It’s officially hot toddy season! This beverage can be made non-alcoholic or with a tasty local spirit to warm you from the inside out. Lemon and orange deliver a bright tartness complemented by heating spices, sweet honey and spicy ginger. Not only does this drink level-up a festive evening, it also enhances a quiet night at home (and even nurses a head cold!). Have fun personalizing it for your special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups hot tea (chamomile, ginger and peppermint are all nice options)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice, cloves, and/or star anise
- 4 tablespoons pure local honey (adjust to taste)
- 4 shots (6 ounces total) dark liquor such as bourbon, whiskey, brandy or rum (optional)
Preparation
In a medium saucepan, bring everything except the liquor and honey to a gentle simmer for at least 10 minutes. Strain and divide the hot spiced liquid into 4 mugs.
Add 1 shot (1½ ounces) of liquor and 1 tablespoon honey to each mug. Stir until the honey has dissolved. Feel free to adjust (or omit) liquor for a stronger or weaker drink, adjust honey for sweetness and add extra lemon juice for tartness. To make it vegan, substitute maple syrup or coconut palm sugar for honey.
If desired, garnish with additional lemon or orange rounds, a cinnamon stick and/ or star anise. You may desire a splash of seasonal apple cider or cranberry/pomegranate juice to sweeten this spicy treat.
Sip and savor steaming hot.
