This non-alcoholic hot toddy is a nod to the classic cocktail, the perfect warm drink for the occasional sore throat or to warm you up when the cold weather starts to seep in. Don't worry; your virgin hot toddy will still offer that kick you're looking for with the addition of a zero-proof whiskey.
What sets this Non-Alcoholic Hot Toddy apart is its ability to capture the essence of a traditionally made Hot Toddy made with whiskey without the alcohol. The combination of aromatic spices, citrusy notes, and a touch of sweetness creates a hot drink that is both comforting and invigorating.
It's an ideal choice for designated drivers, non-drinkers, or anyone seeking a delicious, cozy alternative to the classic cocktail. Not to mention, it becomes a lifesaver during the flu season. The honey, lemon, citrus, and ginger help to alleviate those cold symptoms. It happens to be my favorite natural cold remedy!
Warm whiskey mocktails are craved in the cool months, or when you want to sip on something smooth and rich. Try my Non-Alcoholic Old Fashioned Mocktail, or this tart Whiskey Sour Mocktail. For a breakfast drink that will blow your mind, I recommend my pistachio matcah latte recipe.
Ingredients For A Hot Toddy
- Black tea bag - While black tea is most common in this kind of hot tea, you can use any kind of tea you love or have on hand. I also enjoy using green tea, chai tea, rooibos, or any kind of spiced herbal tea.
- Honey - Honey offers a lot of health benefits, but you can swap it out with agave nectar or maple syrup. Each will offer a different flavor profile, but still guaranteed to be tasty! Simple syrup is another sweetener option, but it's mostly sugar and doesn't have any real nutritional value.
- Lemon slice - For less lemon flavor, try using just the lemon peel or switch it up and use orange slices instead. You can also add a squeeze or a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice instead.
- Cinnamon stick - Other spices like whole cloves or star anise will really enhance the spice. I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg.
- Zero-proof whiskey alternative - While you can make this hot toddy drink without a whiskey alternative, I highly recommend it for extra flavor and heat. Whatever your personal preference is. Check out the non-alcoholic bourbon whiskey brands below for my recommendations. Its the perfect whiskey, honey and lemon juice to soothe a sore throat.
My Favorite Brands & Bottles For This Recipe
How To Make A Hot Toddy Mocktail
These instructions will make 1 serving.
- Steep the black tea bag in hot water for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag.
- Add honey, lemon wedge, cinnamon stick, and optional spices.
- Stir well to dissolve the honey and let the flavors meld for another 3-5 minutes.
- Add the 2 oz zero-proof whiskey alternative.
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring the flavors are well mixed.
- Enjoy!
How To Batch Your Hot Toddy Mocktail
These instructions will offer 6 servings.
- In a Dutch oven on the stovetop, bring 6 cups of water to a simmer. Add 6 black tea bags to the simmering water, allowing them to steep for about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and stir in honey, lemon wedges, cinnamon sticks, and optional cloves and ginger. Simmer the mixture on low heat for an additional 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- After the steeping period, add the 12 oz of whiskey alternative. Stir gently to combine the flavors and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice if needed. Add more honey or spices as desired.
- Ladle the Hot Toddy Mocktail into mugs, ensuring to include some of the infused spices. Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks or lemon slices if desired.
- Heat on the lowest setting to keep the mixture warm without further cooking.
Recipe Swaps & Additions
Explore different variations of hot toddies by adding a splash of apple cider, using chai tea instead of black tea, or incorporating a hint of vanilla extract at the end.
Whole Spices:
- Get creative with whole spices, such as cardamom, whole clove, or star anise, to customize the flavor profile. To contain your spices, use an empty tea bag or a tea ball.
Family Friendly:
- To make this non-alcoholic version perfect for the whole family, just leave out the zero-proof whiskey. While it's nonalcoholic, that doesn't always mean 100% alcohol-free. Each brand is made differently and could contain just trace amounts.
Experiment with Zero-Proof Spirits:
- If you're exploring the zero-proof realm, try different brands and types of alcohol alternatives. Each has its own flavor profile, ranging from botanical to smoky notes. Find the one that complements the other ingredients in your Hot Toddy Mocktail. This particular drink can be a perfect way to showcase any brand of zero-proof dark rum, bourbon, whiskey, or brandy.
Expert Tips To Make The Best Hot Toddy Mocktail
- Tea Variety Matters:
- While the classic Hot Toddy uses black tea, feel free to explore different tea varieties. Herbal teas, green teas, or even chai blends can add unique layers of flavor. Match the tea choice with your preferred taste profile.
- Pre-heat Your Mug:
- To ensure your Hot Toddy stays warm longer, pre-heat your mug by rinsing it with hot water before assembling the drink. This small step can make a significant difference in maintaining the comforting warmth of your mocktail. This is a 'warming drink' after all.
- Garnish Creatively:
- Elevate the visual appeal and aromatic experience by garnishing your Hot Toddy with a slice of orange, a twist of lemon, or a sprig of fresh mint. These additions not only enhance the drink's aesthetics but also contribute to its overall sensory enjoyment.
Enjoy Another Mocktail On Me!
Complement your Hot Toddy Without Alcohol with a selection of cozy and refreshing beverages. Warm up with the spiced goodness of the Chai White Russian Mocktail or the comforting richness of a Non-Alcoholic Irish Coffee. For a fruity and festive pairing, try the Spiced Cranberry Juice or the indulgent, fall-inspired Pumpkin Pie Martini Mocktail.
Looking for more seasonal favorites? The Easy Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine Recipe adds a classic holiday touch, while the Blackberry Tea offers a refreshing yet warm option. For a lighter choice, the Quick and Easy Arnold Palmer Mocktail or a non-alcoholic pina colada is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, rounding out this selection of drink pairings beautifully.
Appetizers to Enjoy with Your Hot Toddy
Elevate your non alcoholic hot toddy experience with an assortment of snacks and appetizers. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Southern Christmas Pecan Pralines or the kid-approved Christmas Cornflake Brittle. For a decadent treat, enjoy Homemade Mini Croissants with Cinnamon and Chocolate Filling or the unique flavors of Cinnamon-Kissed Labaneh and Apple Crackers.
For savory options, try the Shawarma Chicken and Apple Appetizer Recipe or the creative Honey Crisp Apple and Cheese Appetizer on a Skewer. Pair with spreads like the Chickpea Sweet Potato Dip or flaky delights such as My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries for a well-rounded table of flavors.
If you made this recipe, I would be so grateful if you would give it a ⭐ rating and leave a review in the comments! I'd love to see your drink in action as well! Post it on Instagram with the ️#MocktailForest and tag me @MocktailForest!
Hot Toddy Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 black tea bag
- 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener of choice
- 1 lemon wedge
- 1 cinnamon stick Optional: Cloves or ginger slices
- 1.5 oz zero-proof whiskey alternative
Instructions
- Steep the black tea bag in hot water for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag.
- Add honey, lemon wedge, cinnamon stick, and optional spices.
- Stir well to dissolve the honey and let the flavors meld for another 3-5 minutes.
- Add the zero-proof whiskey alternative.
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring the flavors are well mixed.
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