Hot Lemon, Ginger and Honey Drink

A hot lemon, ginger and honey drink is an infusion of fresh ginger, brightened with lemon juice and sweetened with thyme honey. The honey goes in off the heat, once the drink has cooled to around 40 °C, to preserve its aromas. It is a comforting drink, traditionally enjoyed in winter to soothe the throat.

Method

1. Prepare the ginger Peel the ginger with a teaspoon, then cut it into thin slices, or grate it for a stronger taste.
2. Simmer the ginger Bring the water to the boil in a saucepan with the ginger, then leave to simmer, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Add lemon and infuse Off the heat, add two thin slices of lemon and leave to infuse for 5 minutes.
4. Strain the infusion Strain the infusion into two cups.
5. Leave to cool slightly Leave to cool for a few minutes, until the drink is hot but can be sipped without blowing on it, around 40 °C.
6. Add lemon juice and honey Add the juice of half a lemon and a tablespoon of thyme honey to each cup, then stir until the honey has dissolved.
7. Adjust and enjoy Taste and adjust with a little more honey or lemon to your liking, then drink straight away.

Which honey should you choose?

Thyme honey harvested in Provence is the honey most often used for this drink: its powerful, herbaceous taste answers the heat of the ginger and the sharpness of the lemon. It is also traditionally associated with winter evenings; our article on thyme honey sums up what is known about it. For a milder drink, or for hot milk, lavender honey works very well. To compare honeys by use, see also which honey to choose when your throat feels irritated.

Tips and variations

• Hot milk with honey: heat 25 cl of milk without letting it boil, leave it to cool for a few minutes, then add a tablespoon of lavender or thyme honey and a pinch of cinnamon.
• Spoonable syrup: in a small jar, mix 4 tablespoons of thyme honey, the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Take a teaspoon of it, neat or in warm water. Keep it in the fridge and use it within 3 to 4 days.
• Add a cinnamon stick or two cloves while infusing for a spicier version.
• Honey must never be given to a child under one year old, because of the risk of infant botulism. For older children, see our article which honey to choose for children.

Storage

The ginger and lemon infusion, without the honey, keeps for 48 hours in the fridge in a closed bottle. Reheat it gently, let it cool to a drinkable temperature, then add the honey just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

Why add the honey off the heat?

Heat dulls the aromas of raw honey and alters some of its most fragile compounds. By adding it to a drink that has cooled to around 40 °C, you keep all its fragrance.

Is lemon, ginger and honey good for the throat?

This hot drink is traditionally used to soothe an irritated throat and bring a feeling of comfort. It does not replace medical advice: if symptoms persist or come with a fever, see your doctor.

Can you give this drink to a child?

Never before the age of one: honey must not be given to babies because of the risk of infant botulism. After that, reduce the ginger, which can taste very hot, and ask your doctor’s advice if in doubt.

Should you use fresh or ground ginger?

Fresh ginger gives a more fragrant, livelier drink. Failing that, allow half a teaspoon of ground ginger for two cups, infused in the same way and then strained.