Updated November 6, 2026
When the weather turns chilly—or you simply want something warm instead of another coffee—a mug of ginger lemon tea is hard to beat. Fresh ginger gives it a gently spicy kick, lemon adds a bright citrus note, and a little honey softens the edges if you like your tea sweeter.
The best part? You need just a few kitchen ingredients and about 10–15 minutes. No tea bags, juicer or complicated preparation required.
At a glance: Makes 2 mugs · Prep: 5 minutes · Steep: 5–10 minutes · Equipment: small pot or kettle, heatproof jug or teapot, strainer.
Ingredients for Two Mugs
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 1-inch (2–3 cm) piece of fresh ginger root, scrubbed and thinly sliced or grated
- ½ lemon, washed and thinly sliced, plus a little extra juice to taste (optional)
- Up to 1 tablespoon honey, optional, added to taste
Flavor guide: Sliced ginger gives a softer, cleaner infusion. Grated ginger makes a stronger, spicier cup. Start with less honey than you think you need; you can always add more.
How to Make Ginger Lemon Tea
- Prepare the ginger. Rinse the root well. Thinly slice it for a gentler tea, or grate it if you want more ginger bite. Peeling is optional if the skin is clean and sound.
- Heat the water. Bring 2 cups of water just to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
- Steep. Put the ginger and lemon slices in a heatproof teapot or jug. Pour over the hot water, cover and let steep for 5–10 minutes. Start tasting at 5 minutes.
- Strain and adjust. Remove the ginger and lemon. If you want more citrus brightness, squeeze in a little fresh lemon juice.
- Sweeten if you like. Let the tea cool to a comfortable drinking temperature, then stir in honey a little at a time. Divide between two mugs and enjoy warm.
Quick tip: If the tea tastes harsh or too peppery, dilute it with a splash of hot water rather than masking the whole thing with extra honey.
Three Easy Variations
1. Extra-Gingery Tea
Use a few additional thin slices of ginger or grate the original piece. Steep for around 8–10 minutes, tasting as you go. This version has a stronger, warming bite; reduce the ginger if it irritates your throat or stomach.
2. Cinnamon Ginger Lemon Tea
Add one small cinnamon stick when you pour in the hot water. The cinnamon brings a sweet-smelling, cozy note without needing more honey. Remove it along with the ginger and lemon before serving.
3. Chilled Ginger Lemon Tea
Make the tea as above, strain it, allow it to cool briefly, then refrigerate promptly in a covered container until cold. Serve over ice.
Small Mistakes That Change the Flavor
Steeping forever. More time doesn’t always mean better tea. Ginger can become sharp, while lemon peel can make a long-steeped drink taste bitter. Begin with five minutes and adjust.
Using too much honey too soon. Taste the tea first. Citrus and ginger may already provide enough flavor, and honey is entirely optional.
Leaving the lemon slices in too long. Slices give a slightly different flavor from juice alone. For a cleaner citrus taste, steep the ginger first and add fresh lemon juice at the end instead of leaving slices in for the full steep.
Serving it scalding hot. Let the tea cool enough to sip comfortably. The idea is an enjoyable warm drink, not a test of how much heat you can tolerate.
Is Ginger Lemon Tea Good for a Scratchy Throat?
A warm drink can feel comforting when your throat is irritated. The UK NHS lists hot lemon and honey as a simple self-care option for a cough, while noting there’s limited evidence that it works as a treatment. Ginger lemon tea is a drink to enjoy—not a cure for a cold, flu, infection or any other illness. NHS cough advice
For most people, food-sized amounts of fresh ginger are a familiar culinary ingredient. Research on ginger for medical symptoms has often involved supplements rather than tea, so those findings should not be treated as proof that this recipe treats a condition. NIH NCCIH: Ginger
A Few Safety Notes
- Honey is not for babies younger than 12 months, because it can cause infant botulism. Do not give very hot drinks to young children. CDC: Foods and drinks to avoid or limit
- Ginger may cause heartburn or stomach discomfort in some people. If you take medicines—especially blood-thinning medicines—or are pregnant and considering frequent, concentrated ginger products, check with a clinician or pharmacist. A mug of culinary tea should not be equated with high-dose ginger supplements. NIH NCCIH: Ginger
- If a sore throat is not improving after a week, see a doctor. Get medical advice promptly if you have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery. Difficulty breathing, being unable to swallow or drooling needs emergency help. NHS: Sore throat
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh ginger?
Yes. Start with a small pinch (about ⅛ teaspoon) for the two-cup recipe, then adjust to taste. Ground ginger creates a cloudier drink and has a different, sometimes stronger spice note than fresh slices.
Should I boil the ginger or just steep it?
For this simple tea, steeping in freshly boiled water is enough. Simmering ginger in a pan is another option if you prefer a more assertive flavor, but begin with a short steep before making it stronger.
Do I have to add honey?
Not at all. The tea works with just ginger, lemon and water. Honey changes the sweetness; it is not essential to the recipe. If you use it, add a little at a time after the tea cools to a comfortable sipping temperature.
More Drinks to Explore
Prefer a refreshing cold drink? Try our Lemon Ginger Drink. For more bold, small-serve recipes, explore 3 Easy Wellness Shots.