This cozy, alcohol-free drink is perfect for curling up with on a cold day or soothing a sore throat. Enjoy one anytime you need to warm up!
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About this Tea Hot Toddy recipe
There’s something magical about a hot toddy — it’s even rumored to be able to cure a cold! But a Hot Toddy with Tea, instead of the classic hot toddy with bourbon, may be even better.
My secret to a tea hot toddy is rooibos tea, which is my absolute favorite tea ever. It’s from South Africa, where my mom is from, and it pairs perfectly with a slice of South African milk tart. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! The spice and sweetness complement each other and make for a perfect evening treat.
Outside of the hot tea, the recipe for this hot toddy mocktail is very similar to the classic cocktail recipe. A touch of sweetness, a touch of spice and just enough citrus make this such a cozy sipper!
You’ll find me sipping on this when there’s a chill in the air — or as much of a chill as we get here in North Carolina — or if I’m feeling any cold symptoms coming on. It’s perfect for soothing a sore throat! Once you try this non-alcoholic hot toddy, I know it’s a recipe you’ll keep going back to all winter long!
More warm drink recipes: Mama’s Russian Tea • Honey Citrus Mint Tea • Homemade Apple Cider
Why you’ll love this Hot Toddy with Tea recipe
- It’s so easy to make. Boiling water is the toughest thing you’ll need to do to make this cozy cuppa!
- Packed with flavor. With the perfect blend of spice and sweetness, this sipper is absolutely delicious!
- Make it to fit your preferences. Follow my recipe or try a suggested alternative to make this suit your tastes.
What is rooibos tea?
Rooibos tea, or “red bush tea,” is grown in the Cederberg region of South Africa, South Africa. The aspalathus linearis shrub is a broom-like member of the Fabaceae plant family that grows in South Africa’s Fynbos biome.
This herbal tea contains antioxidant properties and may be good for your heart. Because it’s caffeine-free, you can enjoy it into the evening without worrying about it disrupting your sleep.
It has a soft honey flavor that is tasty on its own. Try it in this hot toddy tea, with lemon and honey, or add a splash of milk or cream and/or a bit of sugar.
Tools & glassware
It doesn’t make much for this hot toddy mocktail before you’re ready to sip and savor!
You’ll need a tea kettle, spoon and mug. I like using glass coffee mugs, but you can use your favorite mug or whichever cup you choose. Just make sure you’re using something that’s safe to hold a hot beverage in.
That’s about it! Hopefully you have everything you need in your kitchen already.
hot toddy essentials
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For the full measurements and step-by-step instructions, head down to the recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
Ingredients
Raid your spice cabinet for these ingredients and mix up your own cozy drink!
- hot water
- rooibos tea (or any tea that you like)
- lemon juice
- honey
- lemon slice
- cinnamon stick
- star anise (optional garnish)
Garnishes
The lemon, cinnamon stick and star anise aren’t just for flavor! They add a little pizzazz to the drink, too. If you find the star anise is too much for your taste, feel free to omit. You could add whole cloves instead or another cinnamon stick for additional spice.
Best tea for Hot Toddy with Tea
I’m a big fan of rooibos and the notes of honey that it brings is a great match for the rest of the flavors in this drink.
However, if you’re partial to a different type of tea, use that instead! Black tea and green tea are both excellent options. Just know that you’ll get a different flavor profile if you switch things up!
In general, black tea offers a full-bodied flavor with notes of caramel and malt. Green tea is earthy and light. If you have a favorite tea, go ahead and use that instead!
Substitutions & variations
This hot toddy mocktail doesn’t contain any alcohol, unlike a traditional hot toddy and its boozy counterparts like the rum hot toddy. If you would like to add some, I suggest using a little less tea and water, and adding 1½ to 2 ounces of whiskey or rum.
Instructions
Put the kettle on and let’s make a Hot Toddy with Tea! Here’s what to do:
First, pour your boiling water over your tea bag and let steep. Then, remove the tea bag.
Next, pour in your lemon juice and honey. I like to use fresh lemon juice for more flavor, but the store-bought stuff works too.
Give your mocktail a stir, then garnish with a lemon slice or wheel and cinnamon stick. Sip, sip, hooray!
Food pairings
This cozy sipper goes with almost anything. From a salty snack like chex mix or cheddar cheese popcorn to something sweet to finish the day like madeleines, it’s perfec-tea suited.
If you need a pick-me-up meal to feel better, you can’t go wrong with chicken noodle soup. I also love to warm up with a bowl of tortilla soup on chilly days. Homemade tortilla chips would give a terrific complimentary crunch!
FAQ
While the classic hot toddy recipe doesn’t call for tea, you can make a mocktail version. Rooibos tea is a great complement to the sweetness and spice present in the drink! However, if you have a different preference feel free to switch up what you use in this drink.
You certainly can! A bit of booze helps bring extra warmth to a sipper, which is perfect for chilly days.
More alcohol-free recipes
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Tea Hot Toddy
ingredients
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon rooibos tea or one rooibos tea bag
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- ¾ ounces honey to taste
- 1 slice lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 piece star anise
instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a kettle, on the stove or in the microwave.
- Add tea bag to a heat-proof mug. Top with hot water. Infuse for 5-7 minutes — the longer, the stronger your tea will be.
- Stir in lemon juice and honey. Garnish with a lemon slice, cinnamon stick and piece of star anise. Enjoy warm.
notes
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