Honey Lemon Ginger Cough Drops Recipe
Introduction
These Honey Lemon Ginger Cough Drops are a soothing and natural remedy perfect for calming a sore throat. Made with simple ingredients, they combine the sweetness of honey, zing of fresh ginger, and brightness of lemon to create flavorful lozenges that help ease coughs and irritation.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (finely grated on a microplane or use the small holes on a hand grater)
Instructions
- Step 1: Using a wooden spoon, mix together honey, lemon juice, and fresh ginger in a medium sized, deep saucepan with heavy sides and bottom. Heat over medium-low heat to boiling, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Step 2: Using a candy thermometer, heat the mixture until it reaches 300-310°F (148-154°C), the hard crack stage. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount into cold water and check if it hardens. Watch closely as the mixture may foam up the sides; remove from heat briefly to let foam subside, then return to heat. Adjust temperature as needed to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Once the mixture reaches the hard crack stage, remove from heat. Carefully pour it into small candy molds or drop by teaspoons onto parchment paper or a silicone mat. Let the drops cool until they are hard and firm. To speed up cooling, place drops in the freezer.
- Step 4: After fully cooled, remove drops from molds and dust with powdered sugar, cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or ground cinnamon to prevent sticking. Store in a tightly covered container in a cool, dry place.
Tips & Variations
- Use a digital candy thermometer for precise temperature control and better results.
- If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, increase the grated ginger to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- For a different touch, dust drops with ground cinnamon or a mix of powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- If you don’t have candy molds, shaped drops on parchment paper work well and can be customized in size.
Storage
Store these cough drops in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture. They will keep well for up to two weeks. If the drops become sticky, lightly re-dust with powdered sugar or cornstarch. To enjoy again, let them come to room temperature before use; no reheating necessary.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used. Choose a high-quality, preservative-free brand for the best taste.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
You can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it hardens into a firm, brittle ball, it’s at the hard crack stage and ready to be removed from heat.
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Honey Lemon Ginger Cough Drops Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 small cough drops 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
These homemade Honey Lemon Ginger Cough Drops are a natural and soothing remedy to ease coughs and sore throats. Combining the sweetness of honey, the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice, and the warming zing of freshly grated ginger, these drops offer relief in a tasty, easy-to-make form. Made without artificial additives, they are perfect for a comforting, all-natural cough remedy.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (finely grated on a microplane or hand grater)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Using a wooden spoon, combine the honey, fresh lemon juice, and freshly grated ginger in a medium-sized, deep saucepan with heavy sides and bottom to ensure even heat distribution.
- Heat to Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning. Bring the mixture to a boil, watching closely as it foams up along the sides of the pan.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Continue heating the mixture to reach 300-310°F (148-154°C), the hard crack stage, using a candy thermometer for accuracy. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount into cold water to check if it hardens. Temporarily remove the pan from heat if foam rises too high, allowing it to subside before resuming. Adjust heat to low if necessary to avoid burning the honey.
- Pour and Set: Once the hard crack stage is reached, immediately remove the pan from heat. Carefully pour the hot syrup into small candy molds or drop teaspoon-sized dollops onto parchment paper or a silicone mat. Let the drops cool and harden fully. To speed the process, place them in the freezer.
- Finish and Store: After the drops have hardened, remove them from molds and dust with powdered sugar, cornstarch, arrowroot powder, ground cinnamon, or a combination to prevent sticking. Store the cough drops in a tightly covered container in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for best results to avoid under or overcooking the syrup.
- If the drops stick to each other, dusting with powdered sugar or cornstarch helps prevent clumping.
- Store in an airtight container away from moisture to keep them from becoming sticky.
- Be cautious when handling the hot syrup as it can cause severe burns.
- These drops are a natural remedy and not a substitute for professional medical treatment for persistent coughs or throat issues.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey lemon ginger cough drops, homemade cough drops, natural cough remedy, honey cough drops, DIY cough syrup, ginger medicine, lemon throat drops
