Most people enjoy a steeping time of 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong they like their tea.
Can I use fresh lemon balm instead of dried?
Yes. Fresh leaves make an excellent tea with a bright, garden-fresh flavor.
Can I drink lemon balm tea cold?
Absolutely. Lemon balm is one of the best herbs for iced tea and cold brewing.
Should I cover the tea while steeping?
Yes. Covering your cup or teapot helps keep the aromatic oils from escaping with the steam.
What herbs blend well with lemon balm?
Chamomile, peppermint, lavender, hibiscus, tulsi, rose petals, and raspberry leaf are all wonderful companions.
Final Thoughts
Lemon balm tea is one of the easiest and most enjoyable herbal teas to prepare.
Whether you brew a comforting mug on a cool evening or a pitcher of iced tea for a summer gathering, this gentle herb offers a refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of the garden.
Simple to make, easy to customize, and delicious hot or cold, lemon balm tea is a timeless favorite that's worth keeping stocked in every herbal pantry.
Explore Related Products
Interested in incorporating lemon balm into your daily routine? Explore our collection of handcrafted products inspired by traditional herbal practices and natural living. From soothing herbal teas to botanical body care, each product is thoughtfully crafted in small batches using quality ingredients and a love for simple, nature-inspired wellness.
Recommended Products & Resources
Growing your herbal knowledge is one of the best investments you can make. Whether you're planting your first herb garden, learning how to preserve your harvest, or exploring traditional herbal practices, these books and tools can help you continue your journey.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Continue Your Lemon Balm Journey
If you enjoyed learning about lemon balm, explore more articles in our complete Lemon Balm educational series.
Growing Lemon Balm
-
Lemon Balm: Benefits, Uses, Growing Tips, Recipes, and More
-
How to Grow Lemon Balm
-
Is Lemon Balm Easy to Grow?
-
Does Lemon Balm Come Back Every Year?
-
Does Lemon Balm Spread?
-
Companion Plants for Lemon Balm
-
Why Bees Love Lemon Balm
Harvesting & Preserving
-
When to Harvest Lemon Balm
-
How to Dry Lemon Balm
-
Fresh vs. Dried Lemon Balm
-
How to Store Dried Lemon Balm
Recipes & Everyday Uses
-
How to Make Lemon Balm Tea
-
Lemon Balm Lemonade Recipe
-
Lemon Balm Simple Syrup
-
Creative Ways to Use Fresh Lemon Balm
-
Herbs That Pair Well with Lemon Balm
Explore More Herbs
Continue building your herbal knowledge with these popular wellness guides:
Every herb has a story to tell. Our growing herbal library is designed to help you confidently explore traditional botanical knowledge, gardening tips, recipes, and natural living—one plant at a time.