How to Make a Hot Toddy Tea | 7 Easy Hot Toddy Recipes with Tea

7 Easy Hot Toddy Recipes with Tea

Since Punxsutawney Phil says we still have a bit more winter ahead, we may as well be warm! If you're staying cozy indoors, or fresh off the slopes, hot toddies are the perfect drink to warm everything up. 

What is the best tea for a hot toddy?

Plain and simple, tea and whiskey were meant to be together. The flavors of loose leaf tea allow the flavor of the whiskey to come through without overpowering it like coffee can. But some teas just naturally pair better with specific whiskeys like you pair wine with food. Here are some delicious variations on the classic hot toddy recipe:

Hot toddy tea is a classic winter cocktail that is simple to make using hot water, whiskey, honey, lemon and your favorite tea. Learn how to make a hot toddy with these seven delicious recipes.

Irish Breakfast Hot Toddy

This hearty blend of full-leaf Assam and Ceylon makes a malty and rich hot toddy.

• 12 ounces of Irish Breakfast tea
• 1.5 ounces of Brandy
• 1/2 ounce of honey (or simple syrup)

Garnish with a sliced lemon and cinnamon stick and serve in glass mug.

Masala Chai Hot Toddy

For all you Chai tea lovers, this Masala chai hot toddy has all the spices blended in! 

• 12 ounces of Masala Chai tea (steep to your preferred strength)
• 1.5 ounces of Bourbon or Grand Marnier
• 1/2 ounce of honey (or simple syrup)
• A squeeze of orange

Garnish with star anise and cinnamon stick and serve in glass mug.

Ginger Tea Hot Toddy

A caffeine-free blend of spices and turmeric make a comforting base for this herbal tea toddy. 

• 12 ounces of Ginger Turmeric Tea (steep 7 minutes for full flavor)
• 1.5 ounces of Bourbon or Tequila
• 1/2 ounce of honey (or simple syrup)

Garnish with twist of tangerine or candied ginger and serve in glass mug.

Green Tea Hot Toddy

Mint Tea Hot Toddy

This one is great when you have a cold. The mint helps soothe a sore throat or clear a stuffy nose. And as an herbal tea, this recipe is naturally caffeine free.

• 12 ounces of peppermint tea
• 1 oz. Bourbon
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoon lemon juice

Bourbon and Darjeeling Hot Toddy

Darjeeling tea mixes well with honey and blends well with a rich, sweet bourbon such as Maker's Mark. Avoid using bourbons that have overtly smoky or fiery flavors when blending with a darjeeling tea.

• 12 ounces of Darjeeling tea
• 1 oz. Maker's Mark Whiskey
• 1/2 tablespoon honey

Hot Toddy Tea with Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey

• 12 ounces of Blood Orange tea
• 2 ounces Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
• 1/2 tablespoon honey (or more to taste)
• 1/2 lemon, juiced

Steep your tea as you normally would. Stir in whiskey, honey, and lemon juice. Enjoy!

Do hot toddies really help a cold or cough?

Whiskey can act like a decongestant. By dilating your blood vessels, it allows your mucus membranes to fight the infection. Since hot toddies typically have honey and lemon which are known to help ease throat pain, hot toddies make a perfect recipe to help with cold symptoms. With the relaxing effect of the whiskey, you can get the much needed sleep to help your body rest and fight the infection. 

Does a hot toddy help you sleep?

The alcohol in a hot toddy can have a relaxing effect and help you ultimately fall asleep. But that effect could be minimized if you have made your hot toddy with high-caffeine tea such as a black tea or green tea, so if you're looking for a good night's sleep try the mint hot toddy or ginger hot toddy recipes above.

As an alcohol-paired drink, there can also be such a thing as too many toddies. Too much can disrupt your normal sleep pattern. Since you are trying to stay healthy and get a good night's rest, keep it to one and reap the benefit of getting the rest you need.