Hot Black Currant and Orange Citrus Drink for Colds and Flu
This hot black currant and orange citrus drink not only tastes fabulous, but if you’re sick with a cold or the flu, it will do you a world of good.
Most of my family is sick right now. Both my parents have a cold, and my daughter who is studying in Scotland called to say she’s not feeling well, and was staying in bed. My son was also not feeling well, not to mention friends who have been sick recently. Ugh.
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This tells me that it’s not too late for me to share this Hot Black Currant and Orange Citrus drink recipe which includes a much too overlooked super fruit: blackcurrants.
I wrote about blackcurrants last year, and how they hold a powerhouse of vitamins, and have so many health benefits, there are too many to list. PLEASE don’t confuse blackcurrants with Zante currants, as many companies, including Bob’s Red Mill are misleading customers by mislabeling these mini-raisins as black currants. :(
The UK and many European countries have caught on, but as of yet, the US has not, which is so frustrating to me! I love blackcurrants and the flavor is my favorite when choosing from candies in the UK.
I had some blackcurrant concentrate in my freezer, and decided to make my own version of a hot drink to fend off the “bad guys” (as I used to call germs when my kids were young). It’s so delicious, and very enjoyable to drink, unlike many other healthy concoctions which seem to have a “side effect” of tasting horrible. (Hint: you could add a splash or brandy if it’s just before bedtime.)
Hot Blackcurrant and Orange Citrus Drink
original recipe by Christina Conte
makes two 8 oz cups
Ingredients
- 2 tsp blackcurrant concentrate
- 8 oz (1 cup) freshly squeezed orange juice with pulp
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp to 2 tbsp real honey (preferably local, from a trusted source)
- about 8 oz water (1 cup)
- (optional: cinnamon stick and/or a splash of brandy)
Place all the ingredients in a pot over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the honey and heat until hot, but do not allow it to boil. Pour into two mugs.
Add the cinnamon sticks and/or brandy, if using.
Tip: you can use the blackcurrant concentrate to make blackcurrant gelatin cubes, too.
Hot Black Currant and Orange Citrus Drink for Colds and Flu
Ingredients
- 2 tsp black currant concentrate I can no longer recommend the company that provided me with the sample
- 8 oz 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice with pulp
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp to 2 tbsp real honey preferably local, from a trusted source
- about 8 oz water 1 cup
- optional: cinnamon stick and/or a splash of brandy
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a pot over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the honey and heat until hot, but do not allow it to boil. Pour into two mugs.
- Add the cinnamon sticks and/or brandy, if using.
Notes
Nutrition
I did not receive any compensation for this post, I simply LOVE blackcurrants and want to spread the word about this wonderful fruit.
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bet this is a wonderful winter warmer – so full of all the good things your body needs in flu season.
What a delightful drink, whether you have a cold or not. :)
I am always seeking cold remedies like this. As tea is always recommended, and I have never had tea in my life, this is as close as I will get! My usually is lemon and honey in hot water with a splash of something medicinal – brandy, rum, whatever… But, in the end, let’s hope we don’t need this but choose to drink it because it’s so flavorful!
Very good point, David! One thing you’d never have to twist my arm for: black currants! :)
I love blackcurrants as well! and Rowntrees fruit gums and pastilles – blackcurrant flavour is the best. I bought a bottle of Ribina recently and was disappointed to see that was so little real blackcurrant concentrate in it. I’ve found a source of blackcurrants close to Vancouver, but it’s a bit of a drive to get there, so I’ll have to wait until the weather improves and I’ll make a day of it.
Unfortunately, Ribena has changed greatly since we were younger, Patricia. Enjoy your day out when you go for black currants!
Sometimes I get the concentrate at Marks & Spenser’s here in Paris. I love blackcurrant flavor. My Mid-Western dad weaned us on the jam so its a long-time fav flavor. Still the best preventive to colds/flu is pomegranate seeds. You just reminded me to take my morning allotment. A tablespoon a day will keep colds away like forever. Fyi I Have no connection with any CA pomegranate suppliers etc. just something I found out by accident years ago. ;))
We must have the same taste buds, Carol! I ADORE pomegranates! When we bought this house, the first thing I planted was a pomegranate tree! And yes, full of antioxidants and nutritious vitamins! I bet you like rhubarb, too (another favorite of mine)!
I’m really tempted to by the quart size of the concentrate. I purchased a 4 ounce jar of berry concentrate to add to smoothies. My holistic prac recommended it. It had all the berries, plus blackcurrant. It seems pretty similar to this, but this is a lot more for the same price.
I used to love blackcurrant pastilles!
I STILL love black currant pastilles! :) Yes, besides how great black currant tastes, the health benefits are amazing. You’d love it, I’m sure, Cynthia.
Christina.
You can buy Ribena blackcurrant concentrate @ Fry’s store here in Tucson Arizona , ???.—- just FYI.
GJW —X Brit.
Ah, but as much as I love Ribena it’s a) not the same as it used to be (much more watery now) and b) full of sugar and glucose/fructose syrup and c) only 6% black currant juice concentrate. The concentrate from CurrantC is JUST black currants with nothing added, so you can control how much sweetness to add, and as in this case, I just added honey. :) Thank you, though!! I have been a Ribena fan almost my whole life ;)
Hi! Christina, it looks to me like an old fashioned remedy for a cold (Delicious as well!) but no cinnamon or brandy, a malt whisky puleese, thanks again for the info..
Tony
Whisky is good in there too! Very Scottish, of course :)