Description
This non-alcoholic hot toddy is a warm and cozy beverage perfect for chilly days. It combines the robust flavors of black tea with the aromatic spices of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, simmered together to extract their rich essence. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty note while honey sweetens the drink, creating a perfectly balanced comforting beverage to soothe and refresh.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea
- 1 black tea bag or 2 teaspoons loose leaf black tea
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-inch piece of ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
Liquid
- 1¼ cups water
Instructions
- Prepare the Tea: Place the black tea bag or loose leaf black tea into a small teapot or French press and set it aside for later use.
- Simmer the Spices: Break the cinnamon stick into several pieces. Peel and thinly slice the ginger root. In a small pot, combine the cinnamon pieces, sliced ginger, whole cloves, and 1¼ cups water. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer gently for 3 minutes to extract the full flavors of the spices.
- Steep the Tea and Spices: Carefully pour the hot water and spice mixture over the black tea in the teapot or French press. Allow the mixture to steep together for 5 minutes to develop a rich, full-bodied flavor.
- Strain and Sweeten: Strain the brewed tea and spices into a mug to remove solids. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and 1-2 tablespoons of honey, adjusting sweetness to your taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the mug with a fresh lemon slice and a cinnamon stick if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this soothing non-alcoholic hot toddy.
Notes
- Adjust honey quantity according to your preferred sweetness level.
- You can substitute the black tea with herbal tea for a caffeine-free option.
- Ginger adds warmth and a slight spiciness, so peel and slice it thinly to infuse properly during simmering.
- The combination of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger creates a comforting aroma and flavor perfect for cold weather.
- Serve this hot toddy as a caffeine-friendly alternative to alcoholic beverages or as a soothing remedy for colds and congestion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (approximately 300 ml)
- Calories: 82 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 18 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.04 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.05 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
