Spiced Hot Toddy Lemon (Printable Version)

A comforting hot blend of spices, honey, and lemon perfect for chilly evenings or anytime warmth is needed.

# What You'll Need:

01 - 2 cinnamon sticks

02 - 4 whole cloves

03 - 2 star anise

04 - 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced

05 - 2 cups water (16 fl oz)

06 - 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)

07 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

08 - 2 lemon slices, for garnish

01 - In a small saucepan, combine water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and sliced ginger.

02 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes to infuse flavors.

03 - Remove from heat and strain the hot liquid into two mugs, discarding the spices.

04 - Stir 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into each mug.

05 - Garnish each mug with a lemon slice and serve immediately while hot.

01 -

It comes together in under 15 minutes, which somehow feels like cheating on self-care.
The spice blend transforms simple hot water into something genuinely memorable and warming from the inside out.
It's endlessly customizable depending on what you have and how you're feeling.

02 -

Bottled lemon juice is a shortcut that absolutely shows—the fresh kind changes everything about how alive this drink tastes.
Don't let the spices boil hard and fast; a gentle simmer extracts the warmth without any bitterness creeping in.
Adding honey to boiling water diminishes some of its benefits, so always stir it in after the heat is off.

03 -

Warm your mugs by running them under hot water before pouring—this keeps the drink at the perfect sipping temperature longer and shows you actually care.
Buy whole spices rather than pre-ground whenever possible; they hold their power for months longer and make a genuinely noticeable difference in the final taste.