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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.
Looks really good! It is necessary to peel the ginger or can I just leave the skin on.
Thanks!
Love this question! The answer is no, it’s def not necessary to peel your ginger. Lots of rawkstars prefer to freeze their ginger in 1″ chunks to make it easier for smoothies, and then peel skin off with a spoon. Yet, it’s totally fine to leave it on. The only exception would be if the ginger is super old and wrinkly. Then go ahead and peel it off.
So… you put slices of both lemon and ginger from the mason jar in the cup where you ‘ll pour the water. OK. Simple. But, do you EAT the lemon and ginger pieces? Or is it just for steeping?
And, also… could leftover lemon and ginger slices inside the mason jar be BLENDED with a bit of honey and distilled water in order to still use them for their medicinal properties (refrigerating in the mason that mason jar??). Just curious. I’d hate to waste any of it. Thank you!
Awesome questions Zarina! The lemon and ginger are for steeping only. You could totally try blending them with honey afterward, yet there wouldn’t be as much nutritional benefit as when fresh. Most of it will have already been taken in when drinking the remedy originally.
I tried making this and mine became very liquidy but not jelly like 🙁
Hi Rene – make sure to store in the fridge and over time you will find it turn into that jelly-like consistency. 🙂
I did store it in the fridge and no matter how long I left it the honey turned thin and runny.
Hmm…We def want to get this one heading in the right direction for you! The consistency can definitely change if you use non-raw honey, or pre-bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice. So those would be good places to start troubleshooting. Also make sure to store it in an airtight container, and consider trying again with less lemon juice to start. Keep us posted!
Mine came out runny too because my lemons were HUGE! . Planning on adding more honey as one of my 2 mason jars starts running 1/2 empty. I’ll compare both jars at that point— the thickness/ jelly-likeness of each .
You’re so right Zarina! The additional liquid from the larger lemons would def make for a dif consistency. Keep us posted on how it goes for you next time with your adjustments. 🙂
Super easy! Happy to use local honey!
Hi Dawn!! 🙂 So glad it worked well for you and that you’re able to support your local honey provider!
I don’t know where the blog is for leaving a message. I didn’t make this recipe but I grew up with lemon, honey, and ginger heated in a pot for sipping slowly in a cup. This was used for sore throats, coughs and it tasted really good. Measurements I do not know but I would make it so it would be a little sweet with the lemon and the bite of the ginger.
Love that Carla! It’s so good that we are all still using and sharing homemade, tried and true ways of healing sickness!