What is the best thing to drink with strep? Soothing drinks for a sore throat

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

While many sore throats are viral, strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, which requires antibiotics but can also be soothed with proper hydration and diet. Finding what is the best thing to drink with strep can make a significant difference in managing discomfort and supporting recovery.

Quick Summary

Proper hydration is crucial for managing strep throat symptoms. Soothing options include warm liquids like herbal teas and broths, cool drinks like popsicles and smoothies, and plain water to keep the throat moist and reduce inflammation.

Key Points

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like plain water to keep your throat moist, which can help ease pain and prevent dehydration, especially if you have a fever.
Choose Soothing Warm Liquids: Herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, or peppermint, often with added honey, can be very comforting and help reduce inflammation.
Opt for Cool Relief: Cold items like fruit-based popsicles, ice chips, and smoothies can provide a numbing effect that helps dull throat pain and swelling.
Avoid Acidic and Irritating Drinks: Stay away from acidic juices like orange or tomato juice, carbonated sodas, and alcohol, as they can irritate the inflamed tissues of your throat.
Don't Forget Nutrition: Smoothies and low-sodium broths can provide essential nutrients and calories when a sore throat makes eating solid food difficult.

Why Hydration is Key for Strep Throat

When you have strep throat, staying hydrated is one of the most important steps you can take to manage your symptoms and aid recovery. A sore, dry throat can be incredibly painful and difficult to swallow with, but drinking fluids helps keep the throat moist, which can ease pain and irritation. Hydration also plays a vital role in keeping your body's systems functioning properly, supporting your immune system as it fights the infection. If you have a fever, which is a common symptom of strep, drinking extra fluids is especially important to prevent dehydration. However, while staying hydrated is essential for symptom relief, it's crucial to remember that antibiotics are necessary to treat the bacterial infection itself and prevent more serious complications.

Soothing Warm Drinks for Relief

Warm liquids are a time-honored remedy for sore throats, providing comfort and helping to break up mucus. The warmth can increase blood flow to the throat, providing a natural, soothing effect. While very hot drinks can cause more irritation, a gently warmed beverage can provide significant relief.

Herbal Teas: Chamomile, ginger, and peppermint teas are excellent choices. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, while peppermint contains menthol, which can have a mild numbing effect on the throat. Green tea is also beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure to opt for decaffeinated options, as caffeine can be dehydrating.
Tea with Honey: Adding honey to warm tea or water can further boost the soothing effects. Honey has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can coat the throat, reducing irritation and suppressing a cough. (Note: Do not give honey to children under 1 year old due to the risk of infant botulism).
Warm Broths and Soups: A low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth is a great option. The warmth is comforting, and the steam can help clear congested nasal passages. Broths also provide electrolytes and nutrients, which are important if your appetite is low.

Cool Drinks for Numbing and Nourishment

For some, cool temperatures provide more relief by numbing the throat and reducing swelling. If warm drinks don't appeal to you, these cold options can be just as effective.

Popsicles: Choose fruit-based popsicles made from pureed fruit or juice rather than just sugar. The cold temperature helps to numb the throat, and the liquid content helps prevent dehydration.
Smoothies: A nutrient-dense smoothie is an excellent way to get calories and vitamins when swallowing is painful. Blend soft fruits like bananas, melons, and peaches with a liquid base like almond milk or yogurt for a nourishing and easy-to-swallow drink.
Ice Chips: Sucking on ice chips provides a simple and effective way to numb the throat and increase hydration slowly.
Low-Acid Juices: Apple juice is a good choice because it is less acidic than citrus juices and can provide quick energy. Ensure it is 100% juice without added sugars to avoid irritating your throat further.

Drinks and Ingredients to Avoid

Just as some drinks can help, others can worsen symptoms by irritating the already sensitive tissues of your throat.

Acidic Drinks: Avoid orange juice, lemonade, and other acidic fruit juices, as the acid can cause a stinging or burning sensation. The same goes for tomato juice and sauces.
Carbonated Beverages: Sodas and other fizzy drinks can be irritating to the throat due to their bubbles and acidity.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are dehydrating and can sting a sore throat, so it's best to avoid them entirely while recovering.
Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee and caffeinated teas can have a diuretic effect, which can increase dehydration. Stick to decaf herbal teas instead.

Hydration and Drink Comparison Table

Here is a quick comparison to help you choose the best drinks for your strep throat based on their properties.


Drink Type	Soothes Sore Throat	Hydrates	Nutrient-Dense	Notes
Herbal Tea	Yes	Yes	Sometimes	Add honey for extra soothing. Choose decaf.
Warm Broth	Yes	Yes	Yes	Choose low-sodium varieties.
Water	Yes (plain)	Excellent	No	The most basic and crucial form of hydration.
Smoothie	Yes	Yes	Excellent	Customize with soft, low-acid fruits and yogurt.
Popsicle	Yes (numbing)	Yes	Sometimes	Prioritize fruit-based over sugary options.
Orange Juice	No	Yes	Yes	Acidic nature can irritate the throat. Avoid.
Coffee	No	No (dehydrating)	No	Highly acidic and dehydrating. Avoid.
Soda	No	No	No	Carbonation and acidity are irritating. Avoid.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Comfort and Hydration

When dealing with strep throat, your main goals are to take your prescribed antibiotics, rest, and manage the uncomfortable symptoms, especially the sore throat. The best approach to drinking is to prioritize non-acidic, soothing liquids. Both warm options like herbal teas with honey or nourishing broths, and cold options like popsicles and smoothies, can offer significant relief and prevent dehydration. Remember to completely avoid irritating drinks like acidic citrus juices, soda, and alcohol. Staying hydrated not only eases the pain of swallowing but also gives your body the support it needs to recover. For any persistent or worsening symptoms, always consult with a healthcare professional.

For more detailed information on sore throat remedies, you can visit the CDC website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is best to avoid orange juice and other acidic fruit juices when you have strep throat. The acidity can further irritate and sting your already sensitive throat.

Yes, warm herbal tea with honey is a classic remedy for a sore throat. The warmth is soothing, and honey has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can coat the throat and reduce irritation.

Yes, popsicles can be a great option. The cold temperature can help numb your throat and reduce swelling. It's best to choose fruit-based or homemade varieties to avoid excessive sugar.

Some people find that dairy products can make mucus feel thicker and harder to swallow, although it doesn't increase mucus production. If you experience this, it may be best to limit dairy until your symptoms improve.

Staying well-hydrated is crucial to keep your throat moist, which eases the pain and irritation of swallowing. It also helps your body fight the infection and replaces fluids lost from a fever.

Both can be helpful. Some find relief from soothing warm liquids like tea or broth, while others prefer the numbing effect of cold liquids like popsicles or ice chips. It's a matter of personal preference.

It is not recommended to drink soda with strep throat. The carbonation and high acidity can irritate your throat, potentially worsening the pain and discomfort.