This is one of those cozy drinks that warms you from the inside out.
Whether you’re feeling a little under the weather or just want something soothing and good for your body, this Crockpot Ginger Lemon Honey Tea hits the spot every single time.
It smells amazing while it’s simmering away in the slow cooker, and it’s incredibly easy to throw together.
You only need a few fresh ingredients, and you’re all set. No fancy skills required.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve been making this warm tea since I started slow-cooking everything in the colder months. It’s the perfect mix of tart, sweet, and spicy warmth. I love sipping this at night when the house is quiet and calm, or pouring a big jar to take with me on chilly mornings.
- It’s natural and made with whole, fresh ingredients
- Smells incredible while it cooks
- Perfect for a self-care moment or sharing with friends
- Easy to adjust to your taste (sweeter, spicier, more lemony—you’re the boss)
- Stores great in the fridge so you can enjoy it all week
Makes: 6 to 8 servings
Cook Time: 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low
What You’ll Need
- 8 cups filtered water
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 1/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large lemon, sliced into rounds
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Ginger contains gingerol, a natural compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Lemon adds vitamin C and helps brighten the flavor. Honey acts as a natural sweetener and soothes your throat. Slow cooking allows all those flavors to slowly release into the water, creating a well-rounded, deeply infused tea that’s both comforting and beneficial.
Common Mistakes
- Boiling the ingredients: Don’t crank up the heat—this tea needs a slow simmer to bring out all the flavors without burning off nutrients.
- Skipping the peel on lemon: The lemon peel adds flavor! Keep the slices whole.
- Adding honey too early: Wait until the end if you want to preserve all the health benefits of raw honey.
What to Serve With
- A slice of banana bread or pumpkin loaf
- Toast with nut butter
- Oatmeal cookies
- Light sandwiches or crackers with cheese
FAQ
Can I drink this cold?
Yes! It makes a great iced tea, too. Just chill and pour over ice.
Can I use ground ginger instead?
Fresh ginger is best here, but in a pinch, 1 tsp ground ginger can work.
Can I leave out the cinnamon or turmeric?
Absolutely. They’re optional add-ins.
How long does it last?
Store in the fridge up to 5 days. Reheat before serving or enjoy cold.
Substitutions and Variations
- Sweetener: Swap honey for maple syrup or agave
- Citrus: Try orange slices instead of lemon for a softer flavor
- Spices: Add clove or star anise for more depth
- Boosts: Add a few mint leaves or a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra kick
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep all the ingredients (slice the ginger and lemon) and store them in the fridge in an airtight container. When ready, just dump it all into the crockpot and go. You can also make a big batch, let it cool, and store it in mason jars in the fridge for the week.
Let’s Make It!
Step 1: Add water, ginger, and lemon to crockpot
Add 8 cups filtered water, 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh ginger, and 1 large lemon sliced into rounds to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add cinnamon and turmeric (optional)
Drop in 1 small cinnamon stick and sprinkle 1/8 tsp ground turmeric over the top.
Step 3: Slow cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours until the flavors have fully infused and the water turns a golden yellow.
Step 4: Strain and add honey
Turn off the heat, strain out the solids using a fine mesh strainer, then stir in 1/4 cup raw honey until fully dissolved.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish the Tea
Once the honey is fully dissolved, pour the tea into a round clear glass mug. Garnish with a lemon slice or a few soft ginger pieces. The tea should look golden, clear, and gently glossy—warm, soothing, and ready to enjoy.
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Fine mesh strainer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for stirring
Leftovers and Storage
Let the tea cool, then pour into glass jars or airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, just pour into a mug and microwave or warm it gently on the stove.
Wrap Up
That’s it! This Crockpot Ginger Lemon Honey Tea is simple, cozy, and packed with soothing flavor. Make a batch and keep it in the fridge so it’s always ready when you need a little warm-up or pick-me-up. If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out—or if you added your own twist!
