Occasionally, my kids and I experience symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and other flu-related issues. We always have elderberry syrup on hand, but my children also enjoy these cough drop lollipops. They are similar to cough drops but in a fun lollipop form.
DIY Cold & Cough Throat Lozenges
It’s no secret that most store-bought cough suppressant syrups and cold medicines are not ideal due to ingredients like red food dye #40, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and artificial flavors. While I have made various natural remedies over the years, homemade throat drops are a favorite among my kids.
A while back, I created homemade cough drops for my kids, and they loved them. These drops contain a mix of herbs that are beneficial for soothing a sore throat. However, not all kids can handle throat drops, especially young ones who may not know how to avoid swallowing them whole.
By turning the cough drop into a lollipop, it becomes more enjoyable and safer for little kids. It’s essential to supervise young children when they have lollipops to prevent any choking hazards. Generally, cough drop lollipops are recommended for kids aged 2 and above. Younger children can use natural children’s cough syrup instead.
I particularly recommend Beekeeper’s Naturals’ kid’s propolis cough syrup!
Want to Buy it?
If making DIY honey lollipops is not your preference, there are some good options available for purchase.
- Beekeeper’s Naturals offers honey and propolis throat-soothing lollipops for kids in various flavors like strawberry, mixed berry with elderberry, and green apple.
- Lolleez is another reputable brand that uses organic and non-GMO ingredients, including organic elderberry and honey. Their lollipops contain throat-soothing pectin and come in flavors like watermelon and orange mango.
Honey Lemon Cough Drop Lollipops
If you’re interested in making your own throat-soothing lollipops, keep reading!
Perfecting this recipe took some time, and there are a few tips to ensure success. Working with honey can be a bit tricky compared to sugar when making candy. It’s tempting to increase the heat for faster results, but this can lead to burnt honey, which has a terrible smell.
I spent about 40-45 minutes carefully heating the honey mixture on the stove until it was firm enough to pour into molds. Using low to medium-low heat is crucial to avoid burning the honey. Although my mixture didn’t reach the full 300 degrees on the candy thermometer without burning, around 280 degrees still worked. These lollipops may be slightly stickier than commercial cough drops like Halls or Ricola.
A simple way to test the mixture’s consistency is by dropping a few drops into a bowl of ice water. If it hardens without bending, it’s ready. I also removed the pan from the heat and stirred it every time it foamed up (about every 30-60 seconds once it started cooking). Allowing the mixture to foam up too much on high heat increases the risk of burning.
Throat Soothing Ingredients
While honey and lemon juice are effective for sore throats on their own, I’ve included some beneficial herbs in these cough drop lollipops.
- Echinacea – A popular cold and flu remedy, echinacea has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also helps soothe sore throats and coughs, especially when taken at the first signs of illness.
- Mullein – Known for its respiratory support benefits, mullein acts as an expectorant, reduces inflammation, and calms coughing spasms. It’s recommended for dry, unproductive coughs and various respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis.
- Elderberry – A potent flu-fighting ingredient that adds a berry flavor to these lollipops. It helps with coughs, congestion, and overall immune support.
- Hibiscus – Rich in vitamin C, hibiscus provides a fruity flavor to the lollipops. It has traditionally been used for sore throats, colds, and coughs, as well as moving stuck mucus and boosting the immune system.
These delicious cough drop lollipops are gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and a hit with kids!
Homemade Cough Drop Lollipops
These DIY sore throat soothing pops are great for cold & flu season. They’re kid-friendly and feature real honey with soothing herbs.
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Heat the water to boiling.
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Turn off the heat, add the herbs, and let steep for 15 minutes with the lid on.
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Strain the herbs out and reserve the herb-infused water.
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Add the herb-infused water and lemon juice to a clean saucepan and heat over medium heat until the liquid is reduced to 1/4 cup.
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Add the honey.
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Heat over low heat until it reaches 280-300°F. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, this usually takes about 40 minutes and can be tested by dropping a drop of the mixture into ice water to see if it immediately hardens.
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The honey mixture will start to foam as it cooks. When this happens remove it from the heat and stir until the foam goes down, then return to heat. You’ll likely need to do this every minute or so once it starts to simmer.
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As soon as it reaches the right temperature, remove it from the heat quickly so it doesn’t burn.
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Stir in the essential oil if using.
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Immediately pour the mixture into the candy molds and let harden at room temperature for several hours.
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Coat the lollipops in arrowroot powder to help prevent sticking or individually wrap them in parchment paper.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Cough Drop Lollipops
Amount Per Serving (1 lollipop)
Calories 70
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.01g0%
Saturated Fat 0.001g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.003g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.001g
Sodium 1mg0%
Potassium 17mg0%
Carbohydrates 19g6%
Fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 19g21%
Protein 0.1g0%
Vitamin A 12IU0%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 2mg0%
Iron 0.1mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
These cough drop lollipops require close attention and constant stirring while making them. The honey can burn quickly if overheated.
Storing The Lollipops
Due to the stickiness from the honey, these lollipops need to be individually wrapped in parchment paper. My first batch ended up sticking together in the container and broke when I tried to separate them. Alternatively, you can coat the lollipops with arrowroot powder to prevent sticking.
These lollipops should be good for several weeks at room temperature, although they never last that long in my house because my kids devour them. Remember to store them in a cool, dry place.
Have you ever tried making your own cough drops or lollipops? Share your tips and experiences in the comments!
