This sophisticated take on the hot toddy brings together the best of both tea and cocktail traditions. Built on a foundation of Smith Teamaker Meadow tea and Bulleit Bourbon, this variation creates a warming drink that’s both familiar and novel.
The choice between raw honey and maple syrup allows for personalization, while the fresh green apple elements, both peel and wedge, add bright, crisp notes that complement the bourbon’s caramel undertones.
A cinnamon stick and freshly shaved nutmeg complete the profile, creating an aromatic experience that evokes memories of autumn orchards and cozy evenings.
The Story Behind the Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon carries some wonderful history in every pour. Back in 1830s Louisville, Augustus Bulleit developed a high rye recipe that stood apart from the sweeter bourbons of his era, and his great-great-grandson Tom Bulleit revived that very recipe in 1987. That spicy, rye forward character is exactly why this bourbon plays so beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg here.
Don’t miss Silvia C. Holden as she tells us how to fall in love with Bourbon!
Tasting Notes
Tasting Notes from Tony Tellin, Smith Head Teamaker: This cocktail has flavor profiles of maple and apple, a perfect pair for colder weather. The chamomile in our Meadow tea pairs well with apple and has a floral, woody character. Adding green apple skin adds tannin, acidity, and further drives apple top notes and flavor. Together cinnamon and nutmeg create a mulled spice and apple pie like spice complexity.
Why Lush Life Loves It
We are completely smitten with how this toddy takes a classic and makes it feel brand new. Steeping a proper full leaf tea instead of plain hot water gives every sip so much more depth, and the green apple keeps things bright even on the coldest nights. It fills the whole kitchen with the smell of autumn while it steeps, and every part of the build earns its place in the glass.
Variations
- Swap the Meadow tea for Smith Teamaker’s Masala Chai for a spicier, ginger and cardamom forward toddy
- Use a ripe pear in place of the apple for a softer, more mellow fruit note
- Try a dark brown sugar syrup instead of honey or maple for a deeper, more molasses leaning sweetness
More Hot Toddies to Try
- The Aberfeldy Golden Hot Toddy
- The Talisker Tali Toddy
- The Stambecco Hot Toddy
- Our classic Hot Toddy
Here is the recipe:
Kentucky Hot Toddy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Smith Teamaker Meadow Sachet
- 1¼ oz. Bulleit Bourbon
- 1 tablespoon raw honey or maple syrup
- Green apple peel
- Cinnamon stick
- Apple wedge
- Nutmeg
Instructions
- Place 1 Smith Teamaker Meadow sachet in a cup or mug
- Add boiling water, leaving room for the whiskey
- Steep 5 minutes
- Add Bulleit Bourbon
- Remove sachet
- Add 1 tablespoon raw honey or maple syrup
- Add green apple peel & cinnamon stick
- Garnish with apple wedge
- Shave nutmeg on top of final beverage