Alcohol-Free Hot Toddy : Grog (Warm Drink)

French

Warm up your winter evenings with this alcohol-free grog featuring lemon, honey, and ginger.

This comforting hot toddy drink is easy to customize and perfect for soothing a sore throat and naturally boosting your well-being.

The Best Homemade Alcohol-Free Grog Recipe: Comforting Hot Toddy Drink with Lemon, Honey & Ginger

When the chill sets in, this cozy alcohol-free grog is my go-to comfort drink.

Inspired by family traditions and improved over the years, it combines lemon, honey, ginger, apple, cinnamon, and cloves for a soothing, hydrating, and energizing cup, perfect for chilly mornings or unwinding in the evening.

At home, we always relied on my mother’s herbal teas, lemon-honey or ginger-turmeric infusion, whenever a cold appeared.

But thanks to my sister-in-law, I discovered this gentle, alcohol-free hot toddy. Since then, it’s become a favorite for regaining my voice or battling winter fatigue.

The best part? Those tender apple slices at the bottom of the cup!

This drink is perfect for anyone seeking warmth, a boost of comfort, or simply a delicious way to care for themselves.

Ready to give it a try? First, let’s look at what makes each ingredient so special.

The Benefits of Alcohol-Free Grog

Sipping a steaming hot drink when you start to feel a cold coming on or your throat feels tight can be incredibly soothing and comforting:

– Cinnamon stimulates the immune system, helping your body fight off germs.

– Cloves are a powerful anti-inflammatory and natural pain reliever.

– Honey soothes a sore throat, eases a dry cough by thinning mucus, and helps restore your energy.

– Lemon juice acts as a natural disinfectant and helps prevent bacteria from taking hold and multiplying.

– Ginger boosts the immune system and helps fight off the first signs of a cold, with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients for a Comforting Alcohol-Free Grog

• 500 ml water : The base for infusing all the flavors, filtered or spring water gives the purest taste.
• 5 g fresh ginger : Thinly sliced; adds gentle spice, warms the body, and soothes a sore throat.
• 3 cloves : Add fragrance and natural antibacterial properties.
• 1 cinnamon stick : Gives a sweet, warming note and enhances the cozy flavor.
• 1 lemon : Use the juice and a few slices; packed with vitamin C for freshness and immune support.
• 1 apple : Cut into wedges; brings natural sweetness and a pleasant texture.
• 2 tbsp honey : A natural sweetener that soothes the throat; add after steeping to preserve its benefits.

Feel free to adjust quantities to taste or depending on your mug size.

How to Make the Best Alcohol-Free Grog

1. Heat the Water : Bring 500 ml of water to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Prep the Fruit & Spices : Peel the apple and slice it thinly. Peel and slice the ginger. Juice the lemon and set aside.
3. Infuse the Flavors : Once the water is boiling, add the apple slices, ginger, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes to extract all the flavors.
4. Prepare Your Mug : Add 1 tablespoon of honey and the lemon juice to each mug.
5. Strain and Serve : Strain the hot infusion over the honey and lemon, then stir well.
6. Enjoy Hot : Drink while still hot for maximum comfort and benefit.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Don’t Over-Boil : Boiling too long makes the drink bitter and dulls the lemon’s brightness.

– Add Honey Off Heat : Stir in honey after the drink cools slightly to preserve flavor and nutrients.

– Balance Sweetness & Acidity : If it’s too sweet, add more lemon juice for a perfect tang.

– Strain Well for Kids : Remove all whole spices before serving to children.

– Preheat Your Thermos : Pour hot water in your thermos first, then add the grog, to keep it hot for hours.

Tasty Variations to Try

– Thyme & Lemon Grog : Swap the apple for a sprig of fresh thyme and use extra lemon, a fragrant, winter-favorite twist.

– Black Tea & Ginger Grog : Infuse with black tea instead of water and add fresh or ground ginger for a stronger, more robust flavor.

– Holiday Spice Grog : Add a star anise and a pinch of grated nutmeg during steeping for a festive holiday touch.

– Simple Lemon-Honey-Ginger : Leave out the apple for a lighter, classic blend, quick and effective.

– Vegan Version : Replace honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan-friendly, naturally sweetened drink.

Adjust spices and sweetness to your liking, the recipe is flexible and forgiving!

A Few Homemade Remedies

While it’s easy to reach for medicine or syrup from the pharmacy, nothing quite compares to the comfort of a homemade remedy.

Here’s a video sharing four simple homemade remedies to help ease common winter ailments.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers (without honey) in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
• Gently reheat in a saucepan or microwave (30-second intervals), then add honey and lemon just before serving.
• For batch prep, infuse a liter and store with whole spices in a tea infuser for easy reheating.

Who Can Enjoy This Drink? (Health & Safety Note)

• No honey for children under 1 year old (risk of infant botulism).
• For kids 1+, this soothing hot drink can help ease sore throats and boost comfort, but always check with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

FAQ : Your Alcohol-Free Hot Toddy Questions Answered

– Can I use ground ginger? Yes, use ½ tsp per cup.

– Is there a honey alternative? Maple syrup or agave syrup work beautifully, or omit for a sugar-free version.

– How long should I steep it? 5-10 minutes for a flavorful yet gentle infusion.

– Can I make it ahead? Yes, store in the fridge up to 2 days; add honey and lemon before serving.

– Is it safe for kids? Yes, but skip honey for infants and strain out whole spices for younger children.

– Water or tea base? Water gives a light, soothing drink; tea adds a stronger, deeper flavor.

What to Serve with Your Hot Grog

Pair this comforting grog with lemon shortbread, a slice of yogurt cake, homemade brioche, or a simple honeyed toast for a complete cozy treat.

Other comforting drinks to try

• Creamy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Cozy and flavorful Chai Latte
• Tasty Banana Milkshake