Lemon Tea

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This soothing caffeine-free lemon tea is made with just 3 ingredients. Sip on a cup to fight off a cold or whenever you need a comforting, warm drink.

Lemon tea with lemon slices in clear mug.

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Hot Lemon Tea

Perfect for sipping on colder days, warm lemon tea is a popular cold remedy that can be made from scratch at home in just a few minutes.

Though it’s called a tea, this drink doesn’t actually contain any tea leaves, making it naturally caffeine-free. Instead, lemon tea is made by infusing hot water with lemon juice and honey.

Both lemon and honey are known for soothing sore throats and coughs, so make a cup the next time you feel under the weather.

RELATED: Honey Citron Tea

Recipe Highlights

  • Lemon tea is a 3-ingredient warming hot drink made with hot water, lemon juice, and honey.
  • Instead of using lemon tea bags, fresh lemon juice is used, which has the best flavor and adds the most health benefits.
  • This recipe has the perfect ratio of lemon juice to honey for a tea that’s perfectly tart and sweet.

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Lemon tea in a glass mug.

3 Health Benefits of Lemon Tea

1. Rich in Antioxidants 

Lemons contain antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.

2. Promotes Healthy Immune System

Lemon tea is a great source of vitamin C, one of the most important nutrients for your immune system. It supports the activity of white blood cells, which help kill disease-causing germs.

3. Increases Iron Absorption

The vitamin C in lemon tea can help your body absorb iron. This is important because iron is an essential mineral. Your body needs iron to make red blood cells.

RELATED: 7 Benefits of Drinking Lemon Tea

Ingredient Notes

Lemon Tea ingredients measured in cups and labeled on a table.
  • Lemon juice: This recipe uses 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, which is about ⅔ of a medium lemon.
  • Honey: Any kind of honey can be used.
  • Water: Filtered water is best for making any tea.
  • Optional: Lemon slices: For a nice finishing touch to the cup.

For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pouring lemon juice into a cup.

Step 1: Put lemon juice in a mug.

Pouring hot water into a cup with lemon juice.

Step 2: Pour in hot water.

Stirring honey into lemon tea.

Step 3: Stir in honey. Stir to thoroughly combine the ingredients.

Lemon tea in a cup with lemons.

Step 4: Garnish with slices of lemon.

RELATED: Lemon Iced Tea

Recipe Notes

Fresh squeezed lemon juice gives this drink the best flavor.
Use a citrus juicer to make squeezing lemons fast and easy. It catches both the pulp and seeds.

No cooking is needed to make lemon tea.
There’s no need to find a pot or use the stove to make lemon tea. To quickly heat up water, use an electric kettle.

Add ginger for an extra kick.
Ginger is another popular cold remedy that complements the flavors of lemon and honey. Add a couple of thinly slices of fresh ginger for extra zing.

RELATED: How to Brew Hibiscus Tea

Expert Tips

  • If you prefer drinks less sweet, you can use less honey, but the tea will be more tart.
  • Add fresh green herbs such as mint or basil for an additional pop of brightness.
  • Stir in a dash of turmeric. The bright yellow spice is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has an earthy, peppery flavor similar to ginger.

RELATED: How to Brew Lavender Tea

Can you use bottled lemon juice to make lemon tea?

While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, use fresh lemon juice whenever possible. Not only does it provide the best citrus flavor, it also offers the most health benefits.

Are lemon and honey good for colds?

Yes, lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C and honey is known to have antimicrobial properties. Both are often recommended to help soothe a sore throat.

Can I drink lemon tea everyday?

Lemon tea can be enjoyed daily. However, lemon juice, its main ingredient, is highly acidic so it may aggravate certain conditions like heartburn so you may want to avoid it if that’s an issue.

Lemon Tea with lemon slices in clear mug.

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5 from 2 votes

Lemon Tea

By: Jee Choe
This soothing caffeine-free lemon tea is made with just 3 ingredients. Sip on a cup to fight off a cold or whenever you need a comforting, warm drink.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Yield: 1 serving (16 ounces)

Ingredients 

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, (about ⅔ medium lemon)
  • 1 ¾ cups hot water
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 slices lemon, (optional)

Instructions 

Notes

  • Use a citrus juicer to make squeezing lemons fast and easy. It catches both the pulp and seeds. 
  • If you prefer drinks less sweet, you can use less honey, but the tea will be more tart.
  • Add green herbs such as mint or basil for an additional pop of brightness.

Nutrition

Calories: 202Carbohydrates: 55gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 24mgPotassium: 83mgFiber: 1gSugar: 53gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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The Latest

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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