Are you currently sniffling, feeling a tinge in your throat, or generally fighting something off? Or maybe you know somebody who is. I’m not surprised! During the wacky temperature-rollercoaster we call early Spring, the big fluctuations in weather means a lot more sniffles, colds and other ailments to go around. Which is why you need this Ginger Honey Lemon Tonic in your life!! This recipe was actually inspired by a time when I myself had a tickle in my throat and was desperate for a cure. I ventured into the Le Pain Quotidien in my office building and tried this seasonal drink and was immediately hooked! Not only was it tasty and soothing, but my throat tickle was vanquished – success!
Ginger Honey Lemon Tonic
The drink was so good, I kept finding excuses to go back and order it even when I was feeling perfectly ship-shape.
“Hey Bob, let’s have our meeting at the coffee shop today!” <– me, pretty much every chance I had.
But my addiction wasn’t sustainable and people at work were starting to get annoyed by the fact that I only accepted meetings that included the words “Ginger Honey Lemon Tonic” in the subject line. So… I set out to make my own version – without any added sugar – so I could feed my addiction at any time!
Turns out, it is stupid easy to make and dare I say tastes even better fresh? If you like things a bit sweeter, you could add in some simple syrup, sugar or extra honey but I think the flavor comes together perfectly with a delicate balance of mild ginger, lemon and honey .
Ginger Honey Lemon Tonic
The benefits of this Ginger Honey Lemon tonic abound – ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and both it and the lemon are great for digestion. Honey of course adds a touch of sweetness and if you can get your hands on a local variety, it might help with seasonal allergies. I called this a tonic because it sounds all fancy and medicinal but I’ve actually been enjoying it as a caffeine-free alternative to tea, and I find it to be calming before bed. Plus, the smell of the ginger, lemon and honey when heated is so pleasant. Saving money on scented candles… added bonus of making this recipe! 🙂
Long story short, this ginger honey lemon tonic will cure what ails you – even if what ails you is simply a long day, the stress of daily life or simply something to cleanse and detox your system. So enjoy the taste, smell and comfort of a hot mug full of this healing tonic. 🙂
Ginger Honey Lemon Tonic: a hot, caffeine-free alternative to tea. This drink helps fight off the sniffles, improve digestion or just comfort you.
- Serves: 1 cup
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 72
- Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Sugar: 17
- Sodium: 2
- Protein: 0
- 1 cup water
- 1 knob of ginger, about an inch
- 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Prepare the ginger by peeling it and slicing roughly, about ¼ inch chunks.
- Add the water, honey and ginger to the pot.
- Juice ½ the lemon into the pot (reserve the other half in case you like it more lemon-y).
- Heat the tonic over very gentle (low) heat for 5-10 minutes, COVERED. The tonic should just barely be simmering. It's important to cover the pot so you don't lose the liquid to evaporation.
- Fish out the chunks of ginger then slice the remaining lemon half and add to a cup.
- Pour the tonic over the lemon slice and enjoy immediately! Preferably curled on a comfy chair with a great book in hand.
- You could grate the ginger for more pronounced flavor with less ginger, but then don't forget to strain the ginger pulp from the drink!
- Make it vegan by substituting a different sweetener like agave syrup.
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Love this tonic, it really is incredibly good for you and would be great for a detox. I have been wanting to do that and will give this a go. Thanks for posting this.
Thanks Suzanne, let me know how you like it! Personally I have found it quite addictive 🙂
I’m gonna make this Ahu Jan! Autumn has just started here in Melbourne and I really need this! 🙂
Parisa jan, perfect! Should help regardless of the season. I hope you like it 🙂
I make a very similar recipe every time I’m not feeling that great. Pinning this for once allergy season hits!
It’s so soothing isn’t it? Thanks for reminding me, allergy season is approaching!
This is such a soothing and healthy water drink, we absolutely love it. Thanks for sharing the quick recipe.
Thanks Molly, I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Ooh I love teas. This would be a great one. Reminds me of one I use for nausea ginger, garlic, clove mix. Saving this one
Renz, thank you for stopping by! This tea is great for nausea and digestion as well. 🙂
I have tried this many times, but never cooked it. Let’s see how this taste after cooking! Looks interesting 🙂
It smells amazing when heated! 🙂
Oooooo… This type of drink is so good for allergies! I was right… I use something similar, but I think I used green tea instead of water.
It’s funny how honey soothes coughs. As thick and sticky as it is, you’d think it would be like milk and make it worse!
Love your blog!
I have something similar called an Ultra remedy at the brasserie in my office building nearly every day. It definitely helps for sore throats or niggly coughs.
Ooooh this is an absolute staple in my house! I am currently pregnant, and this tonic was CRUCIAL for my nausea during the first trimester. I also like it less sweet. Such good stuff!
Yes, it is wonderful for easing nausea. I hope you’re feeling better now! 🙂
I love ginger, especially when feeling less than stellar. Lemon is also a great pick me up for me! Love this!
Me too! It’s so good for clearing sinuses and just a generally awesome pick me up 🙂
This is pretty much my cure-all tonic. Whenever I am sick, I had straight to the lemon tree! My version may also contain some alcohol…
Haha, perfect! And I know you have a lot of lemons 🙂
I hear a lot about how fresh ginger tea is good for you. This has gone a few notcheabove that with honey and lemon. This is a good thing! 🙂
Thanks for your comment Fae, the three ingredients definitely make a great combo 🙂
I’ve always mixed just lemon and honey into hot water when I feel a cold coming on. I’m definitely adding the ginger next time. Do you think it could be made in a microwave?
Wonderful! I hope you like it. It could definitely work in a microwave! You might not get as intense of flavor as the simmering does, but you could try grating the ginger in to help amplify it. I would microwave the water for a minute to 90 seconds and then mix the honey in afterwards. Let me know how it comes out!
Hello Ahu! Thanks so much for sharing the ginger tonic. Question-do you know how many times you can boil the ginger? Or is it only potent the first time it is boiled
Wonderful post! One of my friend told me to start taking ginger tea and you will find many benefits from it. So I started drinking ginger tea and was surprised by the benefits of it after having 1-2 month continuously. I started feeling fresh and full for a day and also help in loosing some belly fat. Its really great!