This ginger turmeric tea with cinnamon is a warm two-serving cup you can make in about 15 minutes with spices from the pantry. Turmeric gives it a sunny yellow color, ginger brings the spice, and cinnamon rounds it out. It’s a good one for a cool fall morning or an evening on the couch.

Ingredients for two servings

  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground or fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, optional
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, optional
  • 1 lemon wedge, optional

Method

  1. Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan, then add the turmeric, ginger and cinnamon.
  2. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain if you used fresh ginger, then stir in the honey or maple syrup. Add pepper or a squeeze of lemon to taste.

Ground spices or fresh ginger?

ChoiceTexture
Ground gingerEasy to measure; the powder can settle at the bottom of the cup
Fresh gingerGrate it finely and strain out the pieces after simmering
Ground turmeric and cinnamonThey pass through a fine sieve, so stir before you pour
PepperAdds a peppery bite; leave it out if you don’t want it

Ground and fresh ginger use the same amount here, though fresh tastes brighter. Keep it at a gentle simmer so the pan doesn’t boil dry, and divide the finished tea between two cups.

Taste before adding the honey or maple syrup. A squeeze of lemon makes it tart without hiding the earthy turmeric. For a cold drink with fresh ginger and basil, try the lemon basil spritzer . To serve this tea cold, let it cool, then pour it over ice.