This Lemon Ginger Cinnamon Tea with Honey is a fragrant, warming drink that beats any store-bought tea bag. Ready in just 15 minutes, it combines the spicy kick of fresh ginger with zesty lemon and sweet honey. Whether you're looking for a soothing winter drink or a refreshing iced lemon tea, this recipe is the perfect all-natural choice.
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Quick Answer
Simmer grated ginger in water, then add fresh lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, mint, and honey. Boil 5 minutes, then steep for 5 more. Strain and serve hot, or pour over ice for a refreshing iced version. Ready in about 15 minutes total.
This isn't just a basic tea; it's a favorite family recipe my husband developed years ago. We've brewed hundreds of batches to find the perfect balance so the ginger is invigorating but not overpowering. I personally love that this uses the whole lemon (peel and all) to extract the essential oils that you simply don't get from bottled juice. If you love this recipe, you may also want to try Dandelion Tea or Non Alcoholic Hot Toddy.
For another refreshing homemade drink, try my Homemade Lemonade or my Mango Pineapple Smoothie!
Recipe at a Glance
- The Flavor: Spicy, zesty, and naturally sweet with a hint of mint.
- Key Ingredients: Fresh grated ginger, cinnamon sticks, whole lemons, and raw honey.
- Time: 5 minutes prep, 10 minutes simmer.
- The Method: A dual-boil technique (pot and kettle) for the fastest results.
- Serving: Delicious served steaming hot or poured over ice as a chilled lemon tea.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Homemade Lemon Tea
- Invigorating Flavor: The combination of fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, lemon, and honey creates a sweet and spicy profile that beats any store-bought tea bag.
- Fast and Fresh: This ginger lemon honey cinnamon tea comes together in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect quick fix for a busy morning or a relaxing evening.
- Versatile: It's a comforting, warming drink for chilly nights, but it also makes the most refreshing iced lemon tea when served over ice!
- Natural Ingredients: No artificial flavors, just pure, whole-food ingredients you can feel good about.
Ingredients for the Best Ginger Lemon Tea
To get the best ginger lemon honey cinnamon tea flavor, fresh is always best:
- Fresh Ginger: Grated finely to release the juices.
- Cinnamon Sticks: These give a warm flavor without the grittiness of ground cinnamon (which also floats on top and doesn't mix in).
- Whole Lemons: We use the juice and the rinds for maximum vitamin C and flavor.
- Honey. I used raw organic honey, but you could use the sweetener of your choice.
- Dried Mint: The secret ingredient that adds a refreshing finish.
You can find the full list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions for this lemon tea in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Homemade Lemon Ginger Tea
- Prep the Ingredients: Wash your ginger and lemons. Carefully peel the ginger root with a knife or the edge of a spoon. Use a cheese grater to grate enough ginger to fill about ¼ cup.
- Start the Ginger Base: In a large saucepan (at least 8-cup capacity), combine 2 cups of water with the grated ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- The Kettle Shortcut: While the ginger simmers, boil 6 cups of water in a separate kettle. Pro Tip: Using a kettle ensures you don't add cold water to the hot ginger base, keeping the temperature consistent and saving time.
- Add Citrus and Water: Juice the 2 lemons directly into the pot (don't worry about the seeds). Add the squeezed lemon halves to the pot as well for extra zest. Pour the 6 cups of boiling water from your kettle into the saucepan and stir.
- Infuse Flavor: Add 2 cinnamon sticks, ½ cup of dried mint leaves, and 3 tablespoons of honey.
- Simmer and Steep: Maintain a light boil for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, stir, and let the tea steep for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors fully meld.
- Strain and Serve: Pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a teapot or individual mugs to catch the ginger, lemon pulp, and mint. Serve hot with an extra slice of lemon or a drizzle of honey and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this homemade lemon tea is how easy it is to customize based on what you need. Here are my favorite ways to switch it up:
Strong Ginger Tea: If you prefer a bold, spicy kick without the citrus, simply leave out the lemons. This version is perfect for those who love a strong ginger flavor.
Immune-Boosting Garlic and Ginger: For a traditional wellness boost, grate 3 cloves of fresh garlic into the pot with the ginger. The honey and lemon help mellow the garlic flavor.
Turmeric Ginger Tea: Add a ½-inch piece of fresh turmeric root (or ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric). Turmeric adds a nice golden hue. Tip: Add a tiny pinch of black pepper to help your body absorb the turmeric.
Sugar-Free Version: Swap the honey for a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener if you are watching your sugar intake.
Jeri's Top Tips for Success
- New to Ginger? If you aren't used to the "bite" of ginger, start with ⅛ cup. It's a powerful flavor!
- The Strainer Matters: Use a very fine wire mesh to catch the small bits of grated ginger and mint leaves for a smooth cup of tea.
- Storage: This tea stores perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days. It is actually a fantastic lemon tea to drink cold on a hot day!
Recipe FAQs
While I enjoy this mostly for the taste, many people find the combination of warm ginger, antioxidant-rich cinnamon, and vitamin C from the lemons to be a very soothing "pick-me-up" during cold and flu season.
You can use ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon if you don't have sticks, but be aware that it won't dissolve completely and may leave a slight residue at the bottom of your cup.
Yes! This recipe makes 8 cups, but you can easily double it. It's a great way to have a fresh lemon tea ready in the fridge at all times.
More Homemade Beverage Recipes
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Printable Recipe
Lemon Ginger Cinnamon Tea with Honey
Equipment
- Large saucepan (8-cup capacity)
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Kettle
Ingredients
- ¼ cup grated fresh ginger (approx. 2-inch piece, peeled)
- 8 cups water (divided into 2 cups and 6 cups)
- 2 cinnamon sticks (or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 2 large lemons (juiced, halves reserved)
- 3 tablespoons honey (raw or organic preferred)
- ½ cup dried mint leaves (or 1 cup fresh mint, or 3 mint tea bags)
Instructions
- Start the Base: In a large saucepan, add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add the grated ginger (¼ cup), then reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Boil the Kettle: Simultaneously, add 6 cups of water to a kettle and bring to a boil. (Using a kettle keeps the tea temperature consistent and saves time!)
- Combine: Juice the 2 lemons into the saucepan (don't worry about seeds). Drop the lemon halves directly into the pot for extra flavor. Pour the 6 cups of boiling water from the kettle into the saucepan and stir well.
- Infuse: Add 2 cinnamon sticks, ½ cup of mint leaves, and 3 tablespoons of honey. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture boil gently for 5 minutes.
- Steep: Turn off the heat and stir. Let the tea sit for an additional 5 minutes to let the herbs and spices fully steep.
- Strain and Serve: Pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a teapot or favorite mug to catch the ginger, pulp, and mint. Serve hot with an extra slice of lemon and a drizzle of honey. Enjoy!
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Notes
- Ginger Strength: If you aren't used to the "bite" of fresh ginger, start with ⅛ cup and work your way up.
- Sweeteners: For sugar-free, swap honey for stevia or monk fruit.
- Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes an incredible iced lemon tea - just pour over ice and enjoy!
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat until steaming. Do not let it return to a rolling boil to preserve the honey's flavor.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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Maddie says
Can't wait to try this in the coming fall months. I love a good ginger tea. Thank you for sharing!
Katie Youngs says
One of the reasons I look forward to the fall is because I start drinking allll of the warm, comforting teas. I can't wait to try this out in a couple of months!
Kirby says
Ginger tea is one of my favorites and this recipe did not disappoint! Thank you!
Jeannie says
I have all the ingredients and I love making tea, saving this to make at home!
Andrea White says
This looks very refreshing!