When a scratchy throat starts making itself known, most of us reach for a packet of cough drops without thinking twice. The problem is that many shop-bought options are filled with artificial colours, flavours, and ingredients I can barely pronounce. I prefer starting in the kitchen.

When I came across this homemade honey and ginger cough drop recipe, I had to share it. Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, it combines honey, lemon, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon into a soothing little remedy that feels far more comforting than anything pulled off a pharmacy shelf.

Are they a miracle cure? No. But they are a simple, wholesome alternative worth keeping on hand during cold and flu season.

Ingredients

• ½ cup honey
• ½ tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of black pepper
• Arrowroot powder and powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Add the honey, grated ginger, lemon juice, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper to a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula and scraping the sides of the pan.
3. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 148°C (hard crack stage), watching carefully to prevent burning.
4. Remove from the heat immediately.
5. Carefully pour the hot mixture into silicone moulds, or spoon small drops onto parchment paper dusted with arrowroot powder or powdered sugar.
6. Allow the cough drops to cool and harden completely at room temperature.
7. Dust the finished cough drops with a 1:1 mixture of arrowroot powder and powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Pro Tip

Getting the mixture to exactly 148°C is the secret to success. If you don’t cook it long enough, you’ll end up with chewy toffee rather than a hard cough drop. A reliable candy thermometer is your best friend for this step.

A Gentle Note

These cough drops are intended for occasional soothing relief and are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.

Have a favourite homemade remedy that’s stood the test of time? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. 🍋✨

🪶 Dive into this next: Kindness: Remember This One Thing