Hot Toddy is a great drink for cold, winter nights. With honey, lemon (and whiskey if wanted!) it’s both warm and soothing. You can substitute the whiskey for tea for a non-alcoholic version. Either way, it’s a drink that turns the temperature up. 

This simple cocktail is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. 

You will need: 

• One whole cinnamon stick 
• A handful of cloves 
• A lemon, sliced 
• Honey 
• Hot water 
• 50ml whiskey (or 400 ml brewed tea) 

Step one: 

Pour 50ml whiskey into a glass  

Or

If making a non-alcoholic version, pour in 400ml of brewed tea (we went for Earl Grey!)

Step two: 

Add a spoonful of honey, and mix well until dissolved. Adjust to your taste; more honey will make for a sweeter drink. 

Step three: 

Add a handful of cloves to the mix. If going for the alcoholic version, now is the time to fill the glass to just below the rim with hot (but not boiling) water. 

Step four: 

Add a cinnamon stick and slice of lemon. Give the drink a good mix and add an additional squeeze of lemon juice if you want. 

Enjoy this warming drink over Christmas!

The non-alcoholic version is just as warming and tasty. You’ll notice it has a darker colour due to the tea. Try sticking the cloves in the slice of lemon if you don’t want to eat them. – Matthew