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Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Drinks

Soothing Honey and Lemon Drink

Updated: Nov 29, 2024 · Published: Nov 5, 2022 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 11 Comments

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Diet: Gluten Free / Low Fat / Vegetarian
Jump to Recipe
Honey and lemon drink with a text title overlay.
Honey and lemon drink with a text title overlay.

This soothing honey and lemon drink is just the kind of comforting and warming drink when you aren't feeling your best in the winter months. Honey and lemon tea is so simple to make with hot water, lemon juice, honey and ginger for an added boost.

Two glasses of hot lemon and honey on a wooden surface.

If I have a cough, sore throat or just feeling a bit run down, then I always make a big mug of this lemon and honey drink. It instantly soothes your throat and really warms you up with the kick from the fresh ginger.

It's also a really refreshing way to start your day if you want something different from a coffee. Whenever you have it, this hot lemon and honey is soothing and delicious.

If you are looking for some other drinks to give you a pick me up, why not try our Immune Booster Juice or Ginger Shots.

Note

Please note that this isn't suitable for children under the age of one due to the honey. Honey in children under one can cause botulism.

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love It
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to Make Honey and Lemon Drink - Step by Step
  • Benefits of Honey and Lemon Drink
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Drink Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Why You Will Love It

  • Soothing - We will talk more about the benefits of honey and lemon below. But it coats your throat and warms you belly and just feels really soothing and comforting.
  • 4 simple ingredients - This honey and lemon drink is so quick to make because it needs just 4 simple ingredients. Hot water, lemon, honey and ginger is all you need to make this.
  • Adaptable - We have kept this as a basic recipe, but there are ways you can adapt it like adding some turmeric.
  • Cheap - If you are paying a fortune for honey and lemon drinks, then you need to try this. It's so cheap to make with just a few budget friendly ingredients.

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Water - Hot water is what is needed to soften the ginger and melt the honey.
  • Honey - The type of honey you use here is important. Whilst you can use a budget friendly supermarket honey, which will still be nice and soothing, we do recommend that you use Manuka honey. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, Manuka honey can be used to help soothe a sore throat.
  • Lemon - The amount of lemons you need depend on how juicy they are and how much you like the flavour of lemon. Feel free to adjust the amount used.
  • Ginger - Use a thumb sized piece of fresh ginger, that has been peeled and grated. You could use frozen ginger if that is all you have.

Variations

This is a really simple recipe, so there isn't too much that can be adapted. If you wanted to make this vegan, then you could swap the honey for maple syrup. It wouldn't have the same health benefits though.

For an added health boost, you could add some fresh turmeric to this honey and lemon tea. Just slice fresh turmeric (no need to peel) and put it in the hot water with the ginger.

This isn't for everyone, but a nice addition that adds extra freshness is some fresh thyme. You could also swap the lemon for orange, or use a mixture of them both. Or lime for a tropical twist.

How to Make Honey and Lemon Drink - Step by Step

A jug of boiled water with grated ginger in it.
  1. Step 1: Put the boiled water into a jug and add the grated ginger. Allow to stand for 5 minutes.
A fine sieve held over a a glass with ginger water strained through it.
  1. Step 2: Hold a fine sieve over a glass or mug and pour the ginger water through it.
Honey and lemon juice added to the glass.
  1. Step 3: Add the lemon juice and Manuka honey. Stir well and serve.

Benefits of Honey and Lemon Drink

We use this honey and lemon hot water for sore throats, coughs and colds. Whilst we are not medical professionals, you will find that GPs will tell you that there is no cure for a cold, but drinks like this can be very soothing, which at least feel like they help.

They also basically do that same as cough syrup does. We use honey and lemon for a cough, because cough syrup is basically just sugar, and honey will do the same job. Even the NHS recommends hot lemon and honey drink for coughs.

Not only will the honey sooth your throat, but this lemon and honey drink will keep you well hydrated. There is also the nutritional benefits from the lemon and ginger. Lemon and ginger help to boost your immune system, which will help you to fight a cold. Lemon is a great source of vitamin C and ginger is high in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory too.

Hot lemon and honey drink in a glass with a lemon slice on top.

