Lemon Cinnamon Ginger Tea

This orange and lemon cinnamon ginger tea is a warming, lightly sweet citrus drink that’s perfect for chilly winter days. It’s ready in about 25 minutes, and if you like my fresh ginger tea, this spiced citrus version is a great one to try next!

Warming Citrus Cinnamon Ginger Tea

When it’s cold outside and it feels like everyone has the sniffles, a warm mug of this lemon cinnamon ginger tea is a lovely way to slow down. It’s soothing and full of flavor, and each of the main ingredients brings something good to the cup (more on that below).

It’s also a nice swap for sugary drinks, since it stays very low in calories and you sweeten it to taste. It’s packed with the flavors of ginger, lemon, orange, cinnamon, and cardamom, and it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. This recipe was developed by Justin Lewis.

Lemon, Ginger, and Cinnamon Tea Benefits

Each of the main ingredients in this ginger lemon tea has been studied for possible health benefits. Here’s a quick look, with links to the sources so you can read more. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet, and check with your doctor if you have a health condition.

Ginger Benefits (from Healthline)

• May help reduce inflammation
• Has antibacterial properties in lab studies
• A long-time home remedy for colds
• Contains antioxidants
• May support healthy circulation
• May aid digestion and ease nausea (from Johns Hopkins Medicine)
• May reduce muscle soreness
• May help support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• May support heart health

Cinnamon Benefits

From National Library of Medicine:

• May help reduce inflammation
• Has antibacterial and antifungal properties in lab studies
• Rich in antioxidants
• May help support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• May help slow the breakdown of carbs, which can support steadier blood sugar
• May ease menstrual symptoms, including cramps and nausea

Lemon Benefits

From Cleveland Clinic:

• Contains plant compounds that may help reduce inflammation (do you sense a theme with these ingredients?!)
• A good source of vitamin C, which supports normal immune function and healthy skin
• Contains antioxidants
• Contains potassium, which your heart and nerves need
• Makes water more fun to drink, which helps you stay hydrated

Orange Benefits

From Healthline:

• An excellent source of vitamin C
• Contains folate, a B vitamin your body uses to make new cells
• Contains plant compounds like flavonoids and carotenoids that have antioxidant effects
• May support heart health
• Its vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from plant foods

Plus, the black pepper in this soothing lemon ginger tonic contains piperine, a compound with antioxidant properties that researchers are studying for other possible benefits.

To sum up: This citrus ginger tea with cinnamon is full of ingredients that contain antioxidants and vitamin C, and a warm mug is so soothing on a sore throat. It’s perfect for sipping during winter and all year long!

The Lemon and Ginger Tea Ingredients

• Citrus fruit: I use a combination of orange and lemon in this citrus ginger tonic. Navel oranges are great, but use whatever orange you can find. If your fruit has a wax coating, remove it first (see the FAQs below).
• Ginger: It’s best to use fresh ginger root for this ginger tonic.
• Cinnamon: It’s best to use a cinnamon stick rather than ground cinnamon so you don’t have gritty ginger tea. Ceylon cinnamon has a milder, sweeter flavor, while cassia (the most common kind in US stores) is bolder, so use whichever you like best.
• Cardamom: Technically optional but adds a delicious herbal warmth.
• Black pepper: It’s best to use freshly cracked black peppercorns for the best flavor.
• Water: For the base of this warming tea.
• Sweetener: I like to use maple syrup, agave, or sugar. A sugar-free sweetener works too.

Optional add-ins & Recipe Variations

Here are a few fun ways to switch it up. I haven’t tested every one of these, so if you try one, let me know how it goes in the comments!

• Turmeric: Add a ½ to ¾ inch piece of fresh turmeric root or about ½ teaspoon ground turmeric for an earthy, golden twist. Fresh is best, but ground works in a pinch.
• Cayenne pepper: Add a small pinch for a little heat, since it’s spicy.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch for extra flavor.
• Other spices: You could add clove and/or star anise.
• Mint leaves: Just a few for fresh flavor. Mint is also known for soothing digestion.
• Apple: Add a few slices of apple or dehydrated apple slices to add subtle flavor and natural sweetness to the lemon ginger drink.
• Apple cider vinegar: Add 1 Tablespoon (the kind with a “mother”).
• Green tea: For more of a traditional tea, add 1 or 2 green tea bags to steep for 5 minutes after removing the saucepan from the heat.

How to Make Lemon Cinnamon Ginger Tea?

1. Rinse and slice the orange and lemon, and slice or chop the ginger.
2. Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a boil.

3. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer until the citrus fruit has softened, 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Strain the solids from the tea and serve it with your choice of sweetener, added to taste. You can also leave it in the pot with the lid on (off the heat) and ladle out portions throughout the day.

I recommend 6 cups of water for this citrus, ginger, and cinnamon tea. The good news is that the tea ingredients can be used twice, so you can make a second batch with another 6 cups of water.

Lemon Cinnamon Ginger Tea FAQs

Recipe Notes and Top Tips

• Adjust the simmer time: Depending on your preferred flavor profile.
• Tweak the flavors: Increase or decrease the ginger or other ingredients to taste after making your first ‘test’ batch. You should also sweeten the citrus, ginger, and cinnamon tea to taste.
• Reuse the ingredients: Keep them in your saucepan and top them up with another 6 cups of water for a second round of tea.