Cold Chasers

As I write this, I am knocking on all the wood I can find because for the first time in weeks, we are ALL healthy. I was saying on Instagram the other day how I feel like we are getting rocked this cold and flu season. Grayson started preschool at the beginning of the month and since day one, it’s been constant sickness (just like everyone says!). That, plus all the rain we’ve been getting lately, has this mama seriously about to pull all her hair out.

Before we moved to the Berkeley area, we lived about half an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge and whenever I would get a cold, my absolute favorite remedy (that ALWAYS seemed to make it better) was this hot lemon elixir from the juice bar at a local health food store. The drink seriously packs a punch with fresh lemon, ginger, turmeric, spicy cayenne and honey! You guys always asked about it because I would put photos on Instagram whenever I got one…so, I decided to make a homemade version to share!

Now, I’m not going to pat myself on the back too much here (haha), but I think my version is ALMOST as good as the one from the store. 😉 If you’re feeling down, you really need to try this — I pretty much swear by it and think the “secret” is using really good raw honey. See if you can find a local variety because it will help with allergies, too, and we all know pollen season is right around the corner.

I used fresh turmeric in my version, which I found quite easily at my local Whole Foods. If you can’t find fresh turmeric, feel free to substitute 1/4 tsp dried. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice that is incredibly healing to the body. You don’t want to leave it out.

This drink is sweet but also quite spicy —- just add the tiniest bit ever of cayenne. Remember, you can always add more if it’s not enough. 🙂 If you don’t feel good, consider doubling or tripling this and keeping leftovers in a mason jar in the fridge to heat up and drink throughout the day. If that doesn’t make you feel better, I don’t know what will!

I hope you guys like this! I was really excited to finally “nail” it and it’s now my go-to drink all season.

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Cold Chasers

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

3 mins

Total Time

8 mins

 

Course: Drinks

Servings: 1 drink

Ingredients

• 1 inch piece of fresh turmeric peeled and chopped
• 1.5 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1.5 cups water
• juice of 1 large lemon
• 2 tbsp raw honey
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (VERY small pinch - like a sprinkle!)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to gentle simmer. Strain into a mug and drink hot. 

Recipe Notes

Really go light on the cayenne. The first time I made this drink at home I added too much and learned my lesson. 😉 Just a very light sprinkle will do!