Spiced Hot Toddy Drink (Printable)
A warming blend of citrus, spices, and honey for cozy, soothing hot drinks.
# What You Need:
→ Citrus & Sweetener
01 - 1 lemon, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
02 - 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
→ Spices
03 - 2 cinnamon sticks
04 - 4 whole cloves
05 - 2 star anise pods
06 - 4 thin slices fresh ginger
→ Liquids
07 - 2 cups water
08 - ½ cup fresh apple juice (optional)
# How To Cook:
01 - In a small saucepan, combine water, apple juice if using, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ginger.
02 - Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
03 - Remove from heat and strain the liquid into mugs, discarding all solids.
04 - Stir 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup into each mug to sweeten.
05 - Garnish with a fresh lemon slice, cinnamon stick, or star anise pod as desired. Serve hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The blend of citrus and warming spices feels like a secret hug you can sip anytime
- It's wonderfully simple but has layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more
02 -
- Simmer gently to avoid boiling off the nuanced flavors and keep the drink smooth
- Straining thoroughly prevents bitterness from the spices and ensures that every sip is silky
03 -
- Adjust simmering time to tweak spice intensity—less for a gentle hint, more for a bold presence
- Adding a pinch of black pepper can elevate the warmth unexpectedly and deliciously