Hot Toddy Recipe with Tea (for Colds)

Hot water: The base for steeping the tea and creating the hot toddy.

Tea bag: Use either black or herbal tea to provide a comforting and flavorful base.

Honey: Adds sweetness and has soothing properties for a sore throat.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty flavor and provides vitamin C.

Whiskey: Adds warmth and a slight kick to the drink, helping to relax and soothe.

When preparing a hot toddy with tea, ensure you use freshly boiled water to maximize the extraction of flavors from the tea bag. Steeping the tea for the right amount of time, typically 3-5 minutes, is crucial to avoid bitterness. For a smoother drink, opt for high-quality honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Adding the whiskey last helps to preserve its aromatic qualities, enhancing the overall experience.

• hot water - Substitute with hot herbal broth: Provides a more savory base and additional nutrients.

• black or herbal tea - Substitute with ginger tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Offers a similar sweetness and can be easier to dissolve in hot liquids.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Provides a similar acidic profile and vitamin C content.

• whiskey - Substitute with brandy: Brandy has a similar warming effect and can also help to relax the body.

• Allow the hot toddy to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can dilute the flavors.
• Pour the cooled hot toddy into an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works best to preserve the whiskey and tea flavors.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The hot toddy can be kept for up to 3 days.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the hot toddy gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the taste and reduce the potency of the whiskey.
• If you prefer to freeze the hot toddy, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Label the container with the date and contents to keep track of its freshness.
• Freeze the hot toddy for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat the thawed hot toddy gently on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring it reaches a comforting temperature without boiling.

• Pour the leftover hot toddy into a small saucepan.

• Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

• Avoid bringing it to a boil to preserve the whiskey's flavor and potency.

• Once warmed to your desired temperature, pour it back into a mug and enjoy.

• Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe mug.

• Pour the hot toddy into the mug and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a small plate.

• Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired warmth.

• Be cautious not to overheat, as this can diminish the whiskey's quality.

• For a more traditional approach, use a double boiler.

• Fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a gentle simmer.

• Place the hot toddy in the top pot, stirring occasionally until it is evenly heated.

• This method ensures gentle, even heating without the risk of overheating.

• If you prefer a quick method, use an electric kettle with a temperature control feature.

• Set the kettle to a low temperature, around 150-160°F (65-70°C).

• Pour the hot toddy into the kettle and let it warm up gently.

• Once it reaches the desired temperature, pour it back into a mug and savor the warmth.

• Kettle: Used to boil the water needed for the tea.

• Mug: Holds the tea while it steeps and is used for serving the hot toddy.

• Tea bag: Contains the black or herbal tea that will be steeped in hot water.

• Spoon: Used to stir in the honey, lemon juice, and whiskey.

• Measuring spoon: Ensures accurate measurement of the honey and lemon juice.

• Jigger: Measures the 1.5 oz of whiskey accurately.

Boil water in advance: Keep a kettle of hot water ready to speed up the process.

Use pre-squeezed lemon juice: Save time by using bottled lemon juice instead of squeezing fresh lemons.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the honey and whiskey beforehand to streamline the preparation.

Steep multiple servings: Steep a larger batch of tea and store it in a thermos to quickly make multiple hot toddies.

Microwave option: Heat the water in the microwave if you’re in a rush.