Ginger Lemon Honey Tea: A Warming Cup for Cool Days

As the weather cools, a steaming mug of ginger tea is one of the most searched comfort drinks for good reason: it is quick, cheap and genuinely soothing. Fresh ginger gives a peppery warmth, lemon adds brightness and honey rounds everything out. This is a drink for comfort, not a cure, but it is a lovely habit for cold evenings.

Ingredients for 2 servings

• 20 g fresh ginger (a thumb-sized piece), thinly sliced or grated
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 teaspoons honey, or to taste
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• Lemon slices to serve (optional)

Steps

1. Wash the ginger and slice it thinly. There is no need to peel it if the skin is clean and thin.
2. Bring the water to a boil in a small pot with the ginger and cinnamon stick.
3. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Simmer 15 minutes for a stronger, spicier cup.
4. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 2 minutes.
5. Strain into two mugs.
6. Stir in the lemon juice, then the honey once the tea has cooled slightly so it is drinkable, not boiling hot.
7. Serve warm, with a lemon slice if you like.

Tips for a better cup

• Add lemon and honey at the end. Very hot water dulls the fresh lemon flavor, and honey tastes best in warm, not boiling, liquid.
• Control the heat. More ginger or a longer simmer gives a sharper bite. Start light and adjust.
• Make a batch. Simmer a larger amount of ginger, strain and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add lemon and honey per cup.
• Variations: a pinch of turmeric, a few mint leaves or a slice of orange all work well.

What it can and cannot do

Ginger is traditionally used to ease nausea and an unsettled stomach, and a hot drink with honey and lemon can feel comforting on a sore throat. These are comfort effects; the tea does not prevent or treat colds or any illness.

Who should be careful

• Never give honey to babies under 12 months.
• People taking blood thinners or diabetes medication, or with gallstones, should check with a doctor before drinking a lot of ginger.
• Ginger can aggravate heartburn in some people; pregnant women should keep to small amounts and ask their doctor.
• Honey and lemon add sugar and acidity, so those managing blood sugar or sensitive teeth may want less of both.