Honey ginger syrup is a great natural sweetener, perfect for adding to tea or a cocktail. Combine it with a little warm water to use it as a healthy flu-fighting elixir.

I love ginger. It's one of those staples that I always keep in the house. It's great for digestion and has good anti-inflammatory properties. I also love the spice it adds to wherever it lands. 

So take my love of ginger with my hate for chemical-laden sweeteners, and you have today's recipe for a natural honey ginger syrup.

You can't find refined sugar in my house anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't still have sweet cravings. I just satisfy the cravings now with more natural ingredients like raw, local honey or fresh dates.

When making cocktails though, it's tough to throw in a date, but honey ginger syrup is another story. I much prefer using honey than a refined sugar in simple syrup.

You can use this honey ginger syrup with your favorite warm or cold drink (like my elderberry tea), or simply mix it with a little hot water to help with an upset stomach, cramps, muscle pain or ward off the flu.

It's a great natural elixir.

Honey Ginger Syrup

Makes about 1-1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup fresh ginger

• 2 cup water

• 6 tablespoons honey

Instructions

1. If your ginger is organic, you don't need to peel it, but remove any rough or discolored spots, rinse and chop. Place the ginger, water, and honey in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil and then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 30-45 minutes. The syrup will reduce and thicken. When it reaches your desired consistency, remove from heat and allow to cool before straining the ginger from the syrup. I like to save the ginger pieces and add them to my juice or smoothie later.

2. Once cool, place in a glass container and keep refrigerated. Add to tea, cocktails or hot water.

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