Lemon balm is like mint’s calmer, lemon-scented cousin. In fact, I often confuse it for mint when I’m rummaging around our local garden nursery for new herbs to play with at home.
It adds a soft citrusy freshness without overwhelming the rest of the drink, making it ideal for mocktails, spritzes, and delicate botanical cocktails. Whether muddled, steeped, or used as a garnish, lemon balm brings garden-fresh energy to whatever’s in your glass.
Flavor Profile
Lemony, minty, slightly herbal, and softly sweet. More mellow than mint or lemon zest but still refreshing and aromatic.
Types of Lemon Balm to Use in Cocktails
- Melissa officinalis (Standard Lemon Balm)
This is the variety you’re most likely to find in herb gardens or grocery stores. It’s the go-to choice for cocktails, teas, and infusions.
Note: Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, so it grows fast and spreads. Great for garden-to-glass use!
Best Ways to Use Lemon Balm in Cocktails
- Muddling: Gently muddle lemon balm with citrus juice or fruit for a light, minty-citrus base.
- Lemon Balm Syrup: Steep a handful of leaves in a 1:1 sugar-water mix for 5–7 minutes. Use in lemonade-style cocktails or herbal spritzes.
- Infused Spirits or Teas: Infuse vodka, gin, or light rum—or brew as a tea and chill for mocktail use.
- Garnish: Float a small sprig on top of a spritz or fizz for a gentle citrus aroma.
Perfect Spirit Pairings
- Gin – Lemon balm enhances botanicals and citrus notes
- Vodka – Light and clean, ideal for letting lemon balm shine
- White Rum – Especially with fruit or in mojito-style drinks
- Prosecco or Champagne – Add lemon balm syrup or garnish to bubbly cocktails
- Citrus Liqueurs – Think limoncello, elderflower, or orange liqueurs
Flavor Pairings
- Lemon or lime
- Honey
- Cucumber
- Strawberries or blueberries
- Ginger
- Mint or basil
- Elderflower
- Sparkling water
Lemon Balm Cocktail Ideas
- Lemon Balm Gin Spritz – Gin, lemon balm syrup, soda water, lemon slice
- Garden Lemonade – Vodka, lemon balm syrup, lemon juice, honey, ice
- Cucumber Lemon Balm Cooler – Gin or vodka, cucumber slices, lemon balm, lime juice
- Berry Balm Fizz – Muddled berries, lemon balm syrup, vodka, soda
- Lemon Balm Mocktail – Brewed lemon balm tea, honey, lemon juice, topped with sparkling water
Lemon Balm Tips & Warnings
- Use fresh. Dried lemon balm loses much of its bright flavor and aroma.
- Avoid over-muddling. Like mint, lemon balm can turn bitter if bruised too much.
- Strain well. The leaves can break apart easily—fine strain if shaking with other ingredients.
- Quick infusion. Lemon balm infuses quickly—taste often when making syrup or spirit infusions to avoid grassy notes.
- Plant in a pot. Lemon balm spreads like mint and can quickly take over your garden beds. Keep it contained in a large pot if possible, so you aren’t yanking out sproutlings for years to come.
Lemon balm is the kind of herb that quietly makes everything better. It’s perfect for light, citrusy, or herbal drinks where you want freshness without too much punch. Keep it on hand for mocktails, spritzes, and easygoing cocktails that feel like sunshine in a glass.
