Have you ever wondered if a homemade cough syrup could kick that nagging cough to the curb? With the cold and flu season just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to prepare some tried-and-true remedies right from your own kitchen. Forget the store-bought stuff loaded with who-knows-what. Homemade cough syrups are not only effective, but they’re also natural, safe, and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand—honey, lemon, garlic, ginger… you name it!

These simple syrups can be a lifesaver when that first tickle hits your throat. Whether you’re soothing a sore throat or calming a persistent cough, these DIY recipes offer quick relief, all without leaving the comfort of your home.

Common Ingredients in Homemade Cough Syrups

When it comes to whipping up your homemade cough syrup, you’ll find that many ingredients are already sitting in your kitchen. These natural elements soothe your throat, boost your immune system, and help your body fight off that stubborn cough. Here are some of the most common ingredients you’ll want to have on hand:

• Honey is a powerhouse for calming a sore throat and suppressing coughs, and is rich in antioxidants with antibacterial properties.
• Lemons are full of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and break down mucus.
• Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and works to reduce throat irritation and calm coughing.
• Garlic acts as a natural antimicrobial, making it great for fighting infections and easing respiratory symptoms.
• Apple cider vinegar helps balance your body’s pH and is an antibacterial agent to fend off infections.
• Cinnamon adds warmth and flavor and helps reduce inflammation, making it a comforting addition to cough syrups.
• Onion has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce congestion and persistent coughing.
• Peppermint contains menthol, which helps open airways and reduces coughing by soothing the throat.
• Thyme acts as a natural expectorant, helping to break up mucus and ease coughing.

With just a few of these ingredients, you can create a variety of homemade syrups to help keep coughs at bay this season.

Ease a Sore Throat with a Warm Salt Water Gargle

Choosing the Best Honey for Homemade Cough Syrups

We know you probably already have a jar of honey in the pantry. However, if you plan on using more natural remedies during the cold and flu season, it’s worth investing in good-quality honey. Indeed, the right honey can make all the difference in soothing a cough and helping you feel better faster.

The Importance of Local Honey

I recommend buying local honey from your farmers’ market or a nearby health food store. Not only does this support local beekeepers, but local honey often contains small amounts of pollen from plants in your area. This can help your body adjust to seasonal allergies. Choosing local honey is a smart choice, not just for your health but also for the environment.

Top Honey Varieties for Cough Syrups

• Sage Honey has a mild, pleasant flavor and is soothing and gentle, making it perfect for cough syrups.
• Eucalyptus Honey is known for its subtle menthol-like quality, which helps clear airways and calm stubborn coughs.
• Manuka Honey is famous for its strong antibacterial properties and is especially effective at relieving sore throats and persistent coughs.
• Buckwheat Honey is dark and rich, packed with antioxidants, and relieves irritated throats.
• Wildflower Honey is a diverse blend of nectar from various wildflowers, offering a mild, floral flavor and a range of nutrients that enhance the effectiveness of your syrup.

So, the next time you’re out shopping, take a moment to choose a high-quality honey. Raw, unfiltered honey is your best bet for getting the most out of your homemade cough syrups, offering both flavor and effective relief.

Garlic-Onion Immunity Boost Syrup

This powerful homemade cough syrup combines the natural healing properties of garlic and onion with the soothing effects of honey and a vitamin C boost from lemon. It’s perfect for fighting off infections and calming a sore throat.

Ingredients:

• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup honey
• Juice of 1 lemon

Benefits: Garlic and onion are known for their strong antimicrobial properties, helping fight infections. Honey works to soothe and coat the throat, while lemon juice adds a refreshing vitamin C boost to support your immune system.

Instructions:

1. Combine the chopped garlic and onion with 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the garlic and onion are softened and have released their beneficial compounds.
2. Strain the mixture (optional), keeping the liquid.
3. Cool slightly.
4. Stir in the honey and lemon into the warm liquid.
5. Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar with an airtight lid.
6. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Take 1-2 teaspoons of this syrup as needed to help soothe your throat and boost your immune system during the cold and flu season.

Cinnamon-Spiced Honey Elixir

This comforting syrup combines the warm spice of cinnamon with honey and lemon for a simple yet effective remedy.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup honey
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup warm water

Benefits: Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while honey soothes the throat. Lemon adds a dose of vitamin C to support the immune system.

Instructions:

1. Combine the ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes to extract the benefits of the cinnamon.
2. Strain the mixture (optional), keeping the liquid.
3. Cool slightly.
4. Stir in the honey and lemon into the warm liquid.
5. Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar with an airtight lid.
6. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Take 1-2 teaspoons as needed to ease your cough and soothe your throat.

Ginger Lemon Zest Syrup

This syrup combines the warming effects of ginger with the bright flavor of lemon zest and the soothing properties of honey, making it a great option for easing coughs and sore throats.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup honey
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup warm water

Benefits: Ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The lemon zest and juice provide a vitamin C boost. Honey helps to soothe a sore throat and suppress coughing.

