Lemon Ginger Tea

Lemon Ginger Tea, made with just five ingredients (two of them optional), is next-level comfort in the beverage department. Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, and made to order, it will warm your soul and invigorate your senses.

Lemon + ginger = a hard YES. That, plus cinnamon sticks, because why not, also a hard YES. Add in some honey, and just what are we even doing here? It’s getting deliciously ridiculous in the kitchen now, and Lemon Ginger Tea is, at this point, basically just showing off.

It is so simple yet packs a flavor punch your tastebuds will go bonkers over. Essentially, you can go comfortably into this recipe knowing it will be wonderful. How can you even go wrong with lemon and honey or ginger and cinnamon? You can’t.

I wasn’t always a tea drinker. Instead I had more of an obsession with (aka addiction to) soft drinks. But with recipes like this and Cinnamon Orange Tea, I now drink tea on the regular. I still partake in a soft drink or two every now and then. But I don’t miss it like I used to, not when I have this beverage to come home to.

Gluten-free Lemon Ginger Tea is comforting yet refreshing. Friends, I am telling you, if you’re looking at the weather report and the temps are dropping below zero, THIS is the drink to have in hand. Also, and this is a biggie, it smells wonderful. So if you’re stuck in the house then Lemon Ginger Tea is the drink to simmer on the stove.

And now you know what I’ll be doing throughout winter. If you’re in the same chilly boat, or you just really want a tantalizing tea to add to your culinary repertoire, then grab a small saucepan and let’s get started on a fresh brew of Lemon Ginger Tea!

INGREDIENTS FOR LEMON GINGER TEA:

• Lemons. I use one lemon for every four cups of tea I brew. And, yes, I stick with fresh lemon slices instead of lemon juice. Fresh is definitely best here.
• Ginger. I use fresh ginger, available in the produce section of most grocery stores, and slice off several “coins” (about 5-6 pieces). Getting an exact measurement can be tricky because ginger varies in shape and size. You’ll often see amounts listed in recipes as inches or coins. Rounded slices, pictured in this recipe, are called coins.
• Cinnamon sticks and honey. These are optional and measured to taste. I typically add two cinnamon sticks for every four cups I prepare, and I add just enough honey to complement the lemon. I also add the honey to my cup just prior to drinking, rather than adding a large amount to the entire batch.

HOW TO MAKE LEMON GINGER TEA:

• In a small saucepan bring four cups of water to a boil. Add in slices of one fresh lemon, slices of fresh ginger (several slices for a sweeter flavor), and cinnamon sticks. Simmer for several minutes. Remove from heat and add honey.
• Store tea in refrigerator for about 24 hours.

NOTE: I did try boiling the water separately and pouring it over the lemon, ginger, and cinnamon sticks. The tea was not nearly as sweet or strong. Hence, I throw everything in the saucepan and let them simmer together.

And there you have it! A wonderful brew that will keep you warm during chilly nights and crisp mornings!