In a traditional hot toddy recipe, the drink is very whiskey heavy. In fact, I used to think I hated hot toddy's because there were just far too intense for me.

I've dialed back the whiskey in this recipe (although feel free to dial it back up, if you so please!) and added just a bit more honey to make it all a much more pleasant and festive experience. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of Lemon & Ginger Chandler Honey
• 5 whole star anise
• 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
• 8 black tea bags (Earl Grey is my favourite)
• 8 cups of water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1.5 cups rye whiskey
• optional: lemon zest for serving

Directions:

Place star anise and peppercorns into some type of bag or strainer. Cheese cloth works well, and a tea ball would work too!

Boil water on the stove and add all 8 tea bags, as well as star anise, peppercorns, Lemon & Ginger Chandler Honey, and the cinnamon sticks. Allow to gently boil for at least 15 minutes, although longer is just fine.

Reduce the heat and remove the tea bags (careful to not squeeze them, as it tends to make the tea bitter).

Stir in the lemon juice and whiskey. Taste and add more honey or lemon juice if you feel it needs it. Serve in festive tea cups and feel free to garnish with lemon zest. Enjoy!