I came across a pin in Pinterest for DIY Cough Candies and I tried the recipe. It didn’t work for me but that didn’t stop me from making my own. His were good but they weren’t cooked long enough and didn’t actually turn to candy. With flu and cold season upon us now, we all need a good supply of cough candies around. Also, are you afraid of all the ingredients that goes into some products, things that you can’t even pronounce or even begin to know what they are.
Making your own, you know exactly what goes into them and you feel good making something that will make you or your family feel better. You can flavor them also how you like, more cinnamon, or less etc.
Make sure you get the candies firmly to the hard crack stage, after cooling, they are then dusted with powdered sugar and should be wrapped individuallly if stored for more than a day or two.
DIY Cough Candies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice optional
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. ginger
- 1/4 tsp. cloves
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Dusting
- Icing or confectioner’s powdered sugar
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients into a small pan and stir, bring to simmer on medium heat. Cook for 15-20 min. until hard crack stage has been reached and the candy is thick, dark and syrupy. Quickly drop my teaspoon onto parchment paper (this job works best if you have two people). Let cool completely and place in a small bag with the icing sugar, shake to cover completely. Individually wrap for best results.
Comments & Reviews
Aaron says
Would these temps not deactivate the honey enzymes?
Tara Noland says
I had not thought of this scientifically so I am not sure.
Stacie says
Hi Nolands,
Found this recipe and gave it a shot. I cooked to 220°f for soft candy , with the only alteration being sliced ginger like a different reader suggested. The flavor is great, but I had the hardest time removing them from parchment, any tips? Next time I might go up in temp to make these hard candy consistency. Really loved the flavor; thank you for sharing!
Tara Noland says
Maybe like you said, cook them longer or try wax paper as they might release easier.
Susan Higgins says
I simmered lemon juice and 1 inch of fresh ginger slices until the amount reached 3/4 cup then used it in my cough drop recipe. Works great.
Tara Noland says
Great, thank you Susan!
Kristi says
I’m curious how this would work with fresh ginger or if it would be too strong. Hm.
Tara Noland says
Hmmm to, not sure, might not set either not sure.
Donna L Cosimano says
Do you use dried spices, or essential oils? I’m going to look up eucalyptus oil, too.
Tara Noland says
The spices I used were all dried spices, not sure how the oils would work. I haven’t used them before.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
My ancient father-in-law has trouble with dry mouth so he always has a lozenge of some sort. It would be great if I could make something he’d like. I’m going to try!
Tara Noland says
Yes, and you can make them how he likes them too! Thanks Maureen!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
My ancient father-in-law has trouble with dry mouth so he always has a lozenge of some sort. It would be great if I could make something he’d like. I’m going to try!