DIY Ginger-Infused Honey
When you start to feel that scratchy tickle in your throat, you may wish to reach for a soothing tonic – like ginger-infused honey. This traditional brew is one of those cozy little remedies that may not cure your cough, cold or sore throat – but it sure makes you feel better. In this guide, you will learn how to make ginger-infused honey at home with no fancy equipment
Thankfully, honey from bees can be used in my ways including easy honey recipes for meals. But, it doesn’t just shine in the kitchen. Knowing how to make a few home remedies is a good skill to have.
What is Ginger-infused Honey?
Ginger-infused honey is exactly what it sounds like: fresh slices of ginger root are allowed to soak in raw honey until the flavors mingle.
This happens over a period of time to create a sweet, slightly spicy mixture that tastes great by the spoonful or when added to other hot drinks, drizzled on toast etc.
I always like to add a few slices of lemon to add flavor. But, that is optional.
Benefits of Use
This infused honey comes with a slew of potential health benefits. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, while honey has natural soothing and antimicrobial qualities.
Your tonic can be used to treat conditions like: sore throats, coughs and upset stomachs.
What You’ll Need – Ingredients
You do not need many items for this simple recipe. Even though I have not listed it, you do need a little patience and prep time. Make it ahead of time so you always have some on hand.
- honey
- ginger
- lemon
- pint jar and lid
You will need a jar. I choose the pint size jar which will hold approximately 22 ounces (net weight) of honey. Honey is sold and measured by weight not volume.
Honey
The flavor or variety (type) of honey does not really matter. Simple wildflower is just fine. Choose a mild flavor – avoid dark strong honey such as buckwheat.
I always recommend raw honey over regular honey. It has not been over processed and still maintains all its natural goodness.
Do consider that a very small percentage of people may have allergic reactions to honey – usually due to the pollen it contains.
If the label on honey does not say raw – it probably is not. If you already have some on hand and are not sure about whether or not it is raw – don’t fret. You can use it and it will work.
Ginger Root
Now for the spicy partner in this recipe. Ginger alone – is a popular home remedy for relief from coughs and sore throats.
Fresh ginger root is easily found in the produce (or fresh spices) section of your local supermarket. The small root systems remind me of daylily tubers.
Choose a root that is plump and not dried out. Avoid any roots that have soft spots or are very wrinkled.
(You can actually grow your own ginger. I did it this Summer and it was an awesome experience. I used a nice tuber from the organic section of the grocery. It grew all Summer in a large pot and I harvested the tubers in Fall.)
Lemons
This is optional but I always add lemon to my ginger infused honey recipes. They are an excellent source of antioxidants like Vitamin C.
Lemon juice is a traditional ingredient in hot teas. However, due to the strong taste – lemons are not commonly ingested alone! You only need 1 for this tea/tonic but make sure it is a plump juicy one.
How to Make Ginger-Infused Honey (Step by Step)
1. Wash and dry the ginger root and lemon. Then, peel the ginger and slice into thin pieces using a sharp knife or mandolin slicer. Likewise, slice the lemon trying to retain as much juice as possible.
2. Place lemon and ginger slices into a clean dry glass jar. Make sure you have a good lid.
3. Slowly pour raw honey (that you have slightly warmed) over the ingredients inside until the jar is full. Then place the lid on and sit in a warm location.
The jar with additives is then allowed to sit for a period (time varies – at least several days in a sunny/warm spot.)
After that time, strain the solids out and you are left with infused honey. I suggest you do remove the solids as that helps prevent spoiling.
Expert Tips for Best Flavor
Some people choose to warm honey in the microwave. I don’t recommend that because we do not know if any of the nutrients are damaged. But, do not over-heat the honey – slightly warm. Other tips-
- Slice the ginger as thin as possible (I sometimes fail to do that but it gives the best flavor).
- Use high quality raw honey.
- Don’t forget to give the jar a gentle shade or flip every day.
- For a stronger kick – let the infusion continue for a longer time.
Creative Ways to Use It
Once this process is complete, you have a jar of concentrated goodness. Don’t drink it straight – that might be a bit too much for most of us. Some people use it as a substitute for spiced honey in hot toddies.
My favorite way to use it is to create a hot tea with honey. Add 2 large tablespoons to a cup of regular hot tea.
Of course, you can dilute your tonic with plain hot water if you prefer. You can add more if you wish to make a stronger brew. Choose the amount that your taste buds prefer.
Ginger, honey and lemon produce a soothing tonic for minor cold or flu symptoms. I even use it when my sinuses are causing my throat to be sore.
It feels very good on a tender throat. This tea certainly helps me feel better while I am waiting on my system to kick the germs. And honestly, it is soothing even in the Spring when my allergies are acting up!
How to Store Ginger-Infused Honey
After a couple of days, you store your infusion mix in the refrigerator to prolong freshness. While pure honey will last indefinitely, infused may not.
This is especially true when we are adding any liquid or juices. And, we are using wet ingredients such as lemons, the honey will pull the moisture from the lemon slices.
FAQs
es, you can use dried ginger slices or even ginger powder in honey. Fresh ginger gives a brighter, spicier flavor, while dried ginger tends to be earthier and more subtle. If using dried, let it infuse a little longer for the best taste.
Honey on its own doesn’t spoil, but when you add fresh ingredients like ginger, there’s a small chance of fermentation or mold if the jar isn’t kept clean or sealed properly. Signs it’s gone bad include bubbling, foaming, or a sour smell. If that happens—toss it and start fresh.
Not always! If the skin is thin and smooth, just wash the root well and slice it. Peeling is only necessary if the skin looks tough or woody. Leaving the peel on saves time and still gives great flavor.
More Ideas for Honey
Every home should have a jar in the pantry, because there are so many ways to use honey. Need more honey ideas?
The next time your family needs a soothing hot drink, try this popular recipe for honey and cinnamon-great for relief from cold symptoms.
For a great companion product – make some natural vapor rub too!
Feeling in a crafty mood? You might whip up some honey aloe vera burn salve to have on hand or perhaps some fizzy DIY honey bath bombs!
And remember, honey and lemon can team up to make another great drink for Summer. Try some homemade lemonade sweetened with honey.
Ginger-infused honey is easy to make and full of flavor and soothing qualities that we all need sometimes. So grab that ginger and honey and start your infusion- you’ll be glad you did!
If you enjoy making this natural infusion for better health, try this recipe for homemade honey cough drops.
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Ginger Infused Honey Recipe (with Lemon)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Read my disclosure.Equipment
- double boiler set
Ingredients
- 22 ounces Honey
- 1 piece lemon
- 1 inch ginger root
Instructions
- Peel a 1 inch piece of raw ginger. Using a knife, slice the ginger. It is okay to make the slices thin or thicker – either way you prefer.
- Slice one whole lemon in equal width slices. Add the lemon slices and ginger pieces to the glass jar in layers.
- Using a double boiler, heat your honey to a temp of 115 degrees F. We do not normally recommend heating raw honey because it may destroy some of the nutrients. However, for infusing – warm honey works best.
- Pour the warmed honey mixture into the jar containing the lemon slices and ginger pieces. Now, add a lid to the jar and invert the jar several times to mix well.Leave the sealed jar sitting in a warm place for several days. You may want to periodically invert the jar to mix but that is optional. After a few days, your infused honey is ready to use.