Which hot beverage is good for cold? A guide to soothing drinks

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies have shown that hot drinks can provide immediate and sustained relief from common cold and flu symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, and sore throat. This comforting warmth helps ease discomfort while providing much-needed hydration. Finding the right hot beverage can make a significant difference in how you feel when battling a cold.

Quick Summary

Find out which hot beverage is good for a cold by soothing a sore throat and alleviating congestion. Explore options from herbal teas to flavorful broths and tonics that offer natural symptom relief.

Key Points

Honey and Lemon Tea: The combination of honey's cough-suppressing and antibacterial properties with lemon's Vitamin C is a classic, soothing cold remedy.
Ginger Tea: This spicy root is a potent anti-inflammatory, excellent for soothing a sore throat, calming nausea, and clearing congestion.
Herbal Teas: Specific herbal teas like peppermint for congestion, chamomile for rest, and echinacea for immune support can target various cold symptoms.
Warm Broth: A hot, savory broth is a hydrating alternative to tea, providing electrolytes and soothing warmth to relieve a sore throat and congestion.
Avoid Dehydrating Drinks: When sick, it's best to avoid alcohol, excessive coffee, and sugary beverages, as they can lead to dehydration and hinder your recovery.
Steam is Beneficial: The hot steam from any warm beverage helps open nasal passages and loosen mucus, making it easier to breathe.

The Soothing Power of Warm Liquids

When you're fighting a cold, your body is working overtime, and staying hydrated is crucial for a speedy recovery. Hot liquids offer a distinct advantage: the steam from a hot beverage can help open up your nasal passages and loosen congestion, while the warmth is soothing for a raw, sore throat. In fact, research indicates that the relief from hot beverages is more pronounced and longer-lasting compared to the same drink at room temperature.

The Classic Comfort: Honey and Lemon Tea

A simple, yet highly effective, remedy for cold symptoms is the combination of honey and lemon in hot water. It's a classic for good reason, offering a powerful mix of benefits.

Why Honey and Lemon Works

Honey: This natural sweetener isn't just for taste; it's a proven cough suppressant. Its antibacterial properties can also help soothe a sore throat.
Lemon: Packed with Vitamin C, lemon juice provides a much-needed antioxidant boost to your immune system. It also helps cut through mucus and provides a pleasant, fresh taste.
Preparation: Simply combine the juice of half a lemon and a tablespoon of honey in a mug of hot water. Add a slice of fresh lemon for extra flavor. For best results, use pure, local honey.

The Spicy Soother: Ginger Tea

If you're dealing with a nasty cough or an upset stomach, ginger tea can be your best friend. This spicy root has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can make a big difference in how you feel.

The Power of Ginger

Anti-inflammatory: Ginger's active compounds, like gingerol, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can help reduce swelling and pain in a sore throat.
Congestion Relief: The steam and spice from ginger tea work together to help clear up sinuses and relieve congestion.
Stomach Upset: If your cold is accompanied by nausea or a stomach ache, ginger is a well-known remedy for calming digestive distress.
Preparation: You can easily make ginger tea at home. Just add several slices of fresh, peeled ginger root to a pot of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain and add honey to taste.

Herbal Teas for Every Symptom

Beyond classic black or green tea, a variety of herbal teas can target specific cold symptoms with their unique properties.

Popular Herbal Options

Peppermint Tea: The menthol in peppermint can act as a natural decongestant, helping to clear airways and soothe a cough. It's also antiviral.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming effects, chamomile can help you get the rest you need when a cold keeps you up at night. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Echinacea Tea: Studies suggest that echinacea can give your immune system a boost and potentially shorten the duration of your cold if taken at the first sign of symptoms.
Elderberry Tea: Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and have been used for centuries to ease cold and flu symptoms.

Beyond Tea: Other Hot Beverages

For those who aren't tea fans, or just want to mix things up, other hot beverages can also provide significant relief.

Warm Broth or Soup

Chicken soup isn't just an old wives' tale; warm broths can provide hydration, electrolytes, and nutrients that are easy for a sick body to process. The steam from the broth also helps clear nasal passages.

Non-alcoholic Hot Toddy

This soothing mix often includes hot water, honey, lemon, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. It's a comforting ritual that helps with a sore throat and congestion without the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

Comparison Table: Hot Beverages for Cold Symptoms


Beverage	Soothes Throat	Eases Congestion	Anti-inflammatory	Immune Boost	Helps with Nausea
Honey & Lemon Tea	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌
Ginger Tea	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅
Peppermint Tea	❌	✅	✅	❌	❌
Chamomile Tea	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌
Echinacea Tea	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌
Warm Broth	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅

What to Avoid

While many hot drinks are beneficial, some should be avoided when you have a cold. Alcohol can be dehydrating and interact negatively with medications. Likewise, excessive amounts of coffee and highly sugary drinks can also work against your body's recovery process by causing dehydration. Stick to naturally hydrating and soothing options instead.

Conclusion: The Best Choice for Your Cold

Ultimately, the best hot beverage for your cold depends on your specific symptoms and personal preferences. A classic honey and lemon tea is excellent for a sore throat, while ginger tea is a superstar for nausea and inflammation. For rest and relaxation, chamomile is a clear winner. The key is to stay hydrated, choose drinks that contain beneficial ingredients, and listen to what your body is craving. Whatever you choose, a warm mug is sure to provide some much-needed comfort when you're feeling under the weather.

More guidance on managing cold symptoms from Johns Hopkins Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

Hot drinks help a cold by providing soothing warmth for a sore throat and using steam to open up nasal passages, which helps with congestion. They also keep you hydrated, which is crucial for fighting illness.

Yes, honey is effective for a cold. It acts as a natural cough suppressant and has antibacterial properties that can help soothe a sore throat. It is a key ingredient in many homemade cold remedies.

It is generally advised to avoid or limit coffee when you have a cold because caffeine is a diuretic and can cause dehydration. Staying hydrated is essential for recovery.

There are several great options, depending on your symptoms: Peppermint tea is good for congestion, chamomile tea can help with sleep, and echinacea may boost your immune system.

A non-alcoholic hot toddy made with hot water, lemon, honey, and spices can be very soothing for a sore throat and congestion. However, the alcoholic version can be dehydrating and is not recommended.

Sugary drinks can be dehydrating and may cause inflammation in your body, which can potentially worsen cold symptoms. Natural and unsweetened hot beverages are a better choice.

Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps soothe a sore throat and reduce general inflammation. Its spicy nature also helps to clear sinuses, and it can ease nausea.