Hot Toddy Recipe

Water: The base of the drink, used to steep the tea.

Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty flavor and a boost of vitamin C.

Maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness and a rich, complex flavor.

Herbal tea: Choose your favorite blend to infuse the drink with soothing flavors.

Lemon slice: Used as a garnish to enhance the presentation and add a hint of citrus aroma.

Cinnamon stick: Adds a warm, spicy note and serves as a beautiful garnish.

When preparing a hot toddy, ensure that the water is heated to just below boiling to preserve the delicate flavors of the herbal tea. Overheating can cause the tea to become bitter. Additionally, freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled lemon juice. For a richer taste, consider using pure maple syrup instead of other sweeteners.

• Water - Substitute with coconut water: Adds a subtle sweetness and additional nutrients.

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Provides a similar tartness and acidity.

• Maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Offers a comparable sweetness and is also vegan-friendly.

• Herbal tea - Substitute with ginger tea: Adds a warming, spicy note that complements the other flavors.

• Lemon slice - Substitute with orange slice: Adds a slightly different citrus flavor and a touch of sweetness.

• Cinnamon stick - Substitute with star anise: Provides a warm, licorice-like flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• Allow the hot toddy to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain the integrity of the herbal tea flavors.
• Transfer the cooled hot toddy into an airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work well to preserve the taste and aroma.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The hot toddy can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days. Beyond this, the flavors may start to degrade.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the hot toddy gently on the stove over low heat. Avoid boiling to maintain the delicate balance of lemon juice and maple syrup.
• If you prefer to freeze the hot toddy, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date.
• Freeze for up to 1 month. For best results, thaw the hot toddy in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat the thawed hot toddy on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Add a fresh lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish before serving.

• Pour the leftover hot toddy into a small saucepan.
• Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can alter the flavors of the lemon juice and maple syrup.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the hot toddy in a microwave-safe mug. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If the hot toddy has lost some of its flavor, feel free to add a splash of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of maple syrup to revive its taste.
• Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a cinnamon stick before serving to enhance the presentation and aroma.

• Saucepan: Used to heat the water until it starts to simmer.

• Teaspoon: Handy for measuring out the freshly squeezed lemon juice and maple syrup.

• Mug: The final vessel for serving the hot toddy.

• Stirring spoon: Useful for stirring in the lemon juice and maple syrup after removing the tea bag.

• Tea bag: Essential for steeping in the hot water to create the herbal tea base.

• Knife: Needed to slice the lemon for garnish.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the lemon.

• Cinnamon stick: Used as a garnish to add a touch of flavor and aroma.

Preheat the water: Use an electric kettle to quickly bring water to a simmer.

Use a microwave: Heat the water in a microwave-safe mug to save time.

Squeeze lemon in advance: Pre-squeeze lemon juice and store it in the fridge.

Use a tea infuser: Opt for a tea infuser with loose herbal tea for quicker steeping.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of hot toddy and store it in a thermos to enjoy throughout the day.