Here in the South, we’re serious about a few things. I’ve talked about this a few times, but as I settle into life as a Southerner, I become more and more aware of what we’re all about here.

For starters, kindness and manners matter. If you’re not calling your Mama “Ma’am,” you might as well be sticking your tongue out at her. We hold the door open for others, gentlemen stand when ladies arrive, and we always, always, ALWAYS say the blessing before a meal. End of story.

Second, we love football. SEC is everything and the fall ballgame schedule reigns supreme. If you’re not into football, you’re just not in [Slowly raises hand and backs away].

And finally, we take pride in our food. Almost everyone has a favorite fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, or pecan pie recipe. Each family has a secret marinade or sauce, an heirloom cookie recipe, or method by which they prefer to season their greens. Southern food is rooted in years of tradition, history, and tried and true flavors that have been perfected over time. It’s not something we take lightly.

Take for instance sweet tea. It’s a staple here, and there’s not a soul who hasn’t enjoyed a cold glass on a hot day. When I first moved to the Deep South, I grew to appreciate a perfectly sweetened glass of tea, and now that I’ve experienced great tea, it’s almost painful to drink bad tea.

This sweet tea hot toddy is a nod to all that is good in the South. Smooth bourbon, local honey, and incredibly delicious sweet tea combine to make a toasty beverage that will make even a Northerner talk with a drawl. This is a beverage you’ll want to cozy up to all winter long.

One of my favorite things about this sweet tea hot toddy is how simple it is. Instead of brewing my own tea, I lean on an Alabama-born made product, Red Diamond Ready-to-Drink Sweet Tea, for the perfect balance of sweet and tea. Their sweet tea is one that even the most discerning of Southerners would trust, and because it safely heats to warm temperature, it is the perfect add-in for this sweet tea hot toddy. Plus, it’s brewed from actual tea leaves with no shortcuts- just sugar, tea, and water.

To make this sweet tea hot toddy, we start by warming our tea. Allow a lemon slice, honey, and a cinnamon stick to mull in the hot liquid for a minute or two before adding in the bourbon. Give it a taste. If your taste buds are anything like mine, you’ll be ready to guzzle a glass (or four), but feel free to add more tea or lemon depending on your preferences. If you’re interested in serving a crowd, brew up a big batch and allow guests to ladle mugs straight off of the stove. This sweet tea hot toddy is a great fall beverage that will set the mood for your upcoming holiday parties and gatherings.

Many thanks to Red Diamond Coffee & Tea for sponsoring this post, and thank YOU for supporting brands that make this site possible. I hope you’ll pick up some Red Diamond sweet tea and give this sweet tea hot toddy a shot (or two)! Happy drinking, y’all!

This post is sponsored by Red Diamond. All opinions expressed are my own. 

If you like this sweet tea hot toddy you should check out:

Pinot Ritas

Brown Butter Bourbon Madeleines 

Derby Pie Cookies

Homemade Chocolates

Sparkling Margaritas

 

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