This lemon ginger honey syrup is a natural immune booster. Filled with anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger, lemon, honey, and turmeric. Batch prep this delicious concoction and use it on its own, in teas, drinks, and even in vinaigrettes.
Why I love making this elixir in bulk
Ever since I started my health journey, I try to start my day with what I call my “Immuni-tea.” It has been a way to get my daily dose of vitamin C and benefit from the anti-bacterial and anti-viral nutrients in raw honey, ginger root, and turmeric.
I came up with this elixir when fixing myself the tea from scratch every morning became time-consuming. When you have to run out to work/school/ errands, any time-saving hack is welcome!
Another reason I love this lemon ginger concoction is that it saves money! And who doesn’t love that? While I love the convenience of a teabag, they can be expensive. A box of 20 premium lemon ginger Manuka honey teabags can cost $5. This elixir is way cheaper and gives you more bang for your buck, as all the components are super fresh.
Ingredient Notes
Lemon: You can add oranges as well, as it is a great source of vitamin C.
Ginger: Ginger is beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory compound Gingerol, which helps fight inflammation and thus plays a role in reducing the risk for chronic disease.
Raw local honey: You can use Manuka honey for its medicinal properties, but using at the very least, raw and local honey is non-negotiable.
Turmeric: Turmeric includes the compound Curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties. Organic turmeric powder is preferred, and fresh turmeric will do as well.
Studies show that the absorption of Curcumin, the compound found in turmeric is greatly enhanced when combined with Piperine, the compound found in black pepper. Hence the addition of black pepper into the mix.
Black pepper: Preferably freshly crushed, as fresh-ground spices retain their oils and nutrients.
Substitutions & Variations
- You can use oranges or a combination of the two citrus.
- Use fresh turmeric root when available. You can find fresh turmeric at most grocery stores nowadays.
- If you are on the Whole30 or limiting your carb intake and don’t want to consume honey, try my Golden Paste recipe instead.
How to Assemble It
Cut the citrus and ginger: I like to slice my lemon purely for aesthetic reasons. You can cut it into smaller chunks, and as one reader suggested, grating the ginger would work as well.
Grab a clean, airtight jar: I use a 16-oz. jar, which is the perfect fit for this recipe.
Add everything to the jar: Layer the citrus and ginger, add the pepper and turmeric to the jar, pour the honey on top, stopping only when everything is fully dredged.
Push down and submerge everything: Prevent molding by pressing down on the fruit and sealing the jar tightly.
Tips
- Make sure to use organic produce – Because we add the whole fruit, skin and all, we want to ensure the cleanest variety we can find. Since these fruits are on the EWG’s Dirty Dozen and will marinate in the jar, you must use organic here to avoid pesticide and herbicide toxicity.
- Fully submerge the fruit in the honey – To avoid molding, make sure everything is fully covered with the honey when you are assembling the elixir. You should also take a few pieces of ginger and lemon as you consume this elixir, to use up everything and prevent molding.
Serving suggestions
Use it as a natural cough syrup: I give my kids a teaspoon of this to soothe their throats.
Use it in teas: Add a tablespoon to hot water to make turmeric tea. I like adding a smidge of this to my green tea to supercharge it.
Use it as a vinaigrette: Toss some greens with this syrup, some garlic, and salt, and it turns into a dressing!
Storage
You can store this for up to 2 months, as it has honey, which is a natural preservative. It is recommended to store the elixir in the fridge. If consumed daily, it usually lasts a couple of weeks.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing it. For a frozen option, try my Immunity Cubes recipe.
Common questions
The only study claiming honey’s toxicity in hot water states that it needs to be studied further and that it is not an established fact.
It may lose some of its efficacy, however, so to be safe, wait for the water or tea to cool down before adding this concoction.
Read more about it here and here.
Absolutely! This elixir contains fresh produce and all-natural ingredients, so it should be safe for kids to take. However, babies under the age of one should not be given honey, as per research. I give it to my kids much like a cough syrup because that’s the way they prefer to take it!
For sure! Both oranges and lemons contain vitamin C, which is what we are looking for. In fact, I often add both fruits when I have them on hand.
