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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.

Black Currant and Orange Citrus drink for colds and flu

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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Black Currant and Orange Citrus drink for colds and flu

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. :(

Black Currant and Orange Citrus drink for colds and flu
Just look at this gorgeous color!

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.

Blackcurrants and raspberries
Blackcurrants and raspberries

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.

Black Currant and Orange Citrus drink for colds and flu

Add the cinnamon sticks and/or brandy, if using.

Tip: you can use the blackcurrant concentrate to make blackcurrant gelatin cubes, too.

Black Currant and Orange Citrus drink for colds and flu

Hot Black Currant and Orange Citrus Drink for Colds and Flu

Yield: 2 cups
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 6 minutes

A nutritious and delicious hot beverage perfect 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

Blackcurrant concentrate may be a bit difficult to find unless you order it online.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 95Total Fat: 0gCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2g

Did you make this recipe?

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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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24 Comments

  1. Lasse is correct. The possession, propagation, or growing of black currant bushes is illegal in many states in the US. Black currant bushes play a role in the life cycle of white pine blister rust, so cannot be grown in states that have white pine forests. My state of Ohio is one of those. Happily, there is a specialty grocer near me who imports foods from all over the world. There is a company in Poland that makes the absolute best berry syrups and concentrates I’ve ever had, including black currant, elderberry, and lingonberry. Guess I’ll need to make a trip and pick up a bottle of black currant syrup.

    1. From what I understand, it was an error, and black currants were thought to contribute to the problem with the white pine. However, with another google search, it appears that certain varieties are fine to grow, even in Ohio. I’ve had that syrup from Poland, it is good!

  2. Sounds lovely!

    Writing this from Scandinavia, I’ve heard that growing currants in the US is prohibited because the plant is spreading like an invasive species? Sounds pretty bad. I will try to make this as soon as possible. this night however, I stumbled across a black currant, orange juice, vodka over crushes ice recipe and I was looking for an cocktail drink :-) sorry! lol Anyway, if the cold and flu is the really issue, I will recommend elderberry juice. Research has proven that specific plant to hold medicinal value, no kidding.