Honey lemon tea: a simple daily ritual
A soothing honey-and-lemon warm drink you can make in five minutes. Here's the method, the right way to add honey so you don't waste it, and easy variations.
Few drinks are simpler or more comforting than warm water, lemon and a spoon of good honey. It takes five minutes, uses three things you probably already have, and it's an easy way to enjoy a spoon of raw honey.
Why it works
The appeal is balance: honey's round sweetness against the sharpness of fresh lemon, in warm water that makes both easy to sip. The one detail that matters is the temperature — add the honey to water that's hot but not boiling, so you don't cook off the aroma. That's true of any good honey, as we explain in what “raw” honey means.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 ml) water — or hot water poured over a tea bag if you'd like it as tea
- 1–2 teaspoons raw honey — mild Acacia for a clean finish, or Sidr for a malty depth
- 2–3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
- Optional: a thin slice of fresh ginger, or a small pinch of cinnamon
Method
- Bring the water to a boil (or brew your tea), then take it off the heat.
- Let it cool for a couple of minutes, until it's hot but not scalding.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
- Add the honey and stir until it dissolves. Taste, and adjust.
- Optional: add ginger or cinnamon and let it sit for a minute before drinking.
Easy variations
- Honey-ginger: simmer a few slices of ginger in the water first for a warming kick.
- Iced: stir the honey into a little warm water to dissolve it, then top with cold water, lemon and ice.
- Green tea base: brew green tea and let it cool a little before adding honey and lemon.
A note on honey and heat
The whole point of a good raw honey is its flavour, so protect it: never boil it, and store your jar well between uses — our guide to storing honey keeps it at its best. Enjoy it as the small, pleasant ritual it is.
Frequently asked questions
Should I add honey to boiling water?
Let the water cool for a minute or two first. Very hot water dulls honey's delicate aroma, so adding it once the water is hot but not boiling keeps more of the flavour you paid for.
Which honey works best in honey-lemon tea?
A mild honey like Acacia lets the lemon lead, while a richer honey like Sidr adds a malty depth. Use whichever you enjoy — both dissolve easily in warm water.
Is honey lemon tea good for a sore throat?
A warm honey-and-lemon drink is a long-standing home comfort and can feel soothing, but it's a comforting ritual rather than a medical treatment. If symptoms persist, see a healthcare professional.
