For the past few weeks, it has been bitterly cold here in Los Angeles, dipping to bone-chilling temperatures in the 60’s, and grey overcast skies lasting the entire day. We’ve even had to wear jackets! But thankfully, we have a comforting recipe for a hot cup of ginger tea infused with golden honey and freshly squeezed lemon that warms the soul and soothes the senses, whether you live in LA or somewhere with a more… aggressive climate.

With spicy ginger and lemons rich in vitamin C, its medicinal qualities make this tea useful as well as soothing. From fighting off the common cold to easing stomach upset and even helping headaches, this powerful tonic is a delicious and calming cure.

While you can buy a box of ginger tea in the grocery store, the flavor simply cannot compare to freshly-sliced ginger and the tart juice from a real lemon. This relaxing drink is a satisfying remedy if you are feeling under the weather or simply want to unwind after a long day.

Ginger Tea with Lemon and Honey
makes 2 servings

3 cups water
2 ounces ginger, sliced
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey

Place the water and ginger in a small saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, get out two mugs and pour one tablespoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey into each mug.

When the ginger is done simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof measuring cup. Then pour the tea into the prepared mugs, dividing it equally. Stir well to combine, and drink while hot.

a few notes:
— Since every lemon and ginger root varies in flavor, feel free to adjust measurements to your liking.
— For a stronger batch of tea, allow the ginger to simmer for up to 20 minutes.
— To make this vegan, simply use a different sweetener instead of honey, like maple syrup.