Honey Lemon Balm Spritzers

What to do? What to do...with my lemon balm? Adapted from Bon Appetit August 2011. To make this alcoholic add 1 ounce light liquor such as gin, rum, etc. per serving.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Yields: 48 ounces

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 2  cups warm water
• 1⁄2 cup limes (or combination of the two) or 1⁄2 cup lemon juice (or combination of the two)
• 1  cup cold water
• 1  cup lemon balm, lightly packed
•  limes or  lemon slice
• 2  cups  cold sparkling water

Directions

1. In a large pitcher, mix honey and warm water until honey combined.
2. Add lime/lemon juice and 1 cup cold water. Mix well.
3. 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).
4. Once chilled, add 2 cups of cold sparkling water. Stir.
5. Pour through a strainer into individual glasses over crushed ice.
6. Garnish beverages with lemon balm leaves and citrus slices
7. For alcoholic version, stir in 1 oz. of light liquor to each glass.