Homemade Ginger Lemon Cough Drops Recipe

Introduction

Homemade cough drops are a soothing and natural remedy you can easily make in your own kitchen. Infused with ginger, honey, and lemon, these drops help calm your throat and provide relief during cold season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon or 2-3 drops food-grade lemon essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your workspace by laying parchment paper under candy molds to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Combine honey, sugar, water, grated ginger, cinnamon, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Heat the mixture while stirring frequently until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the bubbles settle for a few minutes.
5. Step 5: If using lemon essential oil, gently stir it into the mixture now.
6. Step 6: Carefully spoon the hot mixture into the prepared candy molds.
7. Step 7: Allow the drops to completely harden for 30 to 60 minutes.
8. Step 8: Once hardened, remove from molds and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

• Use a candy thermometer to ensure you reach the correct temperature for hard cough drops.
• Substitute ground cinnamon with a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a different flavor twist.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the mixture before pouring into molds to remove ginger bits.
• For vegan drops, use maple syrup instead of honey, but note this may slightly change the flavor and texture.

Storage

Store your homemade cough drops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Keep them cool and dry to prevent melting or sticking together. When ready to use, allow a drop to dissolve slowly in your mouth as needed for throat soothing relief.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?

Fresh ginger provides the best flavor and potency, but you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried ginger powder if needed. The flavor may be less sharp.

Are these cough drops safe for children?

These drops contain honey, which should not be given to children under one year old. For older children, use in moderation and consult with a pediatrician if you have concerns.

Homemade Ginger Lemon Cough Drops Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

These homemade cough drops are a natural remedy combining soothing honey and ginger with the warming spice of cinnamon and a bright hint of lemon. Perfect for calming sore throats and coughs, they are easy to make and free from artificial additives.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 40 small cough drops 1x
• Category: Confectionery
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquid Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Flavorings

• 2 inch piece fresh ginger (peeled and finely grated)
• Zest of 1 lemon or 2-3 drops food-grade lemon essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare workspace: Lay parchment paper under candy molds to prevent sticking and ease removal of the cough drops once hardened.
2. Combine ingredients: In a saucepan, mix honey, sugar, water, finely grated fresh ginger, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using) over medium-high heat.
3. Heat mixture: Stir frequently while heating until the mixture reaches 300°F, the hard crack stage, as measured with a candy thermometer. This ensures the drops will harden properly.
4. Remove from heat: Take the saucepan off the heat and allow the bubbles to subside for a few minutes to avoid air pockets in the candies.
5. Add essential oil if using: Stir in 2-3 drops of food-grade lemon essential oil now if you prefer this over lemon zest for flavor.
6. Fill molds: Carefully spoon the hot syrup into prepared candy molds, being cautious as the mixture is very hot.
7. Harden: Let the cough drops cool completely and harden for 30 to 60 minutes at room temperature.
8. Storage: Once hardened, remove the drops from molds and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep fresh for up to 6 months.

Notes

• Use a reliable candy thermometer for precise temperature measurement.
• Ensure your candy molds are heat-resistant and non-stick.
• Substitute lemon zest with lemon essential oil for a stronger lemon flavor.
• Be very careful handling hot syrup to avoid burns.
• Refrigeration helps maintain firmness and prolong shelf life.

Keywords: homemade cough drops, natural cough remedy, honey ginger cough drops, DIY sore throat lozenges