What is the best drink to have with a sore throat?

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Mayo Clinic, warm liquids like tea or broth and cold items such as ice water or popsicles can provide soothing relief for a sore throat. Choosing what is the best drink to have with a sore throat depends on whether you prefer a warm, comforting sensation or a cold, numbing effect. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for a speedy recovery, regardless of the temperature.

Quick Summary

Both warm and cold drinks can effectively soothe a sore throat, offering relief from irritation and pain. Options like honey-lemon tea and bone broth are popular, as are chilled beverages such as ice water and smoothies. Hydration is key to keeping throat membranes moist and promoting healing, while specific ingredients add anti-inflammatory or antibacterial benefits.

Key Points

Warm Liquids for Soothing: Warm teas with honey, lemon, or ginger can increase blood flow to the throat and provide soothing relief from inflammation.
Cold Liquids for Numbing: For intense pain, cold options like ice water, popsicles, or smoothies can help numb the throat and reduce swelling.
Honey's Healing Properties: Honey is a proven remedy with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that coats the throat and suppresses coughing (safe for those over one year old).
Prioritize Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for keeping the throat moist, thinning mucus, and promoting overall healing.
Herbal Tea Benefits: Specific herbal teas like peppermint and chamomile offer additional properties, such as menthol for numbing and anti-inflammatory effects for swelling.
Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of dehydrating beverages like caffeine and alcohol, as well as acidic or spicy foods that can worsen irritation.
Nutrient-Dense Options: Smoothies and broths are excellent ways to get essential vitamins and nutrients when eating solid food is difficult.
Listen to Your Body: The best choice is often what feels most comfortable to you, so feel free to alternate between warm and cold remedies as needed.

Warm Liquids for Comfort and Healing

When your throat is inflamed and painful, warm drinks can provide immediate comfort and help loosen mucus. The warmth increases blood flow to the throat area, which promotes relaxation and can aid in healing. The steam from hot beverages can also help clear nasal congestion, which often accompanies a sore throat.

Honey and Lemon Tea

This classic remedy is popular for good reason. Honey acts as a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that coats the throat, reducing irritation and acting as a mild cough suppressant. Lemon provides a boost of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system. Just remember, honey should never be given to children under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism.

Ingredients: 1-2 teaspoons of honey, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a mug of warm water or caffeine-free herbal tea.
Preparation: Mix honey and lemon into the warm liquid until dissolved. Sip slowly.

Herbal Teas

Many herbal teas offer specific benefits for a sore throat:

Peppermint Tea: Contains menthol, which can help numb the throat and act as a decongestant.
Chamomile Tea: Has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties. It can also promote restful sleep, which is vital for recovery.
Ginger Tea: Possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight infection and reduce pain.
Marshmallow Root Tea: Contains a gelatinous substance called mucilage that coats and soothes the throat.

Broths and Soups

Warm broth, especially chicken soup, has long been a go-to remedy.

Provides hydration and essential nutrients when a solid meal is too difficult to swallow.
Steam from the broth helps open congested nasal passages.
Adding garlic can provide additional immune-boosting benefits.

Cold Liquids for Numbing Pain

While warm drinks are comforting, cold beverages can be equally effective by numbing the nerve endings in the throat and reducing inflammation. This can be a lifesaver when the pain of swallowing is intense.

Ice Water and Ice Pops

For many, simply sipping on ice water or sucking on ice chips provides significant relief by constricting blood vessels and numbing the area. Ice pops are a great choice, especially for children, as they help hydrate and soothe at the same time.

Smoothies and Milkshakes

A cold smoothie can pack a punch of nutrients and protein when appetite is low. Using ingredients like yogurt can provide beneficial probiotics, while frozen fruits and vegetables offer vitamins and antioxidants. Be mindful of milk products if they increase your mucus production.

