Can I use agave instead of honey in a tequila hot toddy?

Yes. Use the same amount, about 1/2 ounce. Agave syrup dissolves quickly in hot tea and naturally complements the flavor of tequila.

What tea works best in a tequila hot toddy?

Chamomile is ideal for a soothing hot toddy, while chai creates a spicier and more robust version of the drink.

Can I make a tequila hot toddy without alcohol?

Yes. Omit the tequila and use warm apple cider with a dash of vanilla to create a flavorful non-alcoholic hot toddy-style mocktail.

How do I keep a tequila hot toddy hot longer?

Pre-warm the mug by filling it with hot water for a minute before making the drink. This helps the tequila hot toddy stay warm for longer.

Holiday Tequila Toddy

Q: What tequila is best for a hot toddy?

An añejo tequila is the best choice for a hot toddy because oak aging adds vanilla and caramel notes that create a flavor profile similar to a classic whiskey toddy. SWOL Añejo is a great option for this style of drink.

Q: Is a tequila hot toddy served hot or cold?

A tequila hot toddy is served hot. It is made in a warm mug with hot tea and enjoyed while the drink is still warm.

Q: Does a hot toddy help with a cold?

A hot toddy can be comforting because the warm liquid, honey, and lemon may help soothe a sore throat or provide temporary relief, but it should not be considered a medicine or treatment for a cold.

A tequila hot toddy swaps the usual whiskey for aged Añejo, and the result is warmer, rounder and quietly festive. SWOL Añejo brings oak and gentle vanilla that melt into hot spiced tea, honey and a squeeze of lemon. It takes about five minutes and one mug, and it is the drink you want on a cold night or when you feel a chill coming on. Below is the exact ratio we use, plus how to pick the right tea and sweetener. Pre-warm your mug so the drink stays hot to the last sip.

INGREDIENTS

1.5 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila (the hero: aged and oaky, it stands in for whiskey and carries the honey and spice)
0.5 oz honey (raw or clover; warm it slightly so it dissolves)
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice (bottled is flat here, use fresh)
4 oz hot spiced tea, chamomile for soothing or chai for spiced depth
Garnish: lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick

HOW TO PREPARE

Brew 4 oz of chamomile or chai tea and pre-warm your mug with hot water, then empty it.
Add honey and lemon juice to the warm mug.
Pour in the hot tea and stir until the honey fully dissolves.
Add 1.5 oz SWOL Añejo and stir once to combine.
Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick, then serve hot.

Style of Glass to use

Mug/ Warm Tumbler

Garnishes

Lemon, Cinnamon Stick

Why Añejo instead of whiskey?

Añejo is tequila aged in oak, so it shares the vanilla, caramel and barrel notes that make whiskey work in a toddy, but with a smoother, less smoky finish. SWOL Añejo was built for sipping, which is exactly what a hot toddy asks of a spirit. The oak echoes the cinnamon and chai rather than fighting it.

Choosing your tea and sweetener

Chamomile keeps it mellow and floral and is the classic choice when you want something soothing. Chai adds cardamom, clove and black-tea backbone that mirrors the oak in the Añejo. Honey is traditional, but agave nectar leans into the tequila and dissolves faster in hot liquid. Keep total sweetener near 0.5 oz so the drink stays balanced.

Make it for a crowd (batch)

Multiply everything by your guest count and hold it warm in a slow cooker on low. Combine brewed tea, honey and lemon in the pot, then add the SWOL Añejo just before serving so the alcohol does not cook off. Ladle into pre-warmed mugs and garnish each with lemon and a cinnamon stick.

Non-alcoholic hot toddy (mocktail)

Skip the tequila and add a splash of apple cider plus a dash of vanilla extract for warmth and body. Keep the honey, lemon, hot tea and cinnamon garnish so it still tastes like a toddy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tequila is best for a hot toddy?

An Añejo like SWOL, because oak aging gives it the vanilla and caramel notes that make the drink taste like a classic whiskey toddy.

Is a tequila hot toddy served hot or cold?

Hot. It is built in a warm mug with hot tea and sipped while warm.

Can I use agave instead of honey?

Yes. Use the same half ounce; agave dissolves faster and leans into the tequila.

What tea works best?

Chamomile for soothing or chai for a spicier, deeper cup.

Does a hot toddy help with a cold?

The warm liquid, honey and lemon are soothing, but treat it as a comforting drink, not medicine.

Can I make it without alcohol?

Yes. Drop the tequila and add apple cider and a dash of vanilla for a warm mocktail.

How do I keep it hot longer?

Pre-warm the mug with hot water first, then build the drink.