What Is a Flu Bomb Drink?
A flu bomb is a warm, punchy drink made from six pantry ingredients: fresh garlic, grated ginger, raw honey, lemon juice, a pinch of cayenne pepper and warm water. It is bright from the lemon, sweet from the honey and spicy from the ginger and cayenne. Many people like to sip something warm like this on a chilly day or when they are feeling run-down.
Please note: this is a homemade drink, not a medicine. It does not treat, cure or prevent the flu, colds or any other illness. If you are unwell, follow the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.
Ingredients
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- ½ cup of warm water
Instructions
- Start by mincing the garlic and grating the ginger. The finer, the better.
- Squeeze the juice from your lemon and add it to a cup.
- Stir in the honey until it’s fully dissolved.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Pour warm water over the mixture and stir well.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the ingredients to infuse.
That’s it! Your flu bomb is ready. Drink it warm.
Taste and Texture Tips
Let’s be honest: the flu bomb isn’t winning any culinary awards. Garlic, ginger and cayenne pepper are strong on their own, and together they pack quite a punch. To make it more palatable, try reducing the garlic slightly or adding a bit more honey for sweetness. If the texture bothers you, strain the mixture to remove the solids before drinking.
Substitutions and Variations
- Not a fan of cayenne? Swap it for a pinch of turmeric.
- Vegan or avoiding honey? Use maple syrup, agave syrup or date syrup instead.
- Milder version: reduce the garlic, ginger and cayenne, and add more lemon or sweetener to balance the flavors.
Safety Notes
- Never give honey to babies younger than 12 months. For an older child, make a milder version with less garlic, ginger and cayenne.
- Garlic, ginger and cayenne can be too strong for sensitive stomachs. Skip any ingredient you are allergic or sensitive to.
- If you are pregnant, have a medical condition or take medication, check with a healthcare professional before trying new home drinks.
- This drink is not a substitute for medical care. Contact a doctor if you have a high fever, trouble breathing, or symptoms that are severe or don’t improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I strain a flu bomb?
Yes. Let it infuse for 5-10 minutes, then strain out the garlic and ginger if you prefer a smoother drink.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Replace the honey with maple syrup, agave syrup or date syrup.
Can children drink it?
Never give honey to babies younger than 12 months. For older children, make a much milder version with less garlic, ginger and cayenne, or skip the cayenne entirely.
