Black Pepper Free Vegan Hot Toddy
Warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting, this hot toddy is the kind of drink that makes a cold evening feel instantly more manageable. Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup come together in a mug with whole cloves and a cinnamon stick, creating layers of spice and sweetness that feel almost medicinal in the best possible way. Many classic hot toddy recipes lean on black pepper or peppercorn-forward spice blends, but this version gets all its warmth from cloves and cinnamon — no pepper required, and no flavor sacrificed. The maple syrup adds a gentle, earthy sweetness that plays beautifully against the tartness of fresh lemon, rounding out the whiskey without masking it. Steeping the cinnamon stick and cloves directly in the mug for a minute or two is a small step that makes a big difference, coaxing out their fragrance and tying everything together. It's a naturally plant-based drink that requires zero specialty ingredients — just a kettle, a heatproof mug, and a few pantry staples. Whether you're winding down after a long day or soothing a scratchy throat, this is the kind of simple, satisfying recipe you'll come back to all season long.
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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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