As the temperatures drop and the nights grow darker, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm, soothing drink to banish the chill. Hot toddies are just the thing to do the trick, combining the comforting warmth of tea or coffee with the kick of a liquor of your choice. And with so many different flavor combinations to try, you’re sure to find one that becomes your new go-to for chilly nights in. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious hot toddy recipes that are perfect for warming up on a cold winter’s night.
From classic bourbon-based drinks to more adventurous concoctions featuring ingredients like maple syrup and lavender honey, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a comforting drink to sip on while watching the snow fall or a pick-me-up after a long day of outdoor activities, these hot toddies are sure to hit the spot.
Classic Bourbon Hot Toddy
Classic Bourbon Hot Toddy Recipe
Warm up with a classic cocktail that combines the smoothness of bourbon with the soothing warmth of hot tea and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 cup strong brewed black tea (cooled)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 lemon slice, cut into thin strips
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
1. In a large mug or teapot, combine cooled tea and bourbon.
2. Add honey to taste, stirring until dissolved.
3. Add the cinnamon stick, lemon slices, and ground ginger to the mixture.
4. Let it steep for at least 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Strain into individual mugs, discarding solids.
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes
Serve hot and enjoy!
Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy
Warm up with this cozy Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy, perfect for a chilly evening or a cold winter morning.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey (or to taste)
– Lemon slices and whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, honey, cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Heat over medium heat until the mixture simmers and the spices are fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Strain the cider into a mug or heat-proof glass. Add bourbon whiskey (or to taste).
5. Garnish with lemon slices and whipped cream, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes (includes steeping time)
Enjoy your warm and spicy Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy!
Honey Lemon Ginger Hot Toddy
This warm and comforting drink is the perfect remedy to ease a sore throat, relieve cold symptoms, and provide a boost of citrusy flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously soothing hot toddy that’s sure to become your new go-to remedy.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Whipped cream or ice cubes for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, combine the boiling water, honey, lemon juice, and ginger slices.
2. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Strain the liquid into a new mug, discarding the solids.
4. Add the ground cinnamon and stir well.
5. Serve hot, with whipped cream or ice cubes if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Vanilla Chai Hot Toddy
This recipe combines the comforting warmth of a hot toddy with the aromatic spices and creamy richness of vanilla chai. Perfect for a cold winter’s night, this drink is sure to soothe your senses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup boiling water
– 1 teaspoon loose-leaf black tea or 1 black tea bag
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, steep the tea or tea bag in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom to the tea and stir well.
3. Add the vanilla extract and honey to the tea and whisk until dissolved.
4. Pour in the milk and stir gently.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level as needed.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Peppermint Schnapps Hot Toddy
Soothe your throat and warm up with this unique hot toddy recipe, featuring the invigorating flavor of peppermint schnapps.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces peppermint schnapps
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 6 oz hot water (not boiling)
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, combine the honey and hot water. Stir until the honey dissolves.
2. Add the sliced lemon to the mug.
3. Pour in the peppermint schnapps.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. If desired, add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth and flavor.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (simply mix and serve!)
Maple Syrup Hot Toddy
Warm up with a soothing and sweet drink perfect for chilly days. This Maple Syrup Hot Toddy combines the comfort of hot tea with the richness of pure Canadian maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong black tea (such as Assam or Ceylon)
– 2 tablespoons pure Canadian maple syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 lemon, sliced
– Honey, to