Cough Drops
A soothing blend of honey, ginger, and turmeric makes these homemade cough drops a healthy alternative to commercial options, perfect for combating winter ailments.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh turmeric, grated (or 1 teaspoon dried turmeric)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional) For added flavor
Equipment
- 1 candy thermometer
- 1 silicone candy molds or parchment paper
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon
Instructions
Preparation
- Grate fresh ginger and turmeric to release their juices. If using dried turmeric, just measure out the powder.
Simmering
- In a small saucepan, combine the 2 cups of water, grated ginger, and grated turmeric.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Straining
- Once the mixture is done simmering, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Discard the solids.
Combining Ingredients
- In the same saucepan, add the strained liquid back to the heat.
- Stir in the honey and lemon juice. Mix well to combine.
Cooking
- Attach the candy thermometer to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Keep monitoring the temperature until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This could take about 15-20 minutes.
Molding
- Once the mixture reaches the right temperature, carefully pour it into your silicone molds or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cooling
- Allow the drops to cool completely at room temperature. If using molds, they should pop out easily once cooled.
Storage
- Store the cough drops in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Notes
These cough drops can last up to 2 months when stored properly. Feel free to customize flavors by adding cinnamon, eucalyptus oil, or peppermint for a personal touch.