Feeling under the weather this cold and flu season? Soothing tomato tea can help soothe that sore throat and clear out your sinuses.
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Sickness has swept through my house over the past few weeks, and when it was my turn to be sick, I turned to my old friend: tomato tea.
I've been making tomato tea for over 20 years, and it's become a go-to when I'm dealing with a nasty cold or flu. Over the years, my recipe has evolved as I made it again and again, using what was in my pantry and what seemed appealing.
Here, you'll find the recipe that I usually make along with substitutions to help you use what you have. Because the last thing you want to do when you're sick is run to the store.
Tomato tea is not a cure for the cold or for the flu, meaning that it most likely won't shorten the duration of your illness. What it definitely does is help give you temporary symptom relief for a sore throat and stuffy nose.
It's also a good way to sneak in a snack when sickness has sapped your appetite.
Ingredients and substitutions
Here's a quick breakdown of why the tomato tea helps you feel better while you drink it and for a while afterwards:
- ginger - There is evidence that ginger is a good pain reliever. Adding a dash of fresh or ground ginger to your mug can help soothe a sore throat and may even offer some relief to sore muscles.
- spice - The ginger, garlic, and hot sauce make this drink pretty spicy, and that's no accident. Spicy foods and drinks help with sinus congestion, and they have a numbing effect that's nice on a sore throat.
- warmth - Just like spice, a warm drink helps ease congestion. Don't just sip this tea - breathe the steam deeply. It's so soothing!
- nutrition - The reason this drink is made with tomato juice is because when you're sick, chances are you're not inclined to eat. The tomato juice delivers some calories and vitamins to help you feel a little bit less weak. A cup of tomato tea has around 65 calories, 84% of your vitamin C, 31% of your vitamin A, 11% of your iron, 23% of your potassium, and 4% of your fiber needs for the day. Not bad for a little mug of goodness!
How to make tomato tea
Warm the tomato juice on the stove or in the microwave. It's even OK if it's a little bit too hot. That nice steam is good for soothing your poor nose and throat!
Add the rest of the ingredients to your mug, and stir.
Sip, and enjoy!
Helpful tips
- You can make this on the stovetop, if you're feeling up to it. For quicker results, use the microwave.
- If you do feel a cold coming on, you can mix up a big batch of tomato tea, so you can shake, pour, and heat it as needed. It will keep for up to a week in the fridge.
Storage directions
You can store tomato tea in the refrigerator for up to a week. Feel free to make a big batch, so you can warm it up as needed!
Frequently asked questions
Any savory vegetable juice, like V8, will work in place of the tomato juice, if needed.
Sure! Add a little agave or maple syrup to sweeten it, if you prefer.
Any hot sauce that you like will work! You can even use crushed red pepper flakes or black pepper. Use what you have on hand.
I've been drinking tomato tea for years to soothe cold and flu symptoms. It's an easy way to get something into your belly while providing temporary relief for a sore throat and congestion.
The combination of ginger and garlic in this warming drink team up to reduce inflammation and help clear your sinuses!
More recipes for when you are sick
📖 Recipe
Tomato Tea
Ingredients
- 12 ounces tomato juice - or vegetable juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Or 2 teaspoons of vinegar. I've used rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and even balsamic to make this in the past.
- sriracha sauce - to taste, or use hot sauce of your choice, or a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper or black pepper
- 1 pinch of ground ginger - or ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic - minced or crushed, or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Warm the tomato juice on the stove or in the microwave. It's even OK if it's a little bit too hot. That nice steam is good for soothing your poor nose and throat!
- Add the rest of the ingredients to your mug, and stir.
- Sip, and enjoy!
Muliki Joseph Enock
Is this solution safe for babies less than a year old, alternatively at what age can this solution be given to a baby
Becky Striepe
Hi! I'd talk to your pediatrician about that. Kids are all so different, and I'd hate to give you the wrong info!
Emma Scott
Completely unable to breathe or sleep I have tried this tea but so far I have not seen any difference. How long does it take to work in your experience?
Becky Striepe
For me, the steam and spice usually help right away. You might try more hot sauce, to see if that gets things moving. I am so sorry that you are this miserable! I hope that you feel better soon.
Hailey Damron
My grandma found tomatoe Tea recipe years ago she has been canning it and giving out to everyone for early Christmas presents... I'm feeling so sick and I don't live in my home town so I'm ab to make some
My grandma makes it like this!
Becky Striepe
Oh I am so glad that you were able to find comfort in this recipe! Get well soon, Hailey.
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
I've never heard of tomato tea, but wow is your version packed with antioxidants! I hope everyone in your house is all well!
Becky Striepe
Thank you! We are feeling a lot better over here. Poor Darrol had two colds in a row, but Dave and I managed to dodge the second one.
The vegan 8
I watched your video and loved it! I can totally see how soothing this would be, just like a hot bowl of tomato soup! Totally going to try this!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Brandie!
Linda @ Veganosity
I can totally see how this works, and it sounds delicious, like sipping on tomato soup. I love the addition of ginger as it's also an anti-inflammatory, which would also help reduce the symptoms of congestion. Thanks for this!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Linda!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
I've never heard of tomato tea but what an awesome collection of ingredients to help you get through a cold. The hot sauce sold me!
Becky Striepe
Hot sauce forever!
Cadry
I don't feel sick at all, but I'm going to make a mug of this anyway! In the winter, I get bored of the usual drinks, and I want something warm and satisfying. For a while, I drank a lot of broth teas. This is a similar idea and would be homemade. Thanks for the great idea, Becky!
Becky Striepe
Ooh broth tea sounds really pleasant, too!
Ginny McMeans
How very nice! I already feel better. This is going in my medicine cabinet.
Becky Striepe
I'm sorry that you're under the weather, Ginny, but glad the tea helped!
Mel | avirtualvegan.com
Why did I not see this before I got sick? I only saw it when I was nearly better. It looks awesome and so comforting. Bookmarking for next time....hopefully I won't need it for a long time!
Becky Striepe
I'm so sorry that you were sick! Here's to a healthy new year!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition
I thought this was so interesting when I saw it on Instagram! Hopefully my husband and I don't get sick but if so, I'm totally trying this!
Becky Striepe
I hope you don't get sick, too!!
Jenn
I have never heard of tomato tea before. I love sipping on tomato soup though, so I'm guessing I would love this too. Last year at this exact time I was super ill, so I know what you're going through. Luckily, this year, we were all sick in October, so the holidays were smooth sailing. I'm reaching for this spicy tomato tea next time though!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Jenn! May you and your family never need to make tomato tea!
Sarah
I'm totally intrigued by this—I used to like V8 juice when I was a kid—go figure! I hope you guys start feeling better soon. I hate the way germs linger and make their way through every member of the family before making a very long overdue exit.
Becky Striepe
I liked it too! I remember when the spicy one came out. It was so exciting! Dave and I are feeling better, but Darrol seems to have caught something else in the week since he got over the last thing. Ugh!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
Not that I want to get sick, but I'm intrigued to try your tomato tea!
Becky Striepe
It's pretty yummy when you're not sick, too!
Dianne's Vegan Kitchen
Dennis and I are both trying to get over colds, so I'm going to need to try this!
Becky Striepe
Oh noooo! I hope you feel better soon.