DIY Cough Lollipop

Every now and again, the kids and I catch a runny nose, sore throat, and other flu-like symptoms. Elderberry syrup is a mainstay in our home, but my children also adore these cough drop lollipops. They’re essentially cough drops in lollipop form.

DIY Cold & Cough Throat Lozenges

I probably don’t need to tell you why most store-bought cough syrups and cold medicines aren’t my favorites! It might be the artificial colors like red dye #40, the added acetaminophen and ibuprofen, or perhaps the synthetic flavors. Over the years, I’ve created many natural cold and flu remedies, but organic throat drops remain one of my kids’ top choices.

Years ago, I made homemade cough drops for the kids, and they couldn’t get enough. They include various herbs beneficial for soothing a sore throat. However, throat drops and cough drops aren’t suitable for all children, particularly younger ones who might swallow them whole.

By putting the cough drop on a stick, it’s not only more enjoyable but also more suitable for younger kids. As always, supervise children with their lollipops to avert any choking risks. Generally, cough drop lollipops are recommended for kids aged 2 and over. For those younger, natural children’s cough syrup might be more appropriate.

I really like this kid’s propolis cough syrup from Beekeeper’s Naturals!

Want to Buy it?

If DIY honey lollipops aren’t your thing, here are some good options to purchase.

Beekeeper’s Naturals offers honey and propolis throat-soothing lollipops for kids. They are available in a variety pack with flavors such as strawberry, mixed berry with elderberry, and green apple.
Lolleez is another great 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. Get them here.

Honey Lemon Cough Drop Lollipops

If you’re interested in making your own throat-soothing lollipops, read on!

It took me some time to perfect this recipe, as honey is more delicate to work with than sugar when making candy. It’s tempting to increase the heat to hasten the process, but that can cause burnt honey, which smells awful.

It took me about 40-45 minutes, attentively watching the honey mixture on the stove before it hardened enough for the molds. Use a low to medium-low heat to gradually heat the honey. I never reached the full 300 degrees on the candy thermometer without burning, but 280 degrees worked fine. These will be stickier than brands like Halls or Ricola.

An easy way to check the consistency is to drop a few drops into a bowl of ice water. If it hardens and doesn’t bend, it’s ready. I took the pan off the stove and stirred it each time it began to foam up (about every 30-60 seconds once it started cooking). Allowing the mixture to foam up on the heat can lead to burning.

Throat Soothing Ingredients

Honey and lemon juice are effective for sore throats on their own, but I’ve added some beneficial herbs to these cough drop lollipops.

Echinacea – A well-known cold and flu remedy, echinacea is antibacterial and antiviral. It helps soothe sore throats and coughs and works best 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 often recommended for dry, unproductive coughs and various respiratory issues, like asthma and bronchitis.
Elderberry – A flu-fighting powerhouse that adds a berry flavor to these lollipops. It also assists with coughs, congestion, and overall immune support.
Hibiscus – High in vitamin C, hibiscus gives a fruity flavor. Traditionally used for sore throats, colds, and coughs, it also helps clear mucus and strengthen the immune system. Additionally, it cools and soothes irritated mucous membranes.

These flavorful cough drop lollipops are naturally gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and popular with kids!

Homemade Cough Drop Lollipops

These DIY sore throat soothing pops are perfect for cold and flu season. They’re kid-friendly and made with real honey and soothing herbs.

Instructions:

Heat the water to a boil.
Turn off the heat, add the herbs, and let steep for 15 minutes with the lid on.
Strain the herbs out and reserve the herb-infused water.
Add the herb-infused water and lemon juice to a clean saucepan and heat over medium heat until the liquid reduces to 1/4 cup.
Add the honey.
Heat over low heat until it reaches 280-300°F. Without a candy thermometer, this usually takes about 40 minutes and can be tested by dropping a bit of the mixture into ice water to see if it hardens instantly.
The honey mixture will start to foam while cooking. When this happens, remove it from the heat and stir until the foam subsides, then return to heat. Do this each minute or so once it starts to simmer.
As soon as it reaches the right temperature, remove it from the heat quickly to avoid burning.
Stir in the essential oil if using.
Immediately pour the mixture into candy molds and let harden at room temperature for several hours.
Coat the lollipops in arrowroot powder to help prevent sticking or wrap them individually in parchment paper.

Nutrition Facts
Homemade Cough Drop Lollipops

Amount Per Serving (1 lollipop)
Calories 70

% Daily Value*
Fat 0.01g 0%
Saturated Fat 0.001g 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.003g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.001g
Sodium 1mg 0%
Potassium 17mg 0%
Carbohydrates 19g 6%
Fiber 0.1g 0%
Sugar 19g 21%
Protein 0.1g 0%

Vitamin A 12IU 0%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 2mg 0%
Iron 0.1mg 1%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

These cough drop lollipops require constant stirring and close supervision while making. The honey can burn quickly if it overheats.

Storing The Lollipops

These lollipops are a bit sticky due to the honey, so they need to be wrapped individually in parchment paper. My first batch stuck together and broke when I tried to separate them. Alternatively, you can coat them in arrowroot powder.

They should last for several weeks at room temperature, but they seldom last that long in my house since the kids enjoy them. Store them in a cool, dry place.

Have you ever made your own cough drops or lollipops before? Any tips? Leave a comment and let us know!