Homemade Lemongrass & Ginger Cough Drops

Lemongrass & ginger

These homemade cough drops combine the bright, citrusy flavor of lemongrass with the warming spice of ginger and the soothing sweetness of honey. They’re a simple way to turn an herbal tea into a little something you can reach for when your throat needs some extra comfort.

Straining

Ingredients for tea:

6 stalks lemongrass or 1.5 cups dried lemongrass

1 large ginger

1 cup Echinacea

1 cinnamon stick

Just enough water to cover ingredients.

Adding the sugar

Directions

~ Mash the lemongrass and ginger together in a mortar and pestle.

~ Add enough water to just cover the herbs.

~ Bring the mixture to a boil.

~ Place a lid on the pan, remove from heat, and let steep for 10 minutes.

~ Strain the tea.

~ Measure out 1 cup of tea for the cough drops. If you have any tea left over, refrigerate it and save it for another batch.

Making the Cough Drops

~ Add 1 cup of lemongrass & ginger tea to a large pot over medium heat.

~ Stir in the sugar and honey.

~ Attach a candy thermometer to the pot, making sure the thermometer reaches into the mixture without touching the bottom of the pan.

~ Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved, then bring the mixture to a boil.

~ Continue cooking and watch the thermometer closely. Once the mixture reaches approximately 250°F, begin stirring constantly, paying close attention to the sides and bottom of the pan to prevent scorching.

~ Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 302°F.

~ Carefully pour the hot mixture into silicone candy molds or a confectioners’ sugar mold.

~ Allow the cough drops to cool completely for several hours or overnight before removing them from the molds.

~ Toss the finished drops in confectioners’ sugar to help keep them separated.

~ Store in a single layer in an airtight container.

A Little Herbal Comfort

I love these because they offer the warmth of ginger, the fresh citrusy character of lemongrass, and the familiar comfort of honey without leaving you with an overly sweet taste.

A note of caution: The cooked candy mixture is extremely hot and can cause serious burns. Use heat-resistant equipment, work carefully, and keep children away from the cooking area.

Making the cough drops

~Add 1 cup lemongrass and ginger tea to a large pot, over medium heat.

~Stir in sugar and honey.

~Add the candy thermometer to the bottom of the pan, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

~Bring the mixture to a boil stirring well.

~Watch the candy thermometer. When the mixture reaches around 250 degree F, stir constantly. making sure to take care of the sides and bottom of the pan. When it reaches 302 degrees F, carefully pour into silicone molds or confectioners sugar mold.

~Let cool several hours or overnight before unmolding.

~Toss in confectioners sugar to allow candy to stay separated.

~Store in a single layer in an airtight container.

Perfect for soothing your throat without a sickening sweet taste.