Extra Tips

  • You don't have to leave the ginger in the  hot water for 5 minutes, but you will have a more intense ginger flavour if you do.
  • Did you know that you can freeze ginger and then grate it straight from frozen?
  • You can also serve this lemon and honey drink cold which is nice and refreshing on a hot summer day.
  • Be careful not to drink too much of this because it can cause heartburn or acid reflux.
Two glasses of hot lemon drink next to a pot of honey, some ginger and a lemon half.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store honey and lemon tea.

If you have leftovers then once fully cooled it can be kept in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can either heat it up, or enjoy it cold.

Is this vegan?

This isn't vegan because of the honey, however it can easily be swapped for maple syrup.

Is this suitable for children?

This isn't suitable for children under 1 due to the honey which can cause botulism, however for other children it's a great way to sooth a cough or cold.

More Drink Recipes

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    Peach Iced Tea
  • Raspberry and mint water in two mason jars.
    Raspberry and Mint Water
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    Sparkling Cucumber Water

If you’ve tried this honey and lemon drink recipe, then let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

Honey and lemon drink surrounded by honey, lemon and ginger.

Soothing Honey and Lemon Drink

By: Dannii Martin
This soothing honey and lemon drink is just the kind of comforting and warming drink when you aren't feeling your best in the winter months.
A circular logo saying GF.
Gluten Free
the words low fat in a white circle.
Low Fat
An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
Vegetarian
5 from 13 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: British
Prep: 2 minutes mins
Total: 2 minutes mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 92kcal
Allergens:
No Common Allergens

Ingredients

  • 500 ml (2 cups) Boiled water
  • 30 g (1 oz) Fresh ginger - peeled and grated
  • 2 tablespoon Manuka honey
  • 1 Lemon - juice only

Instructions

  • Put 500 ml Boiled water into a jug and add 30 g Fresh ginger. Allow to stand for 5 minutes.
  • Hold a fine sieve over a glass or mug and pour the ginger water through it.
  • Add the juice of 1 Lemon and 2 tablespoon Manuka honey. Stir well and serve.

Recipe Tips

  • You don't have to leave the ginger in the  hot water for 5 minutes, but you will have a more intense ginger flavour if you do.
  • Did you know that you can freeze ginger and then grate it straight from frozen?
  • You can also serve this lemon and honey drink cold which is nice and refreshing on a hot summer day. Summer colds are the worst, aren't they?!
  • Be careful not to drink too much of this because it can cause heartburn or acid reflux.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 250ml | Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 148mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

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Comments

  1. Michelle says

    November 14, 2022 at 12:30 pm

    5 stars
    This is good when you're sick, and my kids will actually drink it!

    Reply
  2. Aimee Mars says

    November 11, 2022 at 12:28 pm

    5 stars
    The flu has hit our house and I've been looking for the perfect drink to make for the kiddos to help soothe their systems. I am so excited to try this!

    Reply
  3. Shadi says

    November 11, 2022 at 12:00 pm

    5 stars
    I was looking for a recipe like this, thank you for sharing! I can't wait to try it soon!

    Reply
  4. Katherine says

    November 11, 2022 at 10:24 am

    5 stars
    This drink is just perfect when I'm feeling under the weather!

    Reply
  5. Ieva says

    November 11, 2022 at 8:48 am

    5 stars
    Our absolute favourite winter drink! Especially when one of us starts feeling poorly! So tasty and so good for you.

    Reply
  6. kushigalu says

    November 10, 2022 at 2:12 pm

    5 stars
    One of my favorite combos. Very soothing drink recipe

    Reply
  7. Mahy says

    November 10, 2022 at 2:11 pm

    5 stars
    This honey and lemon drink is exactly what I need right now! Need something warming and oh-so-delicious!

    Reply
  8. Dana says

    November 10, 2022 at 12:47 pm

    5 stars
    We've had a cold running through our home all week and this has been a life saver! For both sore throats and coughs! Thank you!

    Reply
  9. Sisley White - Sew White says

    November 10, 2022 at 12:39 pm

    5 stars
    This is so great and soothing drink for a sore throat. It was comforting and definitely made me feel better.

    Reply
  10. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    November 10, 2022 at 8:22 am

    5 stars
    I've always loved honey and lemon together and the ginger adds a lovely warming twist.

    Reply
  11. Tara says

    November 08, 2022 at 1:13 pm

    5 stars
    Oh yum! I love the combination of honey and lemon. Such a soothing drink for the upcoming winter months.

    Reply
5 from 13 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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