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.
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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.
Ingredients
This is a basic recipe and can easily be changed to fit your preferences. Below is a good starting point.
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.
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.
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.
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Other Cold Night Recipes:
Recipe
Hot Toddy with Tea
Equipment
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
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