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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.
My husband has the flu, made his first smoothie with a variation of these ingredients and he loved it. 2 cups spinach, 2 cups water, 1″ ginger, 1/2 lemon 1 orange and 2 tbsp honey.
Hi Lauren,
Oh no! Sending him plenty of healing vibes!
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! One more thing;is it important to fill the jar to the very top for the start? I’m pretty sure my jar is too big for the honey I bought. wondering if I should give it a go as it is or go out and by some more! Love, love,love the pre-work out smoothie by the way:)
Hi Yas,
Great question! No need to fill the jar to the very top. Simply ensure that your honey reaches the top of your ingredients to start and then you’re all set!
Cheers 🙂
Love this recipe. I made two batches one for my family and one for my mom. I have had a cup every night for the last few nights. Its very calming. My kids who are 4 and 8 beg me for their own cups!! I think I will have to make this once a week. Thanks so much!! Going to buy the 5 pound jar of raw honey from the farm next week. I also told our dietician at work about it.
Hi Kim,
I agree this recipe is so relaxing! This is my go-to evening drink, along with our Spiced Almond Milk during cold winter nights.
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/weight-loss-drinks
Cheers to health + happiness in the New Year!
ok so a quick online search tells me that raw honey is not heated at high temperatures. does that mean supermarket brands are out of the question? its never mentions heat treatment.
Raw honey can usually be substituted with unpasteurized honey. It’s hard to find in the grocery store. I buy my unpasteurized honey at our local health food store, or sometimes I get it from the Bulk Barn, but it’s not as liquid.
Hi Yas,
If you can’t find raw honey in your grocery aisle, a speciality or health food store is the way to go! You can use other types of honey from your grocery aisle, just be aware that the nutrients will be limited if the honey has been exposed to high levels of heat during processing, but will still provide comfort + relief to your throat when sick as honey creates a great natural coating!
Hope this helps!
Is raw honey a specific kind of honey? We get tons of honey here in UAE and the most basic is floral (mild enough for children). Can I use that?
Hi Yas,
Thanks for reaching out! Raw honey is honey that is pure, unheated, unpasteurized and unprocessed. This is perhaps one of the most important characteristics and health benefits of the final product, as it preserves all the natural vitamins, enzymes, phytonutrients and other nutritional elements.
Hope this helps! 🙂