It’s officially hot toddy season! This beverage can be made non-alcoholic or with a tasty local spirit to warm you from the inside out. Lemon and orange deliver a bright tartness complimented by heating spices, sweet honey, and spicy ginger. Not only does this drink level-up a festive evening, but it also enhances a quiet night at home (and even nurses a head cold!). Have fun personalizing it for your special occasion.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 cups hot tea (chamomile, ginger & peppermint are all nice options) 

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 inch ginger, thinly sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tablespoon whole allspice, cloves, and/or star anise

• 4 tablespoons pure local honey (adjust to taste)

• 4 shots (6oz) dark liquor (bourbon, whiskey, brandy, rum) optional

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring everything except the liquor and honey to a gentle simmer for at least 10 minutes. Strain & divide the hot spiced liquid into 4 mugs.

2. Add 1 shot (1.5 oz) of liquor and 1 tablespoon honey to each mug. Stir until the honey has dissolved. Feel free to adjust (or omit) liquor for a stronger or weaker drink, adjust honey for sweetness, and add add extra lemon juice for tartness. To make it vegan, substitute maple syrup or coconut palm sugar for honey.

3. If desired, garnish with additional lemon or orange rounds, a cinnamon stick and/or star anise. You may desire a splash of seasonal apple cider or cranberry/pomegranate juice to sweeten this spicy treat!

4. Sip and savor steaming hot.

Originally published in Edible Western NY.