Introduction: Hot Lemonade
I woke up this morning to realize that it is "cold & flu" season. That means it's the season for Hot Lemonade. When your throat is a bit sore and it'g getting hard to breath, something hot to drink will loosen things up and make things feel better. You could make this with lemonade powder or frozen lemonade from the store, but this is how I make it.
Step 1:
Last summer while the lemons were cheaper, I bought a lot of them (does 60 count as a lot) and squeezed the juice for Fresh Squeezed lemonade. What we didn't use then, I poured in to ice cube trays and froze for "later". Now is "later" I put two cubes of lemon juice into a container to thaw.
Step 2:
When I was making fresh squeezed lemonade, I also made a lot of simple syrup. The best way to add sugar to the lemonade. To make simple syrup: Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup sugar. Stir until dissolved and let simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool. Use as needed to sweeten drinks.
Step 3:
Put 3-4 Tbls.( so sweeten to taste) simple syrup in with the lemon juice. If you love honey, use honey here.
Step 4:
Bring some water to a boil. You may do that any way you wish, in the microwave, on top of the stove, or any way your creative little heart desires. Then pour the hot water into the lemon and syrup mixture.
Step 5:
Breath in the steam and then enjoy! Yeah, this helps a lot.
21 Comments
Question 5 years ago on Step 2
Are you sure its tablespoons, won't that be sugary and sickly?
Answer 5 years ago
That is why I said sweeten to taste. Add one Tbsp, add hot water, stir, taste, decide if you need more or not. There are no Hot Lemonade police, so come and tell you that you added too little or too much. It is all up to you. Enjoy.
6 years ago
Do people drink this for fun too?
Reply 6 years ago
It's lemonade. Drink it when ever you want. I like it a lot.
Reply 6 years ago
It is just lemonade, made hot. so yes you can drink it fun too. I will really warm you up during the winter months. Enjoy and thanks for asking.
6 years ago
Will this be ok for diabetics to use? We diabetics have to watch our glucose intake.
Reply 6 years ago
This recipe has sugar in the simple syrup. As you know, diabetics should control how much sugar (glucose) they take into their systems. You are the one who has to make the decision on that because you are the one who has to live with the consequences. You can make a more diabetic friendly version by adding Stevia or xylatol, etc. in stead of sugar to your hot lemon water to make hot lemonade. Neither of these will spike your blood sugar. My grandmother drank a cup of hot lemon water (no sweetener at all) every morning of her adult life. That is another alternative. Thanks for asking.
11 years ago on Step 2
Cool, thanks for the tips. Any idea on the shelf life of the simple syrup? Do you refrigerate it? I might just try this with some honey and cheap lemon juice by the bottle that I have here. Sounds good!
Reply 11 years ago on Step 2
I have had it on my counter for 4 months and it is still fine. Refrigeration will let it keep longer. Honey is a lot of peoples favorites so go right ahead!
11 years ago on Introduction
Lovely! Add a dash of powdered ginger for an exotic kick.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Ginger is good for stomache problems, so that would be a great addition if you have more than a head cold. Thanks for the suggestion.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Yeah it is fantastic for indigestion! I had terrible indigestion even when I drank nothing but water. Then I started drinking my water with a sprinkle of ginger powder on it. Now I wont drink water of juice without a bit of ginger powder. Completely cured my indigestion, I can sleep laying flat on my back with out acid reflux! Got my Dad drink it too for his indigestion. Possible long term benefits are for arthritis.
11 years ago on Step 3
Golden syrup adds a really dark aftertaste to this (kinda remeniscent of burnt sugar)...and you can also use lemon concentrate liquid (2 tsp or to taste)
I was suffering with Fresher's Flu for 3 weeks at the start of October and can attest that this really makes you feel a lot better...
Reply 11 years ago on Step 3
I had some golden syrup many years ago, and you are right, it's good. I like the lemon juice I squeezed myself. I will look for the lemon concentrate liquid next time I shop. It might be a Canada thing, like the Golden Syrup.
Reply 11 years ago on Step 3
Uk...It's branded as "Jif" over here.
Reply 11 years ago on Step 3
Thanks for the correction. Have a good day!
11 years ago on Introduction
Yes, this is exactly what I need. I like to use honey instead of simple syrup, but I'm sure it's all the same!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
You're right! You make it fit you! I happen to have a jug of simple syrup and I have just enough Scotch in me (as my father would say) that I can't waste it. Enjoy!
11 years ago on Introduction
reminds me of when my five year old sister made lemonade and used bi-carb soda to make it fizzy, but used just a bit to much..
11 years ago on Introduction
That sounds good! I don't like tea, and this seems like a great substitute!