Weekend Garden Fun: Mint & Lemon Balm Garden Mocktail
Because summer weekends are meant for barefoot gardening and something cold in hand.
Meet the herbs:
Mint is that garden classic we all know and love — cool, uplifting, and a little wild if left unchecked. It’s perfect for teas, salads, mocktails, and those “I need to feel fresh again” summer moments.
Lemon balm, on the other hand, is mint’s calmer, lemony cousin. It carries a soft citrus scent that instantly lifts your mood and soothes frazzled nerves — a real feel-good herb. Both grow easily, love full sun, and will reward you with endless leaves all season long.
This refreshing herb mocktail is a family favourite here at VanZylStead — quick to make, gorgeous to serve, and the perfect way to use those overflowing mint and lemon balm plants before they take over the garden!
You’ll Need:
A handful of fresh mint leaves
A handful of lemon balm leaves (or lemongrass if you don’t have)
2 tbsp honey or sugar syrup
Juice of 2 lemons
1 litre sparkling water or soda water
Ice cubes
Optional: slices of cucumber, strawberries, or lemon for garnish
How To Make It:
In a jug, muddle the mint and lemon balm leaves gently to release their oils.
Add lemon juice and honey, then top up with sparkling water.
Stir well, taste, and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Add lots of ice and fresh fruit slices for colour.
Pour into glasses, add a sprig of mint on top, and enjoy outside under a shady tree.
VanZylStead Tip:
For grown-ups, add a splash of gin or white rum for a cheeky sundowner version.
Freeze a few herb leaves into your ice cubes the day before — they look beautiful floating in the glass!
This recipe also works wonderfully with basil, rosemary, or thyme if mint isn’t your favourite.
If you’ve grown coriander (or dhanya), you’ll know how tricky it can be to keep it happy once the weather starts warming up. One minute it’s lush and fragrant, and the next — it bolts, sends up flowers, and your tender leaves turn bitter. Before the heat arrives in...
Barley, Mushrooms & a Whole Lot of Comfort There’s something magical about soup on a rainy evening — the steam rising, the smell of herbs filling the kitchen, and that first warm spoonful that makes everything feel just right. This Hearty Mushroom & Barley...
A Hearty Winter Hug in a Bowl Ingredients: For the soup: 1 large butternut squash, peeled and chopped 2 carrots, chopped 1 large onion, roughly chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried) 2 Tbsp olive oil Salt & black pepper 1 tsp...
0 Comments