If you’re looking for more immune-boosting recipes, here are some to try:
This recipe was first published in 2016 but has been updated to reflect new information.
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Lemon Ginger Honey Syrup
Equipment
- 1 (16 oz.) airtight jar
Ingredients
- 2 lemons
- 4 inch knob of ginger root
- 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- honey raw or Manuka
Instructions
- Wash and dry the lemon and ginger thoroughly, and cut both into thin slices.
- Next, add them in alternate layers to the jar and add the turmeric powder and black pepper. Pour the honey to fully dredge the produce.
- Push down on the produce with a spoon or a honey dipper to combine everything, and then close the jar and give it a shake.
- When ready to drink, take a tablespoon along with a slice of lemon and ginger and add it to a cup of plain water or herbal tea. * See note 2
- Store the rest in the fridge.
Video
Notes
- Use organic produce, as this will all be marinating, and we want to avoid pesticide residue.
- To prevent molding, push down on the fruit in the jar so that it is covered by the honey.
- You can swap out the turmeric powder for the root.
- Make sure to use local, raw honey to avoid honey that has been cut with sugar.
- Feel free to use this on its own. I often give this to my kids on its own, much like a cough syrup.
Talat says
To be honest I would call this concoction a magic drink!!!
I have been a regular user since the beginning it was introduced by Zeeshan Shah. In fact my live in guests also use it regularly! Why ? Because of its huge health benefits..
1. Builds up immunity- living in the UK, we have changing climates and need to be prepared.
2. It has tremendously improved my gut health
3. On a busy day having it in the morning gives me some sense of energy
4. Also I use all natural ingredients like fresh ginger, fresh turmeric and manuka honey.
Thank you Zeeshan for giving us such healthy life lines 🙏🙏🌷🌷🌷@eat drink pure.
Gratitude
Dr. Talat Azad
Zeeshan says
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and wonderful review Talat! I am so happy you benefitted from this elixir!
Glenda Hensley says
Hello,
Can this recipe be used for cold beverages. I have been making lemon and honey water in my 40oz or my 46oz cup to make sure I get my water in for the day. This recipe sounds like it would be delicious as well. Also, instead of using the whole lemon can you just squeeze the juice and the peel (to get the oils) and can you grate the ginger instead of slicing?
Thank you 🙂
Zeeshan says
You absolutely can do all of the above Glenda 😊
Bria says
What is the shelf life on this? Can it go bad or rancid?
Zeeshan says
Hi Bria,
I’ve addressed this and other questions in the FAQ’s above but this stays good for at least a couple months and just make sure to keep everything fully submerged to prevent moulding. Good luck!
Deidre says
Hello! How soon after making this elixir can I use it?
I just came across your recipe and will be making this for my family who is getting sick this season. Just wanted to know how long it has to sit before I can start using it!
Zeeshan says
Hi Deidre, you can have it as soon as you’ve made it! This does marinate as it sits but you can take a piece of everything in your cup and it should work! It is really more for convenience than a fermented, pickled concoction. Hope that helps!
Susan Houle says
Can you use powdered ginger? Cannot find fresh organic ginger in town. How much?
Zeeshan says
I haven’t tried it myself but I don’t see why not:)
Try 1/4-1/2 teaspoon. You can even leave the ginger out as the turmeric, honey and lemon are still a powerful trio!
Emma says
Could I use fresh turmeric?
Zeeshan says
Absolutely!
Kathleen A Church says
Do you refrig the remainder until you use?
Zeeshan says
Yes! This needs to be refrigerated!
Sandi Neff says
How much do you take and do you add it to water?
Zeeshan says
Yes you add it to water, preferably warm and not boiling. And take a tablespoon full.
Amna says
Hello do u peel the ginger ?
Zeeshan says
Hey Amna! The easiest way is to scrape it with a spoon.
Zeeshan says
You don’t have to if the ginger is organic:)
Amina shah says
Fantastic Shani!! I have been having lemon with tripod water every morning but now I’ll add all the other ingredients also!! Thank u!
Zeeshan says
Oh I am so glad it was helpful mama!You’re very welcome!