The Best Non-Alcoholic Hot Toddy Recipe (2024)

Thisnon-alcoholic hot toddyis a nod to the classic co*cktail, 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 traditional Hot Toddy 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 alternative to the classic co*cktail. Not to mention, it becomes a lifesaver during the flu season. The honey, lemon, and ginger help to alleviate those cold symptoms.

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.

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.
• Cinnamon stick - Other spices like whole cloves or star anise will really enhance the spice.
• 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.

My Favorite Brands & Bottles For This Recipe

How To Make A Hot Toddy Mocktail

These instructions will make 1 serving.

1. Steep the black tea bag in hot water for 3-5 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bag.
3. Add honey, lemon wedge, cinnamon stick, and optional spices.
4. Stir well to dissolve the honey and let the flavors meld for another 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the 2 oz zero-proof whiskey alternative.
6. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the flavors are well mixed.
7. Enjoy!

How To Batch Your Hot Toddy Mocktail

These instructions will offer 6 servings.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice if needed. Add more honey or spices as desired.
5. 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.
6. 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 ofapple cider, usingchai tea instead of black tea, or incorporatinga hint of vanilla extract at the end.

Whole Spices:

• Get creative with whole spices, such ascardamom, whole clove, orstar 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.

Mocktail to co*cktail

To transform this mocktail into a classic Hot Toddy recipe, replace the zero-proof whiskey alternative with your favorite whiskey, bourbon,dark rum, or brandy. Adjust the quantity to your preferred level of spirited warmth.

Try either of these for a classic recipe:

• Four Roses Bourbon
• Jameson Irish Whiskey

Drink Responsibly & Enjoy!

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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I hope this non-alcoholic version of the hot toddy brings you great warmth and soothing relief on cold nights.My husband and I sure love these, and we often enjoy them even when we're feeling tip-top!

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