The Floral Hot Toddy: A Ruby-Red Twist on a Classic
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The Floral Hot Toddy: A Ruby-Red Twist on a Classic

If the classic Hot Toddy is a warm blanket, the Floral Hot Toddy is a velvet robe. While we love the traditional lemon-ginger medicinal cure, sometimes you want a drink that feels a little more... beautiful.

This recipe reimagines the winter staple by swapping the spice for a bouquet of organic botanicals. The star here is our Four Flowers blend, which combines tart Hibiscus, sweet Chamomile, aromatic Lavender, and delicate Rose petals.

A vibrant ruby-red Floral Hot Toddy garnished with a lemon wheel and dried rose petals.

Why It Works

The magic of this drink lies in the Hibiscus. It provides two essential elements for a great cocktail (or mocktail):

  • The Tartness: Hibiscus has a natural cranberry-like tartness that mimics the "bite" of alcohol, making this an incredibly satisfying drink even if you skip the whiskey.
  • The Color: It brews into a stunning, deep ruby-magenta gem tone that looks incredible in a glass mug.

When you pair that tartness with the soothing aromatics of Lavender and Chamomile, you get a drink that is complex, calming, and utterly unique.

Pouring brewed Four Flowers herbal tea into a glass mug.

A Note on Spirits

If you are making the boozy version, the floral notes of Four Flowers pair exceptionally well with a lighter Whiskey or Bourbon. The caramel notes of the spirit complement the honey sweetness, while the floral aromatics lift the heaviness of the alcohol.

Ingredients for a Floral Hot Toddy: Four Flowers tea, honey, lemon, and whiskey.

Whether you are nursing a cold or hosting a sophisticated winter gathering, this ruby-red elixir is sure to impress. Grab a bag of Four Flowers and start steeping.

The Floral Hot Toddy: A Ruby-Red Twist on a Classic

A stunning, ruby-red twist on the classic Hot Toddy. This recipe uses our Four Flowers blend (Hibiscus, Rose, Chamomile, Lavender) for a tart, aromatic, and deeply soothing cocktail or mocktail.
Prep 2 mins
Steep 10 mins
Total 12 mins
Yields 1 toddy
Cal 120 kcal (with whiskey) / 60 kcal (mocktail)
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp YBTCO Four Flowers Tea
  • 1 cup boiling water (212°F)
  • 1-2 tbsp Honey (to taste)
  • 1 tsp Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 oz Whiskey or Bourbon (Optional)
  • Garnish: Lemon slice, cinnamon stick, or dried rose petals
Instructions
  1. Boil: Bring your water to a rolling boil.
  2. Steep: Place 1 tbsp of Four Flowers tea in your infuser. Pour the hot water over the leaves and let it steep for 10 minutes. This long steep ensures the tart hibiscus and soothing lavender fully release their oils.
  3. Sweeten: Remove the tea leaves. While the tea is steaming hot, stir in the honey until fully dissolved.
  4. Balance: Stir in the lemon juice and the whiskey (if using). Note: The hibiscus is naturally tart, so you need less lemon juice than a standard toddy!
  5. Garnish: Pour into a heat-safe glass mug to show off the beautiful red color. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Notes
  • Batch for a Crowd: This is a beautiful holiday party drink. To make 8 servings, steep ½ cup Four Flowers Tea in 8 cups of boiling water. Stir in ¼-½ cup honey, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 8 oz whiskey. Keep warm in a slow cooker on the "low" setting.
  • Spirit Selection: We recommend Tennessee Honey Whiskey for this recipe, it enhances the floral sweetness perfectly.
  • Mocktail Tip: If skipping the alcohol, try adding a splash of orange juice or a cinnamon stick during the steep to add an extra layer of complexity.
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