Comparison of Soothing Sore Throat Drinks


Drink Type	Primary Benefit	Recommended Ingredients	Best For	Considerations
Warm Tea with Honey	Soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial	Honey, lemon, ginger, chamomile, peppermint	Coating and calming the throat, suppressing coughs	Avoid for infants under 1 year. Opt for caffeine-free tea.
Warm Broth/Soup	Hydration, nutrients, clears congestion	Chicken broth, vegetable broth, garlic	Sustaining energy when eating is difficult	Ensure it is warm, not scalding hot, to avoid further irritation.
Cold Water/Popsicles	Numbing, reduces inflammation	Ice chips, frozen fruit juice	Immediate pain relief for intense throat soreness	Simple but highly effective.
Smoothies	Nutrient-dense, cold relief	Yogurt, frozen fruit, greens, honey	Getting calories and vitamins when swallowing is painful	Watch for excess sugar content.
Lemon Water	Boosts immunity, thins mucus	Warm water, fresh lemon juice	Hydration and a vitamin C boost	Add honey to temper acidity.

What to Avoid

Just as important as choosing the right drinks is avoiding those that can worsen your condition. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol are dehydrating and should be avoided. Acidic juices, such as pure orange juice, can irritate the sensitive throat lining. Also, avoid very hot or very cold liquids that can shock the throat.

Conclusion

For anyone wondering what is the best drink to have with a sore throat, the answer lies in a combination of warm and cold options. Warm honey-lemon tea and rich, warm broths offer both comfort and therapeutic benefits through their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. For immediate numbing relief, cold water or popsicles are highly effective. Staying hydrated is the most fundamental step towards healing, so listen to your body and choose the temperature that provides the most comfort. Ultimately, whether a warm brew or a chilly treat, a soothing drink can make a world of difference during a bout of illness. If symptoms are severe or persist, always consult a healthcare professional.

Homemade Soothing Elixir Recipe

This simple recipe combines several beneficial ingredients into one powerful, soothing drink.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot water (not boiling)
- 1 tbsp honey (avoid for infants under one)
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Bring water to a near-boil and pour into a mug.
2. Add the grated ginger and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
3. Strain the ginger out.
4. Stir in the honey and lemon juice until well combined.
5. Sip slowly while warm for maximum relief.

Important Precautions

While home remedies are helpful for symptom management, it is crucial to seek medical advice for severe or persistent sore throats, which could indicate a more serious infection like strep throat. If you have a high fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swollen neck glands, consult a doctor immediately. [Link to resource for additional information on sore throat].

Note: It's important to consult a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medication, as some herbs can have drug interactions.

Final Thoughts on Sore Throat Relief

Remember that while these drinks provide relief, they are not a cure for the underlying cause, especially if it's a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics. The key is to support your body's immune system, stay hydrated, and ease the pain and discomfort that make swallowing so difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both warm and cold liquids can be beneficial. Warm drinks, like tea with honey, can soothe irritation and loosen mucus, while cold drinks, such as ice water or popsicles, can numb the pain and reduce inflammation. The best choice depends on what provides you with the most comfort.

Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It works by coating the throat, which helps reduce irritation and provides a soothing effect. It also acts as a natural cough suppressant, making it a popular and effective remedy.

No, you should never give honey to a child under one year of age. Honey can contain bacteria that can cause infant botulism, a serious illness. For children over one, a small amount of honey mixed with warm water or tea is generally safe and effective.

While citrus fruits contain Vitamin C, which supports the immune system, the acidity in citrus juices can actually irritate a sensitive, inflamed throat. A better way to get Vitamin C is through a warm lemon water mixed with honey, which can help temper the acidity.

Yes, many herbal teas can be very helpful. Teas like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger contain compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties that can aid in healing and provide relief from symptoms.

Any warm broth, such as chicken or vegetable, can be beneficial. Broth provides hydration and nutrients that are easy to swallow. The sodium in the broth can also be soothing, similar to a salt water gargle. Adding garlic can boost the broth's therapeutic properties.

Yes, it is best to avoid drinks that can dehydrate you or further irritate your throat. This includes caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and highly acidic juices. Stick to soothing and hydrating options instead.