Have you ever had a hot toddy? This classic cocktail usually consists of hot water, whiskey, lemon, and honey, but there are countless variations. It’s a wonderfully calming beverage that’s perfect for chilly winter nights! My version includes earl grey tea and blood orange, which add so much flavor and depth. I’ve also read that hot toddies have medicinal qualities. The warmth and honey are incredibly soothing for a sore throat, and the alcohol has a numbing quality. And while I can’t say that drinking one of these would definitively improve an ailment, I can certainly see how it’d be a welcome respite from the misery of a cold.
How do I make an earl grey hot toddy?
Part of what makes this drink great is how easy it is to throw together. The ingredients are fairly commonplace, and you don’t need to make any sort of simple syrup. To make it, boil some water. Once it’s nice and hot, add it to a cup with 2oz whiskey, the juice of half a lemon, the juice of half a lime, 1-2 tsp of honey, and a bag of earl grey tea. Stir, let the tea steep for about 5 minutes, and you’re done!
Do I have to use blood orange?
Nope! Blood oranges can be a little bit hard to come by. I love their berry notes and the pop of color that they add to this drink, but any orange will do. Navel or cara cara would work perfectly.
Hot tip:
If you have a self warming mug or a mug warmer, use it. I just got an Ember mug and drinking this hot toddy from it was an absolute delight.
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Blood Orange + Earl Grey Hot Toddy
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Hot water
- 1 bag Earl grey tea
- 1/2 Lemon (Juice of)
- 1/2 Blood orange (Juice of)
- 2 oz Whiskey
- 1-2 tsp Honey
Garnishes (optional)
- 1 slice Blood orange or lemon
Instructions
- Add the hot water and earl grey tea bag to the mug of your choice. Then squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and half a blood orange. Add 2 oz whiskey, and 1-2 tsp honey (stop when it's sweet enough for you) and stir to combine. Let tea steep for about 5 minutes before removing the bag.
What did I tell you? Such an easy drink to make. There’s literally only one instruction. If you make this, I hope you enjoy it! Regardless, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. It makes me so happy to see your glorious creations!
Looking for more winter cocktails? Try my hot buttered rum with apple cider or my yuzu and tangerine mimosa!
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