Since sick season is very much in full swing, I wanted to share my Grandma’s Hot Toddy recipe! If you purchased my book The Tea Experiment, it’s called Keep Death From Knocking.
If you don’t drink alcohol, no worries. It can absolutely be omitted.
Recipe as written in the book:
Materials
7 Lipton black tea bags (for a strong foundation)
1 large sliced lemon (for cleansing energy)
1 sliced orange (for a bright, bittersweet touch)
1 sliced pear (to bring grounding sweetness)
3 3-4 inch nobs of ginger sliced (for warmth and protection)
3 cinnamon sticks (to ward off negative forces)
10 cloves (for their spicy, protective nature)
10 - 12 soft peppermint puffs (to freshen the spirit)
10 cups of water (the essence of life)
1/2 cup of honey (a soothing, sweet essence)
Jack Daniels (a fiery finish)
Equipment
Large Saucepan
Large Mason Jar
Funnel with Strainer/Mesh
Instructions
Step 1: In your large saucepan, combine the sliced lemon, orange, pear, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and 10 cups of water. Bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to release their essences. Let this brew simmer for 1.5 hours while stirring occasionally, creating a rich, aromatic base to ward off unwelcome spirits.
Step 2: Add your peppermint puffs to the mixture and stir slowly until they dissolve, transforming the potion with a cooling, minty undertone.
Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat and drop in the Lipton black tea bags. Allow them to steep for 5-7 minutes, pulling a deep, protective strength from the leaves… just a little longer than the package suggests, for an extra infusion of power.
Step 4: Using a funnel with a strainer/mesh, pour the dark tea into a large mason jar, catching any remnants of fruit and spices, leaving only the pure brew behind.
Step 5: While the tea is still warm, but not hot, add your honey. Stir well. Adding honey while the tea is too hot could diminish its natural healing properties, so be patient, like waiting for the right moment to act.
Step 6: When serving, pour 1 ounce of Jack Daniels into a cup and fill it with about 1 cup of the brewed tea. Stir, then take a sip of this sweet, spicy, and strong concoction that feels like a shield against the darkness.
Notes:
Reheat the tea for a warm serving, or serve cold for a cooler, more refreshing protection.
Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage (up to 2 weeks), omit the lemon and add fresh lemon juice just before serving.
