Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Salabat (Filipino Ginger Tea) #Recipe by Mia P. Manansala (@MPMtheWriter)

Salabat with bottled calamansi juice and local Chicago honey

I develop a nasty cough every year around this time--my lungs are relatively weak, and the dryness of a Chicago winter wreaks havoc every time. (I love you, Chicago, but I will forever be bitter about your awful winters). 

Because of that, I make sure to stay hydrated, keep a humidifier in my bedroom, and drink gallons of this delicious ginger tea. If I’m having trouble sleeping, a shot of alcohol added to this spicy brew warms me up and knocks me out. My favorite kind of hot toddy.

My protagonist, Lila, makes a fancier version of this drink in ARSENIC AND ADOBO, but this is my basic, everyday salabat recipe.

Salabat (Filipino Ginger Tea) Recipe

About 2-4 servings; I usually double this and keep it in the fridge

  • 4-6 cups water (depending on how strong you like it)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 1 thick thumb-sized (~4 inches) piece of ginger, sliced (I usually don’t peel it, but you can if you want)
  • Honey
  • Lemon or calamansi
  • Whiskey, vodka, or rum (optional, but encouraged)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, but adds an excellent bite)

Salabat cast of characters (I didn't use the small piece of ginger, only the large one)


Bring water, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne (if using) to a boil, reduce & simmer for about 15 minutes. The salabat will be a rich amber color when done.

I normally like it darker, but was making this to share with my husband, who prefers a lighter flavor


Strain if desired, pour into a mug, and add honey and citrus  juice (and alcohol!). You can store the excess in the fridge and serve either hot or cold, adding honey and lemon to each individual serving.

NOTE:  Personally, I like it really strong, so I’ll simmer it for 20 minutes or more. I know people who only simmer it for 10. Keep in mind that if the brew is stronger than you like, you can always dilute it to your desired strength, but there’s not much you can do with a weak brew.

Dear Readers, what’s your go-to cough or cold remedy? Bonus points if they’re as tasty as this tea!


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18 comments:

  1. I love ginger drinks! Thanks for the recipe. Now off to add fresh ginger to my shopping list. ;^)

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    1. I have a big knob of ginger so the timing is perfect:)

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    2. Thanks, Edith and Lucy!

      I'm a big ginger fan, and this is such a simple, comforting recipe. Hope you both enjoy it!

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  2. Thanks for the recipe, I really like that it is homeopathic and easy to make!

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    1. Thanks, Tracy! And yes, the fact that it's delicious as well as healthy and easy makes it one of my favorite recipes to share.

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  3. Ginger is great stuff.

    I see the "Like" button has returned.

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    1. Ginger is a wonder root! Love that it works so well in both sweet and savory foods and has great health benefits.

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  4. Ooh, you had me at tea, Mia! (Is it easy to get calamansi?)

    For cough remedies, I go with the tried-and-true honey and lemon water route. As a kid, we always had a bottle of loquat cough syrup lying around.

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    1. I do the honey-lemon water when I'm out of ginger or want something super quick, and break out the salabat when I need more of a boost.

      Haha as a kid, my family just used Vicks Vaporub for EVERYTHING.

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  5. Thanks for the recipe. Will have to use it. I like doing the honey-lemon water method. We also use Vicks Vapor rub when needed. It seems to work great!

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    1. You're welcome! I hope you enjoy it. And you just reminded me to pick up a new jar of Vicks. Thanks!

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  6. Love ginger and lemon tea. Thanks for this recipe.
    Joliver284@yahoo.com

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  7. My go tos are not nearly as pretty and lovely sounding as this! Thank you.

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  8. I go with a hot toddy: whisky, lemon, honey, and hot water.

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    1. I love a good hot toddy. Sometimes if I want something with less bite or am having trouble sleeping, I'll use chamomile tea instead of ginger for my hot toddy. So relaxing.

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  9. Feel better and my family concoction is boiling water and a onion peeled in and breathing in the fumes! LOL

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