A honey lemon ginger drink takes about 15 minutes to make with four basic ingredients. Fresh ginger brings a gentle bite, lemon adds brightness, and a little honey rounds out the flavour. This recipe makes two small cups and lets you adjust each ingredient to taste.
Contents
Ingredients for two cups
- 400 ml (about 1¾ cups) water;
- a 10–15 g piece of fresh ginger, about 2–3 cm (roughly 1 inch), cut into thin slices;
- juice of half a lemon, about 1–2 tablespoons, to taste;
- 2 level teaspoons of honey in total, or less if the drink tastes sweet enough without it.
These amounts are a starting point. Use less ginger or steep it for less time if you prefer a milder drink. Add lemon gradually, as its acidity varies. Mild acacia honey lets the lemon and ginger stand out, but any honey you enjoy will work.
How to make a honey lemon ginger drink
- Wash the lemon and ginger. Slice the ginger thinly; scrub it well if you leave the skin on. Bring the water to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
- Add the ginger slices, cover, and steep for about 8–10 minutes. Taste the infusion. Strain it sooner for a softer flavour or leave it a little longer for a stronger one. If using grated ginger, start with less because it releases its flavour quickly.
- Strain the ginger and divide the infusion between two cups. Let it cool until comfortably warm, then stir in the lemon juice.
- Add one teaspoon of honey to each cup and stir. Taste before adding more. You do not need to keep heating honey just to dissolve it; it blends readily into a warm drink. Read more in Honey in Tea.
Time: about 5 minutes of preparation plus 8–10 minutes of steeping. Yield: two small cups. This drink is best freshly made and warm, not scalding hot.
Ways to adjust the flavour
For a refreshing cold version, strain the ginger, let the infusion cool completely, then stir in the lemon and honey. Serve over ice if you like. Do not leave a prepared drink at room temperature for a long time; cover any leftovers, refrigerate them and use them promptly. The recipe is quick enough to make fresh rather than in a large batch.
If the drink is too sharp from the ginger, use less ginger next time instead of hiding the heat with extra honey. If it is too tart, reduce the lemon. Honey contributes flavour, but it also contains free sugars; our honey and sugar comparison gives context for using it in moderation.
Is this a remedy for a cold?
This is a drink recipe, not a way to “detox” the body, boost immunity or cure an infection. A warm drink can feel soothing when your throat is irritated. The NHS includes hot lemon and honey among self care options for a cough while noting that evidence for its effect is limited. Our article Honey for a Cough looks at honey itself and when to seek medical advice.
Ginger adds flavour here. Research on ginger supplements does not establish that a homemade cup prevents colds or treats nausea. The NCCIH notes that ginger can cause stomach discomfort or heartburn in some people. If you take medication or are considering ginger supplements, discuss them with a healthcare professional.
Never give honey to a child under 12 months old, including in a drink. The CDC warns about the risk of infant botulism. For an older child, make sure the drink is not too hot and that the ingredients suit their age and needs. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice rather than relying on a homemade drink.
Frequently asked questions
Should honey go into boiling water?
There is no need. Steep the ginger first, then stir in the honey once the drink is cool enough to sip comfortably. This also makes the honey’s aroma easier to appreciate. A teaspoon stirred into warm water does not instantly become “toxic.”
Can I use ground ginger?
Yes, although the taste and texture will differ. Start with a small pinch, stir well and taste. Ground ginger will not strain out as easily as fresh slices, so fresh root is better if you want a clearer drink.
Which honey works best?
Choose a honey whose flavour you like. A mild honey leaves more room for the lemon and ginger, while a stronger one changes the character of the drink. No particular variety is required for this recipe.
The short version
For two cups, steep 10–15 g of sliced fresh ginger in 400 ml of water, strain it, add lemon to taste, then stir in a little honey. Adjust the warmth, tartness and sweetness to your liking, and keep expectations about health effects modest.
