Juice the Citrus Fruits: Start by juicing the oranges or lemons. You'll need about 1 lb of fruit to get the right amount of juice. The fresh juice from these citrus fruits will provide the essential vitamin C to boost your immune system.
Prepare the Ginger: Take a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger and slice it thinly. There's no need to peel the ginger, as the skin contains nutrients that add to the drink's health benefits.
Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine the citrus juice, sliced ginger, honey, spices (cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg), and the optional thyme or rosemary sprigs. Adjust the spices according to your taste. These spices and herbs enhance the flavor and add additional immune-boosting properties.
Add Water: Pour in 3.5 cups of water to the slow cooker. This will help dilute the juice and ensure enough liquid for a comforting, warm drink.
Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker on low and let the drink simmer for about 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and aromatic drink perfect for sipping.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the drink is ready, pour it into mugs and enjoy. If desired, you can strain the drink to remove the ginger slices, herb sprigs, and any pulp. Sip on this immune-boosting drink warm and feel the soothing effects almost immediately.