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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.
Do you have any recipes for better sleep? I was taking a combo of coconut oil, honey and sea salt, but lately, it has been making me sick to my stomach. I don’t have a problem going to sleep, just staying that way. I’m not sure why it worked, but when I did wake up in the middle of the night, it was much easier to go back to sleep. In the morning, I didn’t feel as tired. Any suggestions on a substitute? Thanks! 🙂
Hi Kelly,
We do!! Beet greens! Try adding them to your next green . They include a wide variety of nutrients, but make their claim to fame with tryptophan which helps with better sleep cycles.
Here’s one of our favorite recipes…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/cherry-beet-smoothie
I too am interested in a recipe for better sleep cycles, as I loved your ginger, honey, lemon water….however, when I click on the link you provided in the reply to other inquiry, there is no recipe that comes up. Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi AB,
Here’s the link for our Citrus Beet Cleanser recipe. If you’re having trouble accessing it through the link, you can also use our search feature in the upper right hand corner + simply enter the recipe name.
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/cherry-beet-smoothie
Hope this helps!
I’m taking medication for diabetes, can i still use honey?
Hi Liz,
Concerned about the honey in this recipe? We always suggest reaching out to your physician to determine if our All-Natural Remedy is the right choice for you + your body.
Hi there. After a 3rd terrible bout of bronchitis, I have started drinking and infusion of lemongrass, ginger, fresh lime juice and honey. I could not eat for 2 weeks and was too ill to move. I find this drink very soothing and was looking around for alternatives and found your recipe as it seems a good idea to keep some ready to use. I wonder if adding lemongrass to your version would work.
Hi Hazel,
I think lemongrass is a great idea. But so the flavor doesn’t become overwhelming, I’d suggest adding the lemon grass when you’re ready to add the hot water…instead of letting it sit in the lemon, ginger, honey mixture.
Hope this helps!
Do you think that it is safe to can?
Hi Dana,
I love to can! During the fall my house is packed with apples, tomatoes, pumpkin…you name it! But because of the risks, I’d suggest making this recipe + keeping it in your refrigerator for up to two months instead of canning.
Hello!
This drink seems super delicious and the photos are nice.
The actual health benefit is questionable though, because 2 out of 3 ingredients lose their immune system benefits when dissolved in hot water.
Another thing is that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in lemon is fairly unstable, and keeping it in a fridge destroys it too.
Please consider preparing fresh mixture and dissolving it in cold water for an actual helth effect.
Hi Barbara,
We love hearing from our community. And while we love our recipes it’s always good to hear others opinions + insight.