Warm lemon ginger hot toddy garnished with lemon slices and a cinnamon stick, brewed from organic Lemon Ginger Mint tea by Yerba Buena Tea Co.
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The Ultimate Lemon Ginger Hot Toddy (Cocktail or Mocktail)


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Few drinks are as comforting as a Hot Toddy on a cold night. Part cocktail, part old-fashioned tonic, it soothes the throat and the soul in equal measure.

Traditionally, making a great toddy requires fresh lemon, fresh ginger, and fresh herbs. But at Yerba Buena Tea Co., we have a delicious shortcut. Our Lemon Ginger Mint herbal tea already contains the "Holy Trinity" of toddy ingredients: zesty organic lemongrass, warming ginger root, and cooling peppermint.

A steaming mug of Lemon Ginger Hot Toddy garnished with cinnamon and lemon.

Why this blend works

Most hot toddies rely on lemon juice alone for flavor. Brewing our Lemon Ginger Mint as the base gives you a much deeper cup to build on. The ginger root brings a gentle, warming heat that soothes the throat, and the peppermint and spearmint add a cool, aromatic lift that opens up the senses.

The tea brings so much flavor on its own that you need far less fresh lemon juice than a standard recipe. That keeps the cup less acidic and smoother to sip.

Pouring hot water over organic herbal tea to make a hot toddy base.

Spiked or sober?

This recipe goes both ways. On its own, it's a wellness mocktail, the kind of mug you reach for when you're feeling under the weather or just want a cozy, caffeine-free nightcap.

If you want the traditional "medicinal" kick, a splash of whiskey or bourbon turns it into a classic winter warmer. The caramel notes of the whiskey pair beautifully with the honey and ginger.

Pouring the brewed Lemon Ginger Mint tea into a mug.

Ready to warm up? Grab a tin of Lemon Ginger Mint and let's brew.

The Recipe

A soothing, warming elixir made with organic ginger, lemon, and mint. Enjoy it as a healing herbal mocktail or add whiskey for a classic Hot Toddy.
Prep 2 mins
Steep 10 mins
Total 12 mins
Yields 1 toddy
Cal 120 kcal (with whiskey) / 60 kcal (mocktail)
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp YBTCO Lemon Ginger Mint Tea
  • 1 cup boiling water (212°F)
  • 1-2 tbsp Honey (to taste)
  • ½ tsp Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 oz Whiskey or Bourbon (Optional)
  • Garnish: Lemon slice or cinnamon stick
Instructions
  • Boil: Bring your water to a rolling boil.
  • Steep Deep: Place 1 tbsp of Lemon Ginger Mint tea in your infuser or mug. Pour the hot water over the leaves. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Note: We steep this longer than usual to fully extract the spicy warmth of the ginger root.
  • Mix: Remove the tea leaves. While the tea is still hot, stir in the honey until fully dissolved.
  • Add: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the whiskey (if using).
  • Serve: Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel or a cinnamon stick for extra aroma. Sip slowly and stay warm!
Notes
  • Crowd Friendly: Hosting a winter gathering? You can make a batch of 8 servings! Use 8 cups of water, ½ cup Lemon Ginger Mint tea, ½ cup honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 8 oz whiskey. Keep warm in a slow cooker.
  • Whiskey Tip: We love using Tennessee Honey Whiskey in this recipe. It enhances the honey notes and makes for an incredibly smooth drink.
  • Sweetness Level: Use 1 tbsp of honey for a soothing, medicinal drink, or 2 tbsp if you prefer a sweeter, dessert-like treat.

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