Hot Toddy
Warm bourbon hot toddy with chamomile, honey, lemon, cinnamon, cloves, and mace. Quick recipe, tips, and how to avoid bitterness.
A spin on the classic—Bourbon, lemon, honey, cinnamon, and clove all make an appearance. I use chamomile tea instead of water and mace instead of nutmeg. I find that both of their milder flavors let me taste everything else in even proportions. The mace also looks like a flame, and flaming drinks just look plain cool.
Yield: 1 serving
- This recipe swaps plain hot water for chamomile tea and uses mace instead of nutmeg to keep spices mild and balanced.
- Combine bourbon, lemon, and honey, then add a clove-studded lemon wedge, cinnamon stick, whole mace, and a chamomile bag; steep with hot water.
- Do not over-steep the mace. Remove the spice and tea once the drink reaches your preferred strength to avoid bitterness.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
In a heat tolerant cup, dissolve honey in lemon juice and bourbon.
Stab cloves into lemon wedge garnish, add to cup along with cinnamon stick, mace aril, and a chamomile tea bag.
Fill cup with hot water and steep for several minutes.
Sip and enjoy!
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
Don't let this drink sit for too long, mace that is over steeped with become bitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this hot toddy different from a classic?
This version uses chamomile tea in place of plain water and whole mace instead of nutmeg. Chamomile adds a gentle floral base and mace brings a milder, peppery warmth so the bourbon, lemon, and honey stay front and center.
How long should I steep the toddy?
Steep with hot water for about 2 to 4 minutes, tasting after 2 minutes. Remove the chamomile bag and the mace once it reaches the balance you like to prevent over-extraction and bitterness.
How do I avoid bitterness from the mace?
Use a whole mace aril rather than ground mace, and do not leave it in the cup for long. Start tasting at 2 minutes and remove the mace once the aroma and flavor are pleasant. Using a small piece also helps.
Can I make a nonalcoholic version?
Yes. Replace the bourbon with extra hot chamomile, warm apple cider, or a nonalcoholic whiskey alternative. Keep the lemon, honey, and spices the same for a similar flavor profile.
What bourbon works best?
Pick a smooth, mid-shelf bourbon with vanilla or caramel notes and 80 to 100 proof. Very high proof spirits will make the drink hotter and stronger, so dilute more if you use them.
Can I substitute nutmeg for mace?
You can, but nutmeg is earthier and stronger. If using ground or whole nutmeg, use less than you would mace and add it briefly to avoid overpowering the drink.
Can I prepare this ahead or store leftovers?
Make each serving fresh for best flavor. You can mix and store the honey+lemon syrup ahead of time, but do not leave assembled toddies with the mace or tea bag steeping. Leftover mixed toddy should be refrigerated and reheated gently without additional steeping.
What makes this hot toddy different from a classic?
This version uses chamomile tea in place of plain water and whole mace instead of nutmeg. Chamomile adds a gentle floral base and mace brings a milder, peppery warmth so the bourbon, lemon, and honey stay front and center.
How long should I steep the toddy?
Steep with hot water for about 2 to 4 minutes, tasting after 2 minutes. Remove the chamomile bag and the mace once it reaches the balance you like to prevent over-extraction and bitterness.
How do I avoid bitterness from the mace?
Use a whole mace aril rather than ground mace, and do not leave it in the cup for long. Start tasting at 2 minutes and remove the mace once the aroma and flavor are pleasant. Using a small piece also helps.
Can I make a nonalcoholic version?
Yes. Replace the bourbon with extra hot chamomile, warm apple cider, or a nonalcoholic whiskey alternative. Keep the lemon, honey, and spices the same for a similar flavor profile.
What bourbon works best?
Pick a smooth, mid-shelf bourbon with vanilla or caramel notes and 80 to 100 proof. Very high proof spirits will make the drink hotter and stronger, so dilute more if you use them.
Can I substitute nutmeg for mace?
You can, but nutmeg is earthier and stronger. If using ground or whole nutmeg, use less than you would mace and add it briefly to avoid overpowering the drink.
Can I prepare this ahead or store leftovers?
Make each serving fresh for best flavor. You can mix and store the honey+lemon syrup ahead of time, but do not leave assembled toddies with the mace or tea bag steeping. Leftover mixed toddy should be refrigerated and reheated gently without additional steeping.
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