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Some days I just want a mug of something bright, spicy and sweet, and my homemade ginger lemon honey tea is it.
I keep a jar of this in the fridge and scoop it into hot water whenever I want a mug. It takes a few minutes to make and tastes like a spicy lemon drop.
Table of Contents
Why I Love Ginger Lemon Honey Tea
It tastes amazing, and it’s the first thing I reach for when I want something warm. Here’s what I love about it:
- It’s sweet, tangy and a little spicy, like a lemon drop in a mug.
- Layer a jar in just a few minutes, then a warm mug is ready whenever you are.
- Just three whole-food ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- A reader favorite: “I drink at least 2 cups of this every single day. It replaced my coffee and it’s refreshing. I also like it cold.” (Judith W.)
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need three ingredients to make this Ginger Lemon Honey Tea. I like to batch it out into a large mason jar and store in the fridge until needed.
- Fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice is high in vitamin C and adds a bright, tangy flavor. Use organic lemons or really scrub the peel to remove any pesticide or wax residue. You can create fresh lemon juice by squeezing by hand or using a juicer.
- Fresh ginger root: Ginger is anti-inflammatory, and it brings a warm, spicy kick. Found in the produce section. You’ll want to wash it well and cut into thin ginger slices. If you can’t find it, try using herbal ginger tea from a box.
- Raw honey: Raw local honey adds natural sweetness and balances the tartness of the lemon and ginger. Use raw local honey or Manuka honey for the best results. Infants under one year of age should avoid honey as it can cause botulism.
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How to Make Ginger Lemon Honey Tea
This ginger, lemon and honey tea is ideally made in a large batch to have all season long. It’s ready in just a few minutes. You can make it fresh with hot water, slice of lemon, ginger, and honey, or you can make it in bulk like I do. Here’s my preferred method:
- Cut lemons and fresh ginger root into thin slices.
- Alternate layering into an airtight jar (ex: mason jar).
- Slowly, pour honey over the lemon slices and fresh ginger root and fill jar to the top. Seal tightly.
- Store in the refrigerator until needed.
- When ready to use, add a large scoop to a mug of hot water. Stir well and sip it down.
Storage Tip
I love using mason jars to store my homemade tea concentrates, like this ginger lemon honey tea that’s in a quart-size mason jar with a wide mouth.
Common Questions
Ginger lemon honey tea is a simple, flavorful way to enjoy a warm drink made from whole ingredients. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, lemon is high in vitamin C, and raw honey adds natural sweetness.
Yes! That’s how I make it. Layer lemon slices, ginger and honey in a jar, store it in the fridge, and scoop a few tablespoons into hot water whenever you want a mug.
Honey rounds out the tartness of the lemon and the spice of the ginger, and it lets the flavors mingle in the jar. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, and together they make a mellow, sweet-spicy mug.
More Natural Remedy Recipes
Thirteen years ago, I started on this wellness journey and tried more homemade recipes than I can count. Some were a bit wild and I only did once, whereas others were winners I still make. Here are a few that have stuck with me:
- Elderberry Syrup: A homemade syrup I keep stocked, and when you can turn it into elderberry popsicles, I’m 100% in.
- Homemade Fire Cider: This bold, tangy tonic is not for the faint of heart.
- Sleep Tea: A cozy, caffeine-free herbal tea for winding down.
Ginger Lemon Honey Tea
Jen HansardVideo
Ingredients
- 2 lemons organic
- 2 inch ginger root
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions
- Slice the lemons and ginger. Layer the slices in a mason jar, alternating lemon and ginger.
- Slowly pour the honey over the slices, letting it sink down and around them. Fill the jar to the top with honey and seal tightly.
- Refrigerate. Over time, the mixture will thicken into a loose jelly.
- To make tea, scoop some of the mixture into a mug of hot water, including a few pieces of lemon and ginger. Steep for 3 to 4 minutes before sipping.
Recipe Notes
- Prep Tip: Scrub the lemons well, since the peel goes into the jar. Slice the lemons and ginger thinly so they release more flavor; there’s no need to peel the ginger.
- Honey Tip: Raw, local honey gives the best flavor. Let just-boiled water cool for a minute before stirring in the mixture.
- Serving Ideas: Stir a spoonful into hot water for tea, or into chilled sparkling water for a cold drink. Add a few lemon and ginger slices to the glass.
- Storing: Keep the sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, and scoop with a clean, dry spoon each time. If the honey firms up, let the jar sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
All my favourite things in one jar!
Thank you for the recipe, it never occurred to me to do this and I always buy pre-made teas.
I made your recipe yesterday and wanted to know, can I use it straight away or should it be left awhile before using?
Thanks Ladies 🙂
Hi Larresha,
No need to wait! Once made enjoy a hot glass of our lemon, ginger, honey: all-natural remedy.
Cheers 🙂
This recipe looks fantastic! I’m wondering how long it will keep for in the refrigerator? I’d like to make it soon to have it ready in case I am sick. Thanks!
Hi Angie,
Our All-Natural Remedy will keep in your fridge for several months. I usually keep mine for about 3-4 months, so I have it on hand all winter long!
Cheers to healthy + happy cold and flu season!
Hello!
I love all of your recipes! I have a question for you, what would be the difference between using raw organic honey and raw manukah honey?
Hi Claudia,
Great question! Manukah honey is specifically from New Zealand and Australia and is the only honey approved for medical treatment. It also has higher antioxidant levels compared to other raw honeys.
Hope this helps!
I had never heard of Manukah honey so decided to look it up and read about it. I would like to use something that is as medicinal as possible when making a drink such as this. The writing in Wikipedia leaves me wondering how I know I am getting something pure and not diluted with syrup as they say many “Manukah” jars are. Do you recommend a brand/maker? What should I look for on the labeling? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Tricia,
Look for the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association) mark on the jar; this mark acts as a total quality standard for consumers.
To carry the UMF brand, the manufacturer or owner of the brand must hold a current UMF license with UMFHA. In addition, genuine UMF Manuka Honey complies with all five of the following criteria:
– UMF is clearly stated on the front label.
– It is packed into jars and labelled in New Zealand.
– It is from a New Zealand company licensed by UMFHA to use the name UMF.
– It has the UMF licensee’s name on the front label.
– It has a rating of UMF 5+ or more.
Hope this helps! 🙂
What am I missing if I use regular honey instead of raw? Thanks for the great remedy and all your smoothie recipes, they are amazing!
Hi Lara,
Great question! Honey in its natural state has enzymes and nutrients in it that are destroyed by the heat (especially the high heat from pasteurization), while raw honey retains all of those nutrients to give the maximum health benefits. Pasteurization also plays a role in preventing crystallization and makes the final product very clear compared to the raw honey paste. There are still antioxidants in pasteurized honey, but in much smaller percentages. Some may decide to choose one over the other because of various factors, but whichever option someone chooses, honey will be a great natural sweetener.
Hope this helps!
It does thank you!
Once it’s in the fridge how long should you wait to use it? I know it suppose to be a jelly consistency, so should I just wait till then?
Hi Jhanna,
No need to wait! Once made enjoy a hot glass of our lemon, ginger, honey: all-natural remedy. We’re just giving you a heads up that the combination will thicken over time, no need to wait for your remedy to thicken before enjoying.
Cheers 🙂