Spiced Pear and Chamomile Tea Toddy
This drink is a perfect alcohol-free alternative to a classic hot toddy, designed for cozy evenings and chilly days. It combines the calming properties of chamomile tea with a homemade spiced pear syrup infused with cinnamon and star anise. A touch of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor, creating a beautifully balanced and aromatic beverage that soothes and warms from the inside out.
Preparation
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
This beverage is classified as a non-alcoholic tea drink or a hot mocktail. It serves as an alcohol-free alternative to the classic hot toddy, placing it in the category of warm, comforting drinks suitable for all ages.
Serving
Serve this completely non-alcoholic drink hot in a pre-warmed mug or an Irish coffee glass to maintain its temperature. It is a standard-sized single serving, perfect for sipping.
Serving size
~240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Mug
Glass treatment
Warmed up
Backstory
This recipe is a modern creation inspired by the traditional hot toddy, which was historically used as a remedy for colds and flu. By swapping whiskey for calming chamomile tea and adding the gentle sweetness of spiced pear, this version offers all the comfort without the alcohol. It's a testament to the growing trend of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages.
Origin
This is a contemporary, home-style creation without a specific country of origin, gaining popularity in the 2020s alongside the mocktail and wellness movements.
Spiced Pear and Chamomile Tea Toddy
The drink is best known by its descriptive name, "Spiced Pear and Chamomile Tea Toddy." Alternative names like "Alcohol-Free Pear Toddy" or "Chamomile Pear Warmer" are also used to highlight its key characteristics as a non-alcoholic, soothing beverage.
Original name
Spiced Pear and Chamomile Tea Toddy
Alternative names
- Alcohol-Free Pear Toddy
- Chamomile Pear Warmer
Characteristics overview
This toddy presents a beautiful golden hue with a smooth, slightly syrupy texture. Its flavor is a harmonious blend of herbal chamomile and sweet pear, warmed by spices, making it a perfect warming drink for autumn and winter.
Flavor
Herbal, Fruity, Spiced, Sweet, Slightly tart
Aroma
Floral, Spicy, Pear, Chamomile, Cinnamon
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Warming, Gentle, Herbal
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Golden, Pale yellow, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Watery, Slightly syrupy
Seasonality
Warming, Wintery, Autumnal
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is moderately intense, with a pleasant balance of sweetness from pear, gentle tartness from lemon, and aromatic warmth from spices. It is completely non-alcoholic and still.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This recipe calls for brewed chamomile tea, pear nectar, fresh lemon juice, and a vegan sweetener like maple syrup. Whole spices such as a cinnamon stick and star anise are used to infuse warmth and aroma.
- Chamomile Tea1 tea bagUse a high-quality chamomile tea for the best flavor.
- Hot Water200 ml / 6.75 ozWater should be hot but not boiling to avoid scorching the tea.
- Pear Nectar60 ml / 2 ozGood quality pear nectar or unfiltered pear juice works best.
- Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozFreshly squeezed is recommended for brightness.
- Maple Syrup10 ml / 0.33 ozAdjust to taste. Honey can be used as a non-vegan alternative.
- Cinnamon Stick1 stickUsed for infusion and can double as a garnish.
- Star Anise1 pod(optional)Adds a subtle, warm licorice note.
Ice type
- None
Mixing equipments
You will need a small saucepan to heat the ingredients and a fine-mesh strainer to remove the spices. No specialized bar tools are required.
- Saucepan: For gently heating and infusing the pear nectar with spices.
- Fine-mesh strainer: To strain the spices from the liquid before serving.
Instructions
The process involves brewing chamomile tea separately, gently simmering pear nectar with spices and sweeteners on the stove, and then combining the two hot liquids before garnishing and serving.
1. Brew the tea: Place the chamomile tea bag in a heatproof mug. Pour 200 ml (6.75 oz) of hot (not boiling) water over it. Let steep for 4-5 minutes, then remove and discard the tea bag.
2. Combine and heat: In a small saucepan, combine the pear nectar, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, and star anise (if using).
3. Infuse: Heat the mixture over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and warm. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
4. Strain and combine: Carefully strain the warm, spiced pear mixture through a fine-mesh strainer directly into the mug containing the brewed chamomile tea. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish: Garnish the hot toddy with a fresh pear slice, a lemon wheel, and the cinnamon stick from the infusion if desired.
6. Serve: Serve immediately while it is still hot and aromatic.
Garnishing
Garnish with a thin slice of fresh pear and a lemon wheel to add visual appeal and fresh aroma. The cinnamon stick used for infusion can also be left in the mug.
- Pear slice: A thin slice of fresh pear floated on top or placed on the rim.
- Lemon wheel: A thin wheel of fresh lemon added to the mug for extra aroma.
- Cinnamon stick: The infusion stick can be transferred to the mug for a rustic look.
Dietary Information
This comforting beverage is suitable for a wide range of dietary needs as it is naturally vegan, caffeine-free, and dairy-free. It is also free from common allergens such as gluten, eggs, soy, and nuts.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a relatively low-calorie beverage, with most of its carbohydrates and sugars derived naturally from the pear nectar and a small amount of added maple syrup.
Calories
Approximately 80-100 kcal / 335-418 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 18-23 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is ideal for quiet, relaxing evenings or as a comforting beverage when feeling under the weather. It also serves as a sophisticated alcohol-free option for winter gatherings and festive occasions.
- Cozy evening
- Winter warmer
- Bedtime drink
- Sore throat soother
- Relaxing
Pairing suggestions
This toddy pairs wonderfully with light, buttery cookies such as shortbread or almond biscotti, which complement its gentle sweetness. It's also an excellent companion for a relaxing activity, like reading by a fireplace.
- Shortbread cookies
- Biscotti
- Light pastries
- A good book
A Soothing Sip: The Spiced Pear and Chamomile Tea Toddy
The Spiced Pear and Chamomile Tea Toddy is a delightful, alcohol-free hot beverage that offers immense warmth and comfort. It masterfully blends the floral, calming notes of chamomile with the sweet fruitiness of pear and the aromatic heat of cinnamon and star anise. Easy to prepare and naturally caffeine-free, it is an excellent choice for a relaxing evening, a soothing remedy for a sore throat, or a sophisticated non-alcoholic option for any occasion that calls for a cozy drink.
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