Zesty Cinnamon-Lemon Tonic

 

Zesty Cinnamon-Lemon Tonic

This drink is excellent for soothing the throat or as a caffeine-free evening ritual. The pink salt helps balance the acidity of the lemon and provides trace minerals.

Ingredients

• 2 Cinnamon sticks (Ceylon is preferred for a milder, sweeter flavor)

• 1 Large lemon (halved)

• 1/4 tsp Pink Himalayan salt

• 3 cups Filtered water

• Optional: 1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup for sweetness

Instructions

1. Simmer the Spice: In a small saucepan, bring the water and cinnamon sticks to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 8–10 minutes. The water should turn a deep amber color.

2. Infuse the Lemon: Turn off the heat. Squeeze the juice of half the lemon into the pot. Slice the remaining half into rounds and drop them into the water.

3. Season: Stir in the pink salt until completely dissolved.

4. Steep: Let the mixture sit for 2–3 minutes. This allows the lemon oils from the peel to infuse without becoming overly bitter.

5. Serve: Pour into mugs, keeping a cinnamon stick in each for continued infusion. Add sweetener if desired.

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Alternative Uses for these Ingredients

• Savory Rice: Add a cinnamon stick and a pinch of pink salt to your rice water, then fluff with fresh lemon zest and juice once cooked.

• Cleansing Body Scrub: Mix coarse pink salt with lemon zest and a dash of ground cinnamon (or cinnamon essential oil) in a base of coconut oil for an invigorating exfoliant.

Pro Tip: If you find the lemon too sharp, adding the pink salt in very small increments can actually "suppress" the bitterness and make the citrus taste sweeter and more rounded.