Ginger, lemon and cinnamon mug of goodness recipe.

Warming Ginger, Lemon and Grated Cinnamon Tonic

At this time of year, when the air feels colder and the sniffles seem to be multiplying everywhere, I always turn to nature first. Simple ingredients, real warmth and a little intention can go a long way.

I have made myself honey and ginger for years at the first sign of a sore throat, but recently I loved hearing herbal expert Simon Mills on the *Diary of a CEO podcast talk about a simple mix of ginger, lemon and cinnamon as an excellent home remedy. This version draws inspiration from a clip I found online, where the cinnamon and ginger are freshly grated for maximum effect — and no honey is included.

This little tonic feels like a hug in a mug, perfect for those frosty mornings or evenings when you want something warming and nourishing.

Why this works beautifully in winter

In traditional herbal practice, these ingredients are celebrated for:

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  • Warming the body from within

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  • Supporting circulation and easing that cold-weather stiffness

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  • Soothing the throat and chest

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  • Helping clear a snuffly nose

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  • Bringing comfort to aches and chills

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  • Offering gentle anti-inflammatory and calming properties

And most importantly, it just feels good. Soothing. Kind. A reminder that simple often works best.

Ingredients

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  • A thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, grated

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  • Juice of half a fresh lemon

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  • A small piece of cinnamon stick (about 1 cm) grated, or about ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated cinnamon

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  • Hot water

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  • (Optional: a slice of fresh turmeric or a tiny crack of black pepper if you like)

Method

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   1. Grate your ginger into a mug.

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   1. Grate the cinnamon stick (or add the grated cinnamon) into the mug.

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   1. Pour hot water over the grated ingredients and let steep 5 to 10 minutes.

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   1. Add the lemon juice once the water has cooled slightly (so you preserve the beneficial oils).

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   1. Stir gently, breathe in the steam and sip slowly.

This is not just a drink, it is a pause. A little ritual. A moment to reconnect and let your body feel held and warmed.

Serving suggestion: in your favourite mug, wrapped in a blanket, ideally while looking out at something green. Ten minutes for yourself makes all the difference.