Honey Lemon Ginger Tea
شہد لیموں ادرک کی چائے
This is the simple warm drink made around the world when someone catches a cold: fresh ginger simmered in water, with lemon and honey stirred in at the end. It has no tea leaves and no caffeine, so it suits evenings and children too. What makes it work is simmering the ginger long enough to become properly warming, and adding the honey and lemon only after the water has cooled slightly, so their flavour stays fresh.
- ⏱ Total: 15 min
- Prep: 3 min
- Cook: 12 min
- Easy
- Serves 2
Method
Tap a step when it is done.
Wash the ginger and slice it thinly, skin and all, or crush it lightly so it releases more flavour.
Put the water, ginger and cinnamon in a and bring to a boil over high heat.
Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the water turns pale gold and tastes warm and peppery.
Turn off the heat, add the pinch of black pepper and the lemon slices, and let it stand for 2–3 minutes to cool slightly.
Strain into mugs, stir in the lemon juice and honey, taste and adjust. Drink while warm.
Kitchen notes
Add honey only once the tea has cooled a little. Stirring it into boiling water dulls its flavour.
For a stronger, spicier cup, use more ginger rather than simmering longer. After about 15 minutes the water reduces but gets little more flavour.
Honey is not suitable for babies under one year old. For them, ask a doctor before giving any home remedy.
A comfort drink for colds
Ginger, lemon and honey in hot water is one of the most widely made home drinks in the world, from Pakistani kitchens to British and Chinese ones. In Pakistan it sits alongside qehwa and haldi doodh as a go-to remedy when the weather changes and coughs and colds go around. Because it has no tea leaves, it is caffeine-free and can be sipped through the evening or before bed.
Getting the most from the ginger
Fresh ginger needs time in simmering water to release its warming compounds; a quick dip gives only a faint flavour. Slicing it thinly or crushing it exposes more surface, and leaving the skin on is fine as long as the root is washed. A covered pot and a gentle simmer for 8 to 10 minutes give a pale gold, pleasantly spicy liquid. Lemon and honey go in last and off the heat: lemon juice turns flat and bitter if boiled, and honey loses its delicate aroma in very hot water.
Variations
- Haldi ginger tea: add a quarter teaspoon of turmeric with the ginger for colour and an earthy note.
- Mint ginger tea: drop a few fresh mint leaves into the mugs just before serving.
- Iced version: cool the ginger water, add lemon and honey, and pour over ice for a summer drink.
Serving and storing
Serve in mugs with a lemon slice, adjusting honey and lemon to taste. The ginger water (before lemon and honey) keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, which makes it easy to have a warm cup ready whenever someone in the house is unwell.
Questions people ask
Does honey lemon ginger tea cure a cold?
No drink cures a cold, but warm liquids, ginger and honey can soothe a sore throat and help you feel better while you recover. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or last long.
Can I add tea leaves to it?
Yes. Add a teaspoon of green tea or black tea after turning off the heat and strain after 2–3 minutes. It will then contain caffeine.
Can I make a batch and keep it?
You can keep the strained ginger water in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat a cupful without boiling hard, then add lemon and honey fresh each time.
Nutrition (estimate, per serving)
- Calories
- 35
- Protein
- 0 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Carbs
- 9 g