Instructions:

1. Combine the grated ginger and lemon zest with 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to extract the benefits of the ginger and lemon.
2. Strain the mixture (optional), keeping the liquid.
3. Cool slightly.
4. Stir in the honey and lemon juice into the warm liquid.
5. Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar with an airtight lid.
6. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Take 1-2 teaspoons as needed to relieve coughs and soothe your throat.

Peppermint-Eucalyptus Cough Soother

This refreshing syrup uses peppermint and eucalyptus for their cooling and congestion-relieving properties, paired with honey for a gentle throat coating.

Ingredients:

• 1 peppermint tea bag (or 1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves)
• 1-2 drops eucalyptus essential oil (optional)
• 1/2 cup honey
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup warm water

Benefits: Peppermint helps to clear the airways with its menthol content, while eucalyptus offers additional decongestant properties. Honey coats and soothes the throat.

Instructions:

1. Steep the peppermint tea bag or dried peppermint leaves in 1/2 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture (if using dried leaves), keeping the liquid.
3. Cool slightly.
4. Stir in the honey, lemon juice, and eucalyptus oil (if using) into the warm liquid.
5. Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar with an airtight lid.
6. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Take 1-2 teaspoons as needed to ease congestion and soothe your throat.

Thyme & Honey Mucus Reliever

Thyme’s natural expectorant properties, combined with the soothing effects of honey and lemon, make this syrup ideal for breaking up mucus and calming a cough.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons fresh or dried thyme
• 1/2 cup honey
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup warm water

Benefits: Thyme is a natural expectorant that helps break up mucus. Honey and lemon work together to soothe the throat and provide immune support.

Instructions:

1. Combine the thyme with 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to release the thyme’s benefits.
2. Strain the mixture (optional), keeping the liquid.
3. Cool slightly.
4. Stir in the honey and lemon juice into the warm liquid.
5. Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar with an airtight lid.
6. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Take 1-2 teaspoons as needed to help clear mucus and calm your cough.

Liquor as an Extra Soothing Ingredient in Homemade Cough Syrup

For an extra layer of warmth and soothing relief, adding a small amount of liquor to your homemade cough syrup can be a great option. Liquor like whiskey, brandy, or rum has long been used in traditional cough remedies to help numb the throat and calm persistent coughing. If you choose to include liquor, here are a few recommendations:

• Whiskey: A classic choice, whiskey helps numb the throat and provides a warming effect. Add 1-2 tablespoons of whiskey to your syrup for an extra soothing touch.
• Brandy: Brandy works similarly to whiskey, adding warmth and a rich flavor to help soothe a sore throat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of brandy to your syrup.
• Rum: Dark rum offers a slightly sweeter option and pairs nicely with honey and lemon. Add 1-2 tablespoons of rum to your syrup for a comforting finish.

These small amounts of liquor enhance the soothing properties of your cough syrup while adding a little warmth. If you’re making the syrup for children or anyone who avoids alcohol, simply omit the liquor for a completely alcohol-free version.

Storing Homemade Cough Syrups

Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade cough syrups fresh and effective. Since these syrups contain natural ingredients like honey and lemon, they should be stored correctly to maintain their potency.

Refrigeration

After making your syrup, always transfer it to a clean glass jar with an airtight lid. Store the jar in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients fresh. Most homemade cough syrups will last up to one week when refrigerated. To help you remember, label the jar with the syrup’s name and the date it was made.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you want to make larger batches, you can freeze homemade syrups in small portions. Pour the syrup into ice cube trays and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the cubes into a freezer-safe bag, making it easy to thaw a small amount when needed. Frozen cough syrup can last up to three months.

Gifting from Your Kitchen

Homemade cough syrups make thoughtful and practical gifts, especially during the cold and flu season. To give them as gifts, pour the syrup into small glass jars with a secure lid. You can add a decorative label with the syrup’s name, ingredients, and instructions for use. Tie a ribbon or some twine around the lid for a personal touch. Remember to mention the syrup’s storage instructions so your friends and family know to refrigerate it and use it within a week.

Now, It’s Your Turn

With these simple and effective homemade cough syrup recipes, you’re ready to take on the cold and flu season naturally! Using ingredients you likely already have at home, you can ease sore throats, calm coughs, and give your immune system a much-needed boost. Whether you’re making a batch for yourself or giving them as thoughtful gifts, these syrups are a great way to support your health naturally.

Try one of these recipes, store it properly, and have it ready when you need it most.

We’d love to hear from you—what’s your favorite natural remedy for getting through the cold and flu season? Share your tips and tricks in the comments!

You can also join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Facebook Page. If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your social networks.  Your subscription to the blog is also appreciated!

We also have more than 70 self-care boards for you to follow on Pinterest.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.

Keep It Tight Sisters.

Eat. Move. Breathe.