Orange Honey Lavender Hot Toddy (With or Without Whiskey)
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A warm mug for snowy evenings and long winter weeks. Lavender tea, a squeeze of orange honey, lemon and clove make a soothing toddy that's lovely with or without a splash of whiskey.
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Why this pairing works
Orange and clove are classic winter partners, and lavender tea adds a calm, floral base. Honey rounds out the lemon's tartness and makes each sip feel like a warm blanket.
Serves 2 Prep 5 min Cook 5 min
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Lavender Loose Leaf Tea, or 1 black tea bag plus 1 tsp Culinary Lavender Buds
- 2 cups water
- 2 Lavender Honey Sticks (Orange), or to taste
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 orange slices, each studded with 3 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 oz whiskey or brandy, optional, adults 21+
Directions
- Bring the water just to a boil, then let it rest 1 minute (about 200°F). Steep the tea 5 minutes and strain into 2 mugs.
- Snip the honey sticks and squeeze one into each mug. Stir in the lemon juice.
- Add a clove-studded orange slice and a cinnamon stick to each mug.
- For adults 21+, stir 1 1/2 oz whiskey or brandy into each mug, if you like. Sip while it's hot.
Serve it with: Lavender Wildflower Honey
What is a hot toddy?
A hot toddy is a warm drink of hot water or tea, honey, lemon and spices, traditionally with whiskey or brandy. It has been a cold-weather comfort drink for generations. This version uses lavender tea and orange for a softer, floral cup, and it is just as good without the alcohol.
How do you make a hot toddy without alcohol?
Leave out the whiskey and add an extra squeeze of orange or a splash of apple cider for body. A slice of fresh ginger in the mug adds the warming bite that whiskey usually brings.
What is the best whiskey for a hot toddy?
A smooth bourbon or Irish whiskey works best with lavender and honey. Smoky Scotch overpowers the tea. Brandy and dark rum are good swaps. Keep it to about 1 1/2 ounces per mug, for adults 21 and over.
How do you make a big batch?
Steep 1/4 cup lavender tea in 8 cups of water just off the boil for 5 minutes and strain into a slow cooker. Stir in honey, lemon juice, orange slices and cinnamon sticks, and keep it on WARM. Set out whiskey on the side so adults can add their own.
Make it your own
- Try Lemon or Cinnamon honey sticks instead of Orange.
- Make a big batch in a teapot for a snow-day afternoon with friends.
- Add a slice of fresh ginger or a star anise pod to each mug.
- Use chamomile tea in place of black tea for a caffeine-free evening cup.
Frequently asked questions
Does a hot toddy help a cold?
Warm drinks with honey and lemon can feel soothing on a sore throat, but a toddy is not a treatment. Skip the alcohol when you are sick, since it can dehydrate you.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon tastes brighter, but bottled works in a pinch. Start with less and add to taste.
Can kids drink it?
The alcohol-free version is fine for kids over 1 year old. Honey is not safe for babies under 1.
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