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    Home » Homemade Recipes

    Hot Toddy with Tea and Bourbon

    Published: Dec 31, 2022 by Kristin @ Dirt & Dough · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A glass mug with a hot toddy topped with cinnamon and a slice of lemon.
    A glass mug with a hot toddy topped with cinnamon and a slice of lemon.

    A hot toddy tea is the perfect comforting cocktail and winter night drink. The soothing powers of tea, lemon, and cinnamon finished off with a strong bourbon. It's a great drink to help fight off any cold symptoms while also enjoying your favorite whiskey.

    *Disclosure: As an affiliate I could earn from qualifying purchases. Read full privacy policy here.

    A glass mug with a tea, cinnamon stick and lemon slice.

    Hot toddies, in my opinion are so soothing and something we enjoy on cold winter nights. The honey and lemon help soothe a sore throat and the bourbon adds so much flavor.

    A classic hot toddy recipe is typically made with just hot water and bourbon. However, it just feels like it's lacking something.

    By simply adding in your favorite tea, it takes this classic cocktail up a notch.

    If you love a good tea recipe, check out my Starbucks copycat medicine ball tea.

    You can also add bourbon to a classic sweet recipe. Check out my bourbon caramel sauce.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    This is a basic recipe and can easily be changed to fit your preferences. Below is a good starting point. 

    Ingredients to make a tea hot toddy. Hot water, tea bag, lemon, cinnamon, bourbon and honey stick.

    What is the best tea to use in a hot toddy?

    The best hot tea to use is really up to you. I would highly suggest a strong tea like black, or green tea. You can also use teas that have strong flavors like ginger, turmeric, lemon, or herbal tea. 

    One of my personal favorite teas to use in a hot toddy is chai tea. The spice of the chai goes really nicely with the bourbon and gives it a lot of extra flavor.

    Here is a list of all the different types of tea you can use:

    • Ginger Tea
    • Black Tea
    • Green Tea
    • Chai Tea
    • Chamomile Tea
    • Earl Grey Tea

    The flavor of tea you use is totally up to you. Have fun and experiment with different tea to see which flavor you prefer. 

    Honey: 

    Fresh honey is a great addition to a hot toddy. Especially when fighting off cold symptoms.

    Fresh Lemon juice: 

    Fresh lemons are going to give you the overall best flavor. Try not to use a concentrate. 

    Lemons are a great source of vitamin C and a great addition to this warm drink. 

    Bourbon

    You can use your favorite bourbon, Canadian whisky, or Irish whiskey in this drink. 

    If you don't like whiskey, a spiced rum could be a great substitution. 

    Instructions

    Start off by bringing the water to a boil.

    That can be done in a teapot, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, or in an electric kettle. Just make sure you follow the tea directions for the correct steeping temperature.

    A glass mug with hot water and a tea bag steeping.

    Pour hot water in a mug and steep the tea according to package directions.

    A glass mug with tea and honey being drizzled in.

    After the tea has been steeped, mix in the honey and stir until it is fully dissolved.

    A glass mug with steeping tea and fresh lemon juice being squeezed in.

    Add a squeeze of lemon and pour in the bourbon.

    A glass mug with a tea and cinnamon stick, shot of bourbon and honey stick.

    Sprinkle the cinnamon on top and enjoy!

    Optional: Top with a fresh lemon slice and cinnamon stick for presentation.

    A glass mug with a hot toddy, cinnamon stick, lemon slice, tea bag and honey stick.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Dark Rum: If bourbon isn't your thing you can also use a rum in this drink.

    Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar or Agave: Either can be used in place of the honey.

    Apple Cider: This can also be used in place of hot tea.

    Traditional Hot Toddy: Skip the tea and just make this with hot water for a more classic hot toddy.

    Did you make it? Please let me know in the comments below and leave a 5-star rating on the recipe card. I love hearing from you! Subscribe to join my email list for recipes right to your inbox. We can also connect on social media via Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

    Other Cold Night Recipes:

    • Starbucks Copycat Medicine Ball Tea
    • Homemade French Onion Soup
    • Beef and Black Bean Chili with Bacon
    • Sausage Kale and Potato Soup

    Recipe

    A glass mug with a tea, cinnamon stick and lemon slice.

    Hot Toddy with Tea

    A hot toddy tea is the perfect comforting cocktail and winter night drink. The soothing powers of tea, lemon, and cinnamon finished off with a strong bourbon. It's a great drink to help fight off cold symptoms while also enjoying your favorite whiskey.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 ounces

    Equipment

    Electric Tea Kettle

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 oz Hot Water See Tea Directions for Temperature
    • 1 Tea Bag see notes use 2 if you want it stronger
    • 1 Tablespoon Honey
    • 1-2 ounces Bourbon Depending on how strong you want it.
    • 2 Tablespoon Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice About half a lemon
    • Dash Ground Cinnamon

    Serving

    • Lemon Slice
    • Cinnamon Stick

    Instructions
     

    • Start off by bringing the water to a boil. Check tea bag instructions for preferred temp.
    • Pour hot water in a mug and steep the tea according to package directions.
    • After the tea has been steeped, mix in the honey and stir until it is fully dissolved.
    • Add a squeeze of lemon and pour in the bourbon.
    • Sprinkle the cinnamon on top and enjoy!
    • Optional: Top with a fresh lemon slice and cinnamon stick for presentation.

    Notes

    Substitutions and Variations

    Dark Rum: If bourbon isn't your thing you can also use a rum in this drink.
    Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar or Agave: Either can be used in place of the honey.
    Apple Cider: This can also be used in place of hot tea.
    Traditional Hot Toddy: Skip the tea and just make this with hot water for a more classic hot toddy.
    What is the best tea to use in a hot toddy?
    The best hot tea to use is really up to you. I would highly suggest a strong tea like black, or green tea. You can also use teas that have strong flavors like ginger, turmeric, lemon, or herbal tea. 
    One of my personal favorite teas to use in a hot toddy is chai tea. The spice of the chai goes really nicely with the bourbon and gives it a lot of extra flavor.
    Here is a list of all the different types of tea you can use:
    • Ginger Tea
    • Black Tea
    • Green Tea
    • Chai Tea
    • Chamomile Tea
    • Earl Grey Tea
    Keyword Bourbon, Hot Toddy, tea
    Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below.
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