English Breakfast Tea Hot Toddy
A warming hot toddy built on English Breakfast tea with whisky, honey, lemon, and cloves—the ultimate cold-weather nightcap.
The hot toddy is a British classic, and building it on a base of English Breakfast tea instead of plain hot water gives it a malty backbone that makes the whole drink feel more substantial and layered.
Whisky is the natural spirit here—its caramel, vanilla, and oak notes dovetail with the tea's maltiness. A blended Scotch works brilliantly, but bourbon's sweeter profile is equally delicious.
The clove and cinnamon add warm spice without turning it into mulled wine territory. A single clove and a small cinnamon stick are all you need—restraint is key.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the whisky and double the honey. You'll still get all the warming comfort, and the English Breakfast base is bold enough to carry the drink on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 English Breakfast tea bag or 2 tsp loose leaf
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 45 ml whisky (Scotch or bourbon)
- 1 tbsp honey
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 whole clove
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- Lemon wheel for garnish
How to make it
- 1Brew English Breakfast tea in boiling water for 4 minutes. Remove tea bag or strain.
- 2Add the clove and cinnamon stick to the hot tea. Let infuse 2 minutes.
- 3Stir in honey until dissolved, then add whisky and lemon juice.
- 4Pour into a warmed mug or heatproof glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
- 5Sip slowly. Remove clove and cinnamon after finishing.
Want to learn more about English Breakfast? Visit its full profile.
Back to English BreakfastYou might also like
English Breakfast Ginger-Honey Immunity Brew
Strong English Breakfast tea blended with fresh ginger, raw honey, and lemon—a bold, warming tonic to kickstart your morning defenses.
Iced English Breakfast Milk Tea
Bold English Breakfast tea shaken with milk and brown sugar over ice—a creamy, malty iced tea that rivals any boba shop classic.