Barley Free Vegan Hot Toddy
Warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting, this hot toddy is the kind of drink that feels like a hug in a mug on a cold evening. Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup come together in a way that's both bright and soothing, with whole cloves and a cinnamon stick adding that unmistakable spiced depth. Maple syrup steps in as the sweetener here, which is a smart and flavorful swap that keeps things completely grain-free without sacrificing any of the cozy richness you'd expect. Many classic hot toddy recipes or pre-made mixes can sneak in barley-derived ingredients through certain whiskeys or flavored syrups, so mixing your own from scratch puts you fully in control. Choosing a bourbon or Irish whiskey distilled from corn or other non-barley grains is the key move, and the rest of the ingredient list is naturally clean and simple. Letting the cloves and cinnamon steep for a minute or two before you sip makes a real difference — the drink blooms into something that smells as good as it tastes. Finish it off with a lemon wheel for a little extra brightness and you've got a genuinely impressive cold-weather cocktail that comes together in minutes.
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Learn more →Ingredients
1 serving
- 1 ½ oz whiskey (bourbon or irish whiskey)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice (about ½ a lemon)
- 6 oz hot water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
For serving
- 1 lemon wheel or slice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the water in a small saucepan or kettle until just off the boil, about 200°F (93°C) — steaming vigorously but not at a rolling boil.
- 2
Add the maple syrup and lemon juice to a heatproof mug and stir briefly to combine.
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