How to Make the Perfect Hot Honey Lemonade
American · Easy · 10 min · 2 servings
A comforting warm lemonade sweetened with spiced honey and fresh lemon juice. It is the perfect soothing drink for cool evenings.
Why this recipe works
This Hot Honey Lemonade recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 10 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 110 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups hot water
- 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp honey
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.25 tsp ground ginger
- 2 slices fresh lemon
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 pinch sea salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the hot honey
Warm honey in a small saucepan over low heat for 2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and ground ginger and stir well. Do not let the honey boil.
Step 2: Heat the water
Heat water until it is hot but not boiling, around 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Boiling water can destroy some of the honey nutrients and alter the flavor.
Step 3: Combine ingredients
Pour the hot water into mugs. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and the hot honey mixture. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Step 4: Season and balance
Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance all flavors. Taste and adjust honey or lemon juice to reach your preferred balance of sweet and tart.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Place a lemon slice on the rim and a cinnamon stick in each mug as a stirrer. Serve immediately while hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- honey → maple syrup for a vegan option
- red pepper flakes → a pinch of cayenne pepper
- fresh lemon juice → bottled lemon juice in a pinch
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Boiling the honey which destroys its natural enzymes and changes the flavor
- Using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh which results in a flat flavor
- Adding too many pepper flakes without tasting first making the drink unpleasantly spicy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 110 calories, 0g protein, 29g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
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