Lemon Balm Weight Loss Drink Natural
There’s something deeply satisfying about making a drink from ingredients you can grow right in your own garden or find fresh at the market. It feels wholesome, pure, and connected to nature. This Lemon Balm Weight Loss Drink is the absolute embodiment of that feeling. I first discovered lemon balm growing with wild abandon in my nan’s garden, its zesty, minty scent filling the air whenever you brushed past it. I’ve been making this soothing drink for over 8 years now, and it never disappoints, whether I’m sipping it warm on a cool evening or iced on a sweltering summer afternoon.
What makes this drink so special is its sheer simplicity and the beautiful way the flavours come together. The star, lemon balm, has a gentle citrus character that’s less sharp than pure lemon, with lovely green, slightly minty undertones. When we combine it with fresh, zesty lemon and an optional hint of ginger, it transforms from a simple infusion into something truly revitalising. It’s not a magic potion, but it’s a wonderfully hydrating, natural, and low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks, making it a fantastic companion on any wellness journey.
This recipe is for anyone looking to increase their water intake in a more flavourful way, or for those seeking a calming, natural beverage to unwind with. It’s a gentle tonic that feels both refreshing and comforting. We’re not just making a drink; we’re creating a small ritual of self-care that tastes absolutely wonderful.
Recipe Overview
This is a beautifully simple infusion that captures the fresh, delicate flavour of lemon balm. Expect a light, crisp, and citrus-forward drink with a gentle herbal background. It’s wonderfully hydrating and can be enjoyed either hot or cold. I’ve tested this with varying steeping times, and I find that 12 minutes is the real sweet spot to extract the flavour without any hint of bitterness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (steeping)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 (makes 1 litre)
- Difficulty: Easy
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Balm Weight Loss Drink
- Genuine Flavour: The bright, sharp notes from the fresh lemon juice are beautifully mellowed by the gentle, almost floral citrus scent of the lemon balm. It’s clean, crisp, and profoundly refreshing.
- Ready in 15 Minutes: This drink comes together in about 15 minutes, with most of that time being hands-off while the flavours infuse.
- Flexible Recipe: You can serve it warm as a soothing tea, or chill it in the fridge and serve over ice for a brilliant summer cooler. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking or leave it out completely.
- Great for Any Time of Day: It works beautifully as a gentle start to the morning, a hydrating post-exercise drink, or a calming caffeine-free sip in the evening.
- Family Tested: My husband, who’s usually a coffee-only man, now asks for a jug of this to be kept in the fridge during the summer months. Everyone seems to love its natural, clean taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this drink lies in its fresh, minimal ingredients. When you can, opt for organic, unwaxed lemons, as we’ll be using the peel in the infusion. I get my lemon balm from a pot on my patio, but it’s often available at farmers’ markets.
- 30g large bunch of fresh lemon balm leaves and stems
- 2 unwaxed lemons
- 1 litre of freshly boiled water
- 1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- 5cm piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced (optional, for a little warmth)
- A few sprigs of fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
Sara’s Tip: Before adding the lemon balm to your jug, gently rub the leaves between your palms. This helps to bruise them just enough to release their essential oils, making your drink significantly more fragrant and flavourful.
How to Make Lemon Balm Weight Loss Drink
The process here is all about a gentle infusion. We want to coax the flavours out of the fresh ingredients without boiling them, which preserves their delicate aromas and beneficial properties.
- Prepare the Aromatics: Thoroughly wash the lemon balm leaves and any mint sprigs. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice one of the lemons. Peel and thinly slice the ginger, if you’re using it. Juice the second lemon and set the juice aside for later.
- Combine in a Jug: Place the bunch of lemon balm, the lemon slices, and the sliced ginger into a large, heatproof jug or teapot (at least 1.5-litre capacity).
- Gently Muddle: Take a long wooden spoon and gently press down on the leaves and lemon slices 3-4 times. You’re not trying to pulverise them, just lightly bruise them to help release their oils.
- Add Hot Water: Pour the 1 litre of freshly boiled water over the ingredients in the jug. You’ll immediately smell the wonderful aromas being released.
- Infuse the Flavours: Give it a gentle stir and leave the mixture to steep for 10-15 minutes. What works best for me is setting a timer for 12 minutes; I find this gives a perfect balance of flavour.
