Hot Toddy Cocktail
This Hot Toddy Cocktail will warm you up from the inside out. The ingredients are rooibos tea, a splash of whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and local honey. Perfect if feeling under the weather or on a chilly evening before bed!
As the days get shorter and the air crisp, nothing is more comforting than a warm beverage. This Hot Toddy Cocktail makes its rounds for me during the harsher months of Fall and Winter. Whether just as a warm beverage or as an elixir when under the weather, it might be just what the doctor ordered.
There are many variations of hot toddy recipes, and the one I share has its own little twist. Each ingredient has been selected to produce a beverage that is perfectly smooth, with a warm kick at the end.
HOT TODDY INGREDIENTS
A hot toddy is typically made of liquor, water, honey, herbs (such as tea), and spices. Scroll down to see which ingredients I chose and why!
Rooibos is a herbal tea that is from South Africa. It is incredibly smooth and has a vibrant orange color.
Whiskey is the spirit used in this mixed beverage. A hot toddy is traditionally made with bourbon, but Jameson is my favorite whiskey to use in this cocktail. It is slightly sweet with a floral fragrance, which pairs nicely with floral honey and rooibos tea.
Honey adds a touch of sweetness. Use local raw honey when making this Hot Toddy Cocktail for more depth and a healthier boost .
Lemon Juice is added to brighten up the cocktail and also contains vitamin C for immune health.
BEST WHISKEY FOR HOT TODDY
A hot toddy is typically made with bourbon, but my favorite whiskey to use is Jameson. I love the smooth, slightly floral flavor and find the price to be affordable.
If Jameson is not your thing, feel free to use your favorite brown liquor. Bourbon, Rye, or Brandy will all work great!
HOW TO MAKE HOT TODDY WITH TEA
Making a hot toddy with tea is very simple and minimal ingredients are required!
Bring water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan. I can’t live without my electric kettle- it is life-changing if you drink warm beverages throughout the day. This is my favorite sleek modern kettle for pour-over coffee and tea!
Be sure to warm your mug first! This will keep the beverage warm longer. Simply fill a mug with boiling water and let sit for a few minutes while gathering your ingredients. Dump the water out and refill with fresh boiling water.
Brew the Tea. The best thing about rooibos tea is it doesn’t get bitter if you leave it in there too long. Steep according to package directions, usually 6-7 minutes, however if you forget to set the timer your tea will taste just as good!
Next squeeze the juice from a quarter of lemon into the mug, add honey to taste, and stir to dissolve.
Pour a healthy splash of whiskey into the mug and stir. The liquid should be cool enough at this point to not cook off the alcohol.
I hope you will give this hot toddy recipe a try as we head into the darker, chillier months. It really is so soothing and comforting to hold when it gets cold out. Enjoy snuggled up under a blanket and feel the cold leave your body.