Hot Toddies: A Traditional Favorite with a Tea Twist

A great way to still the shivers of a gray winter day is the welcome warmth of a hot toddy, served with cloves, a lemon slice and a stick of cinnamon.

For generations, the traditional blend of hot water, lemon, honey and whiskey has been used as a cold remedy or as a soothing sip at the end of the day. But for a delicious and healthy twist, consider hot tea instead of water alone. Whatever your taste, there are countless modern variations of this old favorite to enjoy, along with the added health benefits of tea.

Tea-time: the different types of teas

Tea has natural polyphenols, a type of antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Black, green and white teas all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, varying primarily in how they’re processed. They all contain caffeine to different degrees.

Herbal teas come from the roots, leaves, fruits and flowers of other plants such as chamomile, rosehips and peppermint, and many offer a caffeine-free choice.

We carry numerous types of tea, including many made right here in Oregon:

• Joyroot’s hibiscus and tulsi teas are certified organic, naturally caffeine free, and brewed in the Northwest using products from local farms.
• Mamancy Tea makes an organic, caffeine-free vanilla rooibos herbal tea blend that’s sweet, smooth and full-bodied.
• Mizuba Tea Co. works closely with small, family-run farms in Japan to produce 100% authentic stone-ground matcha.
• Stash Tea of Portland makes more than 150 different blends and sources only GMO-free ingredients and materials, ensuring a safe and healthy product for you and the environment.

Recipes: Mix your own hot toddy

If you’re interested in mixing up some hot drinks for yourself or friends, we have some suggestions that include a fireside bourbon drink, toddies made with botanical alternatives and fermented options, as well as a hot chocolate treat that anyone in your family can enjoy, because why not?

Oregonic Tonic Kombucha: The Cran Father: A delicious kombucha cocktail with a mix of bourbon, cranberry and honey.

Zero Proof For Bitter For Worse Cinnamon Toddy: Featuring Smoky No. 56 with flavors of campfire, figs and maple syrup, from For Bitter For Worse in Portland.

Zero Proof Smoked Ginger Drop: Enjoy a sweet and peppery punch of ginger.

Zero Proof For Bitter For Worse Sweater Weather: Hot apple cider with a touch of smoke.

Singing Dog Vanilla Creamy Hot Chocolate with Vanilla Whipped Cream: A smooth hot chocolate treat for kids and kids at heart, featuring vanilla from Singing Dog Vanilla in Eugene.