- Strain the Liquid: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a second clean jug or pitcher and carefully pour the infused liquid through it to remove all the solids.
- Add Final Touches: Stir the reserved fresh lemon juice into the warm infusion. If you’re using a sweetener, add the honey or maple syrup now while the liquid is still warm, and stir until it has completely dissolved.
- Serve or Chill: You can enjoy the drink immediately while it’s warm. Alternatively, allow it to cool to room temperature before covering and chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Serve cold over ice with a fresh slice of lemon and a sprig of mint.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Temperature Control: If you’ve chilled the drink and want to serve it warm later, gently heat it in a saucepan over a low heat. Do not let it boil, as high temperatures can diminish the delicate flavour of the lemon balm.
- The Secret Step: I learned that adding the fresh lemon juice *after* steeping, not before, makes a huge difference. Boiling water can destroy some of the vitamin C and dull the fresh, zesty kick of the juice. Adding it at the end keeps the flavour bright and vibrant.
- Make-Ahead: This drink is fantastic for making ahead. Prepare a double batch and keep it in a sealed bottle in the fridge. The flavours will continue to meld and develop overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Storage: Store the strained drink in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavour is best within the first 48 hours.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heatproof jug or teapot (1.5-litre)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Wooden spoon or muddler
- Citrus juicer
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-steeping: It might be tempting to leave the ingredients to infuse for a long time, but steeping lemon balm for more than 20 minutes can sometimes draw out bitter tannins from the leaves and lemon peel, resulting in an unpleasant taste.
- Forgetting to Bruise the Leaves: Simply pouring hot water over the leaves will create a very mild drink. The gentle bruising action is vital for releasing the fragrant oils locked inside the plant’s cells.
- Using Bottled Lemon Juice: The flavour of freshly squeezed lemon juice is incomparable. Bottled juice often has a cooked or slightly metallic taste that will completely change the profile of this fresh, natural drink. Stick with the real thing!
What to Serve With This Lemon Balm Weight Loss Drink
This drink is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light and healthy meals. The clean, citrus notes cut through richness and refresh the palate.
- Light Lunch: It’s a fantastic accompaniment to a healthy meal, like my Bruschetta Chicken, as it complements the fresh tomato and basil flavours without overpowering them.
- Healthy Snack: Enjoy a glass alongside a handful of almonds or a fresh fruit salad for a revitalising afternoon pick-me-up.
- A Healthy Lifestyle Companion: This drink is a cornerstone of a healthy routine. If you’re exploring more balanced meals, it’s a great partner to many of my Healthy Chicken Recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lemon Balm Weight Loss Drink
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Aromatics: Thoroughly wash the lemon balm leaves and any mint sprigs. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice one of the lemons. Peel and thinly slice the ginger, if you're using it. Juice the second lemon and set the juice aside for later.
- Combine in a Jug: Place the bunch of lemon balm, the lemon slices, and the sliced ginger into a large, heatproof jug or teapot (at least 1.5-litre capacity).
- Gently Muddle: Take a long wooden spoon and gently press down on the leaves and lemon slices 3-4 times. You're not trying to pulverise them, just lightly bruise them to help release their oils.
- Add Hot Water: Pour the 1 litre of freshly boiled water over the ingredients in the jug. You'll immediately smell the wonderful aromas being released.
- Infuse the Flavours: Give it a gentle stir and leave the mixture to steep for 10-15 minutes. What works best for me is setting a timer for 12 minutes; I find this gives a perfect balance of flavour.
- Strain the Liquid: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a second clean jug or pitcher and carefully pour the infused liquid through it to remove all the solids.
- Add Final Touches: Stir the reserved fresh lemon juice into the warm infusion. If you're using a sweetener, add the honey or maple syrup now while the liquid is still warm, and stir until it has completely dissolved.
- Serve or Chill: You can enjoy the drink immediately while it's warm. Alternatively, allow it to cool to room temperature before covering and chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Serve cold over ice with a fresh slice of lemon and a sprig of mint.
Notes
I really hope you enjoy making this wonderfully refreshing Lemon Balm Drink. It’s one of those simple pleasures that feels like a treat while being genuinely good for you. It’s my go-to for a moment of calm in a busy day. I would love to hear how you get on with it, so please feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts!
All the best,
Sara Gomez
