Spiced Tea Hot Toddy

This hot toddy recipe combines black tea, lemon juice, whole spices, honey, and your choice of rum, whiskey, or brandy for a warming winter drink.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• Optional: 5 cloves
• Optional: 1 stick cinnamon
• Optional: 1 piece star anise
• 1 tablespoon black tea
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 ounces brandy (or dark rum , whiskey )
• 1 wedge lemon

Steps

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. In a small pot, combine the water and spices.
3. Bring the water to just below boiling and remove it from the heat.
4. Add tea leaves and steep for 4 minutes.
5. Strain into a large mug.
6. Stir in the honey.
7. Float brandy, rum, or whiskey on the top of the drink by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
8. Squeeze the juice from a lemon wedge into the mug.
9. If you like, drop the lemon into the mug for a stronger citrus flavor. Serve and enjoy!