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When the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of warmth, and this Hot Toddy is just the ticket. This alcohol-free version of the classic hot toddy is as therapeutic as it is delicious.
Packed with the soothing and invigorating flavors of black tea, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, a Non Alcoholic Hot Toddy is a cozy hug in a mug. It’s gently sweetened with honey, brightened with a splash of lemon, and finished with just the right amount of spice to keep you coming back for more.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
Ingredient Notes
- Black tea– either a tea bag or 2 teaspoons loose leaf black tea
- Cinnamon Stick– whole cinnamon sticks are ideal for this recipe as they infuse a subtle, warm spice without the powdery texture. If you don’t have sticks, a pinch of ground cinnamon can work.
- Ginger Root– fresh ginger is key for its bold, slightly spicy flavor and its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Slice it thinly to maximize the surface area for steeping.
- Whole Cloves– these tiny yet mighty spices add a hint of warmth and depth. If you don’t have whole cloves, ground cloves can substitute, but start with a tiny pinch—they’re potent!
- Lemon juice– fresh is best! Use a citrus press for easy juicing.
- Honey– sweetens the toddy but also adds a floral, earthy depth that sugar can’t match. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste—1 tablespoon for a gentle sweetness or 2 for a more indulgent sip. For maximum benefit, use raw, unfiltered honey if possible.
How to Make A Non Alcoholic Hot Toddy
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list in the recipe card below.
- Simmer the spices in water. This draws out their flavor.
- Pour the water and spice mixture over the black tea.
- Steep everything for 5 minutes then strain into a mug.
- Stir in the lemon juice and honey.
Perfect for sipping by the fire or sharing with loved ones, this mocktail is all about celebrating the season in the warmest way possible. Serve this delightful drink garnished with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick on top.
Tips & Tricks
- Fresh spices will yield the best flavor. Aim to use spices less than 6 months old.
- A strong black tea such as Assam, English Breakfast, or Ceylon pairs well with the spices.
- To easily break the cinnamon stick into pieces, place it on a cutting board and use the butt end of a knife to crush it.
- For a slight twist, use maple syrup in place of the honey.
- For a caffeine-free option use rooibos or tulsi tea.
- Whole spices lend flavor without the grittiness of ground spices. If you only have ground spices, you can use ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of ground cloves instead of the whole spices. Instead of simmering the spices in the water first, you’ll simply add them to the black tea and cover everything with just-boiled water.
- If you prefer, you can add 1 ½ to 2 ounces of a non-alcoholic bourbon along with the honey and lemon juice. If you choose to add it, I recommend reducing the amount of water in the recipe to 1 cup.
- Want a cocktail? Just add your favorite whiskey or bourbon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! I recommend using 2-3 teaspoons of rooibos or tulsi tea in place of the black tea.
Yes, you can use ground spices instead. Use ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of ground cloves in place of the whole spices. Rather than simmering the spices in the water first, you’ll simply add them to the black tea and cover everything with just-boiled water.
Yes, you easily multiply the recipe based on how many servings you would like to make. Just make sure your teapot is large enough to hold multiple servings.
Storing
This Non Alcoholic Hot Toddy is best enjoyed fresh.
Batch Prep: If you’re serving a crowd, multiply the recipe and keep it warm in a slow cooker. Just add the lemon juice and honey right before serving for the freshest taste.
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Non-alcoholic Hot Toddy
Equipment
- French press or small teapot
- Mug
- spoon
- small sauce pan
- strainer or fine mesh sieve if not using a french press
Ingredients
- 1 black tea bag or 2 teaspoons loose leaf black tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1- inch piece of ginger root
- ¼ teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Put the black tea into a small teapot or French press and set it aside.
- Break the cinnamon stick into several pieces. Remove and discard the peel from the ginger root then slice it thinly. Add the cinnamon stick pieces, sliced ginger, and whole cloves to a small pot along with the water. Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring it to a simmer. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- After the spices have simmered for 3 minutes, carefully pour the water and spice mixture over the black tea. Steep everything for 5 minutes then strain into a mug. Stir in the lemon juice and honey. Garnish the mug with a slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Notes
- For a caffeine-free option use rooibos or tulsi tea.
- If you prefer, you can add 1 ½ to 2 ounces of a non-alcoholic bourbon along with the honey and lemon juice. If you choose to add it, I recommend reducing the amount of water in the recipe to 1 cup.
- Whole spices lend flavor without the grittiness of ground spices. If you only have ground spices, you can use ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of ground cloves instead of the whole spices. Instead of simmering the spices in the water first, you’ll simply add them to the black tea and cover everything with just-boiled water.
Nutrition
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