What to Add to Bone Broth to Make It Drinkable

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

While store-bought broth often contains excessive sodium and artificial additives, a high-quality, homemade bone broth can have a subtle, earthy flavor that some find unappealing. Learning what can I add to bone broth to make it drinkable is key to incorporating this nutritious superfood into your daily routine.

Quick Summary

Flavor enhancement techniques for bone broth, including basic seasonings, herbs, spices, acidic elements, and umami boosters. Several popular flavor combinations and ways to prepare the broth for a more satisfying experience.

Key Points

Start Simple: Begin by adding salt and pepper to enhance the broth's natural flavor before adding more complex ingredients.
Incorporate Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar brightens and balances the rich, savory taste.
Enhance with Herbs: Use hardy herbs like rosemary and thyme during simmering and add fresh, tender herbs like cilantro at the end for a vibrant finish.
Boost Umami: For deeper flavor, mix in umami boosters like miso paste, seaweed, or a dash of soy sauce.
Improve Texture: Whisking in healthy fats like ghee or coconut oil can create a rich, creamy, latte-like consistency.
Spice for Health: Add ginger, turmeric, and black pepper to create a warming, anti-inflammatory tonic.
Focus on Quality: The best results come from high-quality broth with a gelatinous texture, ensuring maximum flavor and nutritional value.

Bone broth is prized for its high protein, collagen, and mineral content, but its flavor can be a hurdle for some. Fortunately, you don't need a culinary degree to transform a bland or unappetizing broth into a delicious, nourishing drink. With the right combination of additions, you can create a daily sip that is both palatable and packed with health benefits. The secret lies in balancing salty, savory, and acidic components to create a well-rounded and deeply satisfying beverage.

Basic Flavor Enhancers for Immediate Improvement

Before exploring complex flavor profiles, start with the simplest tools at your disposal to enhance your bone broth. These pantry staples can dramatically improve the taste with minimal effort.

Salt: A pinch of high-quality sea salt can awaken and amplify the broth's natural flavors. Start with a small amount, taste, and add more as needed, as broth quality can vary in its inherent saltiness.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a gentle warmth and a subtle kick that complements the rich, savory notes of the broth.
Acid: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the overall flavor and cuts through the richness. This is a game-changer for many who find the broth too heavy on its own. It can be added at the end for maximum effect.
Healthy Fats: For a richer, more satiating drink, whisk in a teaspoon of grass-fed butter, ghee, coconut oil, or MCT oil. This gives the broth a latte-like creaminess and adds a luxurious feel.

Advanced Additions: Herbs, Spices, and Umami

Once you have the basics down, you can experiment with more complex ingredients to create truly unique and delicious broth combinations. These additions can transform your broth into a healing tonic or a gourmet delight.

Herbs and Spices for Depth

Adding herbs and spices is one of the most effective ways to layer flavor into your bone broth. You can simmer hardy herbs or infuse with delicate fresh ones.

Ginger and Turmeric: These warming spices are anti-inflammatory powerhouses. Freshly grated ginger or turmeric adds a zesty, earthy kick, especially when paired with a pinch of black pepper to aid absorption.
Garlic: Minced or roasted garlic provides a deep, aromatic flavor. For a more subtle taste, add it while reheating; for a robust garlic flavor, puree roasted garlic into the broth.
Fresh Herbs: Tender herbs like fresh parsley, cilantro, or chives should be added just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavor and aroma.
Woody Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves are excellent for infusing flavor during reheating. Remember to remove the woody stems before drinking.

Boosters for a Rich Umami Flavor

For an extra savory, satisfying experience, consider adding umami-rich ingredients.

Miso Paste: A small spoonful of miso paste whisked into warm (not boiling) broth adds a fermented, salty richness.
Seaweed: Nori flakes or strips of kelp can contribute a deep, earthy, mineral-rich flavor.
Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: A dash of low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos enhances the savory umami notes.

Comparison of Flavor Additions


Addition Type	Recommended For	Best Method	Flavor Contribution
Acid	Brightening rich broth, cutting fattiness	Add fresh lemon or lime juice at the end.	Tangy, vibrant, refreshing
Herbs (Fresh)	A fresh, vibrant, aromatic lift	Stir in finely chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving.	Grassy, clean, peppery
Herbs (Woody)	Creating a deep, savory base	Simmer with rosemary or thyme, then strain before serving.	Earthy, aromatic, herbaceous
Warming Spices	Anti-inflammatory benefits, invigorating warmth	Grate fresh ginger and turmeric, add black pepper.	Zesty, spicy, earthy
Umami Boosters	Adding savory depth, complexity	Whisk in miso paste or a dash of soy sauce.	Rich, fermented, savory

Broth 'Lattes' and Other Creative Combinations

Don't be afraid to think outside the mug. You can create unique, palate-pleasing bone broth drinks by combining different ingredients. One popular option is a bone broth 'latte' by blending with healthy fats for a creamy texture. For a spicy tonic, combine broth with ginger, turmeric, garlic, and a pinch of cayenne. You can also build global flavor profiles, such as a Thai-inspired broth with coconut milk, lime, ginger, and cilantro.

The Power of Preparation and Quality

Beyond additions, the final taste of your broth depends on its fundamental quality. A thin, watery broth will always be difficult to flavor convincingly. High-quality bone broth, whether homemade or store-bought, will have a gelatinous consistency when chilled, a sign of proper collagen extraction. For homemade broth, roasting the bones and simmering for a long period is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor. For store-bought options, choose brands with minimal ingredients and low sodium content, allowing you to control the final seasoning.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Sip

With a little experimentation, you can easily find the right combination of flavors to make bone broth a delicious and drinkable part of your routine. From simple seasoning to more complex, global-inspired tonics, the options are endless. By focusing on quality ingredients and balancing core flavors, you can turn a functional health drink into a genuinely enjoyable ritual. So, grab your favorite mug, experiment with a few new flavors, and sip your way to better health.

For more information on creating your own nourishing food, you might find this resource on homemade stocks helpful: Simply Recipes on How to Make Homemade Chicken Stock

Frequently Asked Questions

Start with a milder, good-quality chicken bone broth and focus on familiar flavors. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and some fresh ginger. Incorporating it into a creamy 'latte' with a healthy fat like ghee can also mask the flavor significantly.

Yes, you can simmer vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery in your broth as you reheat it. Roasting the vegetables before adding them can create a deeper, sweeter flavor profile.

For bland broth, start with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. If it still lacks flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice and some minced garlic. You can also simmer it with a fresh sprig of rosemary or thyme.

To add heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a more rounded spice, try fresh grated ginger or a Thai-inspired blend with chili and coconut milk.

Adding a tablespoon of grass-fed butter, ghee, coconut oil, or extra virgin olive oil can add flavor and a rich, creamy texture. Blending it with the hot broth will create a frothy, latte-like drink.

While dairy milk isn't typically used, you can add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, Thai-inspired broth. This works well with ingredients like lime juice, ginger, and cilantro.

Adding seasonings during reheating does not diminish the health benefits of the broth. Simmering with ingredients like herbs and spices can even infuse additional nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties into the liquid.