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–+ servings

Virgin Hot Toddy Mocktail

A soothing, alcohol-free hot toddy made with chamomile tea, fresh ginger, honey, and lemon. Perfect for cold nights, relaxation, or when you're feeling under the weather. This caffeine-free warm drink helps with sleep and soothes sore throats naturally.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Steeping Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • - 1 cup water boiling
  • - 1 chamomile tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose leaf chamomile
  • - 3-4 thin slices fresh ginger about 1/4 inch thick, don't use ground ginger
  • - 2-3 whole cloves
  • - 1 cinnamon stick
  • - 1-2 tablespoons honey adjust to taste, raw honey preferred
  • - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice juice of half a lemon
  • - Optional: pinch of black pepper or cayenne for extra warmth

Garnish:

  • - Lemon wheel
  • - Extra cinnamon stick
  • - Fresh mint sprig

Instructions
 

Boil Water

  • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a kettle or small pot.

Steep Spices First

  • Place fresh ginger slices, cloves, and cinnamon stick in a large mug. Pour boiling water over them. Let steep for 2-3 minutes to extract the spice oils.

Add Chamomile Tea

  • Drop the chamomile tea bag into the mug with the spices. Steep for 3-5 minutes. Don't over-steep or it gets bitter.

Add Honey and Lemon

  • Remove the tea bag. Stir in honey until completely dissolved. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine.

Taste and Adjust

  • Too sweet? Add more lemon. Not sweet enough? Add more honey. Want more spice? Let it steep longer with the ginger and cloves still in.

Garnish and Serve

  • Leave the cinnamon stick in as a stirrer. Add a lemon wheel on the rim. Garnish with fresh mint if desired. Drink while hot.

Notes

* Fresh Ginger Is Key: Don't use ground ginger powder. Fresh ginger has bright, spicy heat that ground ginger can't match. Slice thin rounds with the skin on for best flavor.
* Honey Type Matters: Raw honey has more health benefits and better flavor than processed honey. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed.
* Don't Over-Steep: Chamomile gets bitter if steeped longer than 5 minutes. Set a timer.
* Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper for extra warming heat.
* Make a Big Batch: Steep a pot of chamomile tea with ginger and spices. Keep warm in a slow cooker. Let guests add their own honey and lemon.
* Storage: Chamomile ginger tea keeps in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat and add fresh honey and lemon when ready to drink.
Keyword chamomile hot toddy, cold remedy drinks, easy hot toddy recipe, ginger lemon honey tea, hot toddy without alcohol, non-alcoholic hot toddy, soothing tea recipe, spiced herbal tea, warm winter drinks
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