On my very first trip to Germany I caught a cold, and to help relieve my cold symptoms, Thekla Beneke made a heiße Zitrone for me to drink in the morning and evening. A heiße Zitrone, very simply, is a hot lemonade. Since returning back to the states, drinking a heiße Zitrone has become a home remedy for all of my colds, and I recommend it to all of my friends and family.

Whether it is the hot liquid or the boost of Vitamin C, or the combination there of, it soothes my sore throat and helps to clear my head. It's refreshing. Drink them as often as you need them.

heiße Zitrone
1 serving

juice from 1/2 of a fresh lemon
8oz hot water
sugar or honey, if desired

Squeeze the juice from the lemon into a coffee or teacup. Bring hot water to a boil in a teapot or microwave. Pour the hot water into the lemon juice and stir. I prefer mine without sugar or honey, but it is delicious with both. Serve hot.