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There are some drinks that feel like a deep exhale. The kind you pour into a tall glass, add a handful of ice, take one sip of—and suddenly the heat, the noise, the chaos of the day all soften a little. This Honey Lemon Balm Spritzer Recipe is exactly that kind of drink.
It’s light, gently sweet, citrusy without being sharp, and kissed with the fresh, calming aroma of lemon balm. Sparkling water gives it that happy, celebratory fizz, while honey rounds everything out in a way plain sugar never quite can. It’s the sort of drink you want on a hot afternoon, at a backyard brunch, or poured into a pretty glass when friends drop by unexpectedly.
What I love most about this spritzer is how simple and honest it is. No complicated syrups, no obscure ingredients you’ll use once and forget. Just fresh herbs, citrus, honey, and bubbles—working together in a way that feels both refreshing and a little special.
Let’s slow down for a moment and talk about why this drink works so beautifully, how to make it perfectly every time, and all the little ways you can make it your own.
What Is a Honey Lemon Balm Spritzer?
At its heart, a Honey Lemon Balm Spritzer is a non-alcoholic herbal citrus drink made with:
- Fresh lemon balm leaves
- Honey dissolved in warm water
- Fresh lemon and/or lime juice
- Cold water
- Sparkling water added just before serving
The lemon balm is gently muddled to release its natural oils, infusing the drink with a soft lemony, slightly minty herbal flavor. Honey provides a floral sweetness that pairs naturally with both citrus and herbs. Sparkling water lifts everything, making the drink feel light and festive instead of heavy or syrupy.
The result is a beverage that sits somewhere between lemonade and an herbal spritz—refreshing, not too sweet, and incredibly drinkable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into the classic version of this Honey Lemon Balm Spritzer:
- ½ cup honey (orange blossom or citrus honey is especially nice)
- 2 cups warm water
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice, lime juice, or a combination
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, lightly packed (or mint leaves)
- Lemon or lime slices, for infusion and garnish
- 2 cups cold sparkling water
- Optional: 1 ounce per serving of light liquor (rum, gin, or St. Germain)
Every ingredient is doing real work here, so try to use the best-quality versions you can—especially the honey and citrus juice.
How to Make Honey Lemon Balm Spritzer (Step by Step)
1. Dissolve the Honey
Start by pouring the honey into a large pitcher. Add the warm water and stir until the honey is completely dissolved. This step is important—honey doesn’t dissolve well in cold liquid, and warming it first ensures an even sweetness throughout the drink.
2. Add Citrus and Cold Water
Pour in the lemon juice, lime juice (or a mix of both), along with the cold water. Give it a good stir. At this point, the base should taste bright, lightly sweet, and refreshing.
3. Muddle the Lemon Balm
Gently crush the lemon balm leaves with your hands to wake them up, then add them to the pitcher. Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, lightly smash the leaves against the bottom of the pitcher. You’re not pulverizing—just releasing those fragrant oils.
Add a few slices of lemon or lime, then refrigerate the mixture for about an hour. This resting time lets the flavors fully infuse.
4. Add Sparkling Water
Just before serving, pour in the cold sparkling water and stir gently. This keeps the fizz lively and fresh.
5. Strain and Serve
Strain the mixture into individual glasses filled with crushed ice. Garnish with fresh lemon balm leaves and citrus slices.
If you’re making an alcoholic version, stir in about 1 ounce of your chosen light liquor per glass.
Make-Ahead Tips (Because Hosting Should Be Easy)
This drink is perfect for entertaining because most of the work can be done ahead of time.
- Prepare the honey-citrus-herb base several hours in advance
- Keep it chilled in the fridge
- Add sparkling water right before serving
That way, you’re not scrambling at the last minute, and your spritzer tastes fresh and lively every time.
Turning It Into a Cocktail (Optional but Lovely)
The non-alcoholic version is fantastic on its own, but this Honey Lemon Balm Spritzer also plays very nicely with alcohol.
Some great options:
- Gin: Enhances the herbal notes beautifully
- White rum: Light, clean, and summery
- St. Germain: Adds a subtle floral sweetness
Stick to light spirits and keep the pour modest—this drink is meant to be refreshing, not heavy.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve made this recipe once, it’s hard not to start experimenting. Here are a few easy twists:
Mint Honey Citrus Spritzer
Swap lemon balm for fresh mint for a brighter, more classic herbal flavor.
Berry Lemon Balm Spritzer
Add a handful of muddled strawberries or raspberries before chilling for a fruity twist.
Ginger Lemon Balm Spritzer
Add a splash of ginger juice or a few slices of fresh ginger while the mixture chills.
Extra Citrus Boost
Use a mix of lemon, lime, and even a touch of orange juice for added complexity.
When to Serve Honey Lemon Balm Spritzer
This drink fits effortlessly into so many moments:
- Summer lunches and dinners
- Baby showers and bridal showers
- Backyard barbecues
- Poolside afternoons
- Brunch spreads
- Afternoon breaks when water just won’t cut it
It’s fancy enough to feel special but simple enough to make anytime.
Honey Lemon Balm Spritzer Recipe
Description
This bright and crisp Honey Lemon Balm Spritzer recipe will add a happy touch to any meal or celebration. It’s easy to prepare ahead and keep refrigerated until ready to serve on that hot summer day.
ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pitcher, mix honey and warm water until honey is fully dissolved.
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Add lime/lemon juice and 1 cup cold water. Mix well.
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Crush lemon balm and add to mixture. Using a muddle or wooden spoon handle, smash lemon balm in bottom of pitcher. Add lime/lemon slices and refrigerate mixture until chilled (about an hour).
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Once chilled, add 2 cups of cold sparkling water. Stir gently.
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Pour through a strainer into individual glasses over crushed ice.
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Garnish beverages with lemon balm leaves and citrus slices.
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For alcoholic version, stir in 1 oz. of light liquor to each glass.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 12 ounces
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 95kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Sodium 5mg1%
- Potassium 60mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Sugars 24g
- Calcium 10 mg
- Iron 0.3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Adapted from Bon Appetit August 2011.
- Fresh lemon balm can be substituted with mint if unavailable.
- Make ahead: Prepare base (without sparkling water) up to 24 hours in advance and chill.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the liquor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried lemon balm instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon balm is preferred for its vibrant flavor and aroma. Dried lemon balm has a much milder taste and may not provide the same refreshing quality. If you must use dried, start with 2–3 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
How long does the spritzer base last in the fridge?
The base (without sparkling water) can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizziness.