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.
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.
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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 needed
- 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.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to make honey and lemon drink - Step by step
One: Put the boiled water into a jug and add the grated ginger. Allow to stand for 5 minutes.
Two: Hold a fine sieve over a glass or mug and pour the ginger water through it.
Three: 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
This isn't vegan because of the honey, however it can easily be swapped for maple syrup.
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
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
Soothing Honey and Lemon Drink
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.
Notes
- 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.
Michelle
This is good when you're sick, and my kids will actually drink it!
Aimee Mars
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!
Shadi
I was looking for a recipe like this, thank you for sharing! I can't wait to try it soon!
Katherine
This drink is just perfect when I'm feeling under the weather!
Ieva
Our absolute favourite winter drink! Especially when one of us starts feeling poorly! So tasty and so good for you.
kushigalu
One of my favorite combos. Very soothing drink recipe
Mahy
This honey and lemon drink is exactly what I need right now! Need something warming and oh-so-delicious!
Dana
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!
Sisley White - Sew White
This is so great and soothing drink for a sore throat. It was comforting and definitely made me feel better.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
I've always loved honey and lemon together and the ginger adds a lovely warming twist.
Tara
Oh yum! I love the combination of honey and lemon. Such a soothing drink for the upcoming winter months.