This Homemade Cough Remedy is a spicy, honey-cider syrup potent enough to calm a cough and soothe a sore throat. Over the past few years, this handy little remedy has become one of the most popular posts on this website.
As I mixed up a batch for my son last night, I decided to re-share it with all of you, as a testament to just how much we use it!
After making it all the way through the holidays without a cough, a sneeze, or a fever, cold season hit us like a freight train on New Year’s Day. My boys were miserable and I started to feel it as well after a couple of days.
I remembered saving this Homemade Cough Remedy recipe to try, so I shook up a tiny little test batch and tested a spoonful on myself.
Consider yourself warned, this is a natural cough suppressant that is both seriously spicy and potent enough to actually clear your head. Personally, I think it tastes better than any store-bought cough syrup I’ve tried.
With only a handful of pantry ingredients and a few minutes of effort, this Homemade Cough Remedy was sitting on my counter.
I was amazed at how well it worked to completely clear our congestion. My oldest son was willing to try it as well and I couldn’t believe how quickly it worked on his cough.
Homemade Cough Remedy
It cleared his throat and he slept solidly through the night. Over the counter cough medicines don’t even accomplish that for us!
The powerful ingredients in this remedy are common everyday items: ginger, cayenne, cider vinegar and honey. Yet they work together to create a potent remedy for cold symptoms. It’s definitely worth trying before turning to the medicine cabinet once again this winter.
Updated to add: I’ve been making this cough remedy for so long now, all three of my kids request it anytime they start coughing. The serving size (or dosage) will vary depending on the person. My 11 and 13-year-old sons take a tablespoon without a problem, my 7-year-old takes about a teaspoon. A full tablespoon works great for my husband and for me.
Kitchen Tip: I use this jar to store the cough remedy.
Homemade Cough Syrup
- Place the vinegar, honey, water, cayenne, and ginger in a small jar and shake to combine.
- Leave at room temperature for a few days or place in the refrigerator for longer storage.
- Shake well each time, before using. The spices will not dissolve into the liquid. It will not be a thick syrup, it should remain watery.
- Take as needed and have a happy and healthy new year!
Homemade Cough Remedy
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar preferably Bragg’s, if available
- 2 tablespoons honey locally produced raw honey is best, if available
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a small jar and shake to combine.
- Leave at room temperature for a few days or place in the refrigerator for longer storage.
- Shake well each time, before using. The spices will not dissolve into the liquid. It will not be a thick syrup, it should remain watery.
- Take as needed and have a happy and healthy new year!
Nutrition
{originally published 1/8/13 – recipe notes and photos updated 1/3/22}
This cough remedy has been gently adapted from and with thanks to Nancy Vienneau’s (no longer active) blog, Good Food Matters.
Chanabelle Miron says
How long does it store?…thanks
Mary Younkin says
It will keep fine for at least a week or two. There isn’t really anything in it that will go bad. That said, the directions as written are only enough for a few doses. I typically just mix it up as needed.
Flora says
Love the receipts!
Sarah says
Is this safe for 5 year old? Also, will it be ok to drink juice right after?
Mary Younkin says
I can’t speak with any medical authority, but my kids have been taking this for their coughs since they were toddlers.
Tins Sievert says
Dosage?
Mary Younkin says
A teaspoon or two should do the trick.
Laura Leigh shore says
This is our go-to cough syrup, and it works better for us than any store-bought one we’ve tried. It helps calm the dreaded tickle cough better than store-bought ones we’ve tried, too.
Mary Younkin says
That’s great to hear, Laura.
Amy Carson says
Hi. I just made this. I used heinz apple cider vinegar. Mine didn’t turn out to be a nice redish color like yours. It’s more of a tannish/brownish color. I shook it up and it’s sitting now. Does the color matter? Thank you.
Mary Younkin says
Color doesn’t matter at all, Amy. It should still work fine.
L says
Have you tried with fresh ginger?
How is fresh vs ground ginger?
Thanks
Mary Younkin says
I’m guessing that will work fine. I haven’t tried that myself, as I am more likely to have ground ginger on hand vs fresh most of the time.
Marlen says
Just made this 2 days ago, and works really well. I have replaced it for the over the counter stuff, which is bad for the liver and not working well. This is so much better, and much better taste “spicy but sweet” I found that what works best for me is a tablespoon and a half.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad it’s helping!
Etouffe says
This is interesting. Growing up my dad drank Vinegar/Honey and water nearly every day at with his lunch.
Taylor says
Could I give this to my 16 month old and my 2.5 year old for their coughs
Mary Younkin says
I did with my own kids, as noted in small doses. But, you’ll want to make your own decision on that as I’m not a doctor and have no authority to advise you there. I hope they feel better soon!
Krista says
How often do you take it?
Mary Younkin says
Just as needed, Krista
Angela says
Made this and it’s amazing. I didn’t have cayenne so I substituted ground hot paprika and I had fresh ginger no dry so I grated that into it instead. Thank you
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad it helped, Angela!
Coramay Wilson says
I made this recipe and I love it, it’s spicy but sweet and works so well. I will be using this from now on instead of OTC meds, thank you so much
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad it was helpful!
Alexandra says
Im dealing with a cough right now from allergies, can you use right after mixing it up or do you have to wait?
Mary Younkin says
Alexandra – I find it works best if you let it sit for a few days before using it but I don’t see an issue if you use it right away. Although I admit I have never personally tried it.
Lisa says
I don’t have ground ginger on hand and all stores are closed. Is there anything I might be able to substitute with?
Mary Younkin says
Lisa – Ginger is really the best thing for this recipe. I have not tried it with anything else.
Dee Miller says
I was skeptical about how it was going to taste. I was pleasantly surprised how good it tasted. This is something you can take on a daily basis just for staying healthy. Apple cider vinegar has so many health benefits when taken. Apple cider vinegar is awesome for digestive issues as well as the Cayenne and Ginger. The honey adds just the right amount of sweetness as well as several health benefits too. This is going to be my new everyday go to for staying healthy. THANK YOU for sharing this.
Mary Younkin says
Dee – It is surprisingly pleasant tasting. My kids don’t mind taking it a bit!
Ecm says
7/14/22
Just made a batch, and gave it to my husband and I took some. My husband just tested positive for Covid and the cough is dreadful. I have a tickle in my throat I’m thinking sinus issues. I have tested negative tho. I hope this works. The taste is nasty as hell.
Mary Younkin says
I hope you feel better soon!
April says
I cannot give this enough stars! To say it relieved the dreaded tickle in the throat is a severe understatement. I have not been able to load up on enough OTC cold medicine to have any effect on it. It would return as soon as any cough drop was dissolved. I was literally praying for ANY relief and finally felt led to look up homemade cough…THIS IS MY SAVING GRACE! Thank you so MUCH for posting this!
April says
Oh! And I wanted to add – I did not even have time to wait for it to “ferment” or “blend”. I needed it RIGHT NOW and it still works! Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
Perfect, It really does help soothe that scratchy throat feeling.
Eric E says
How long do you think it is good in the fridge sealed in a mason jar? Been using this for a couple months now and has been great!
Mary Younkin says
Eric, You should be good for a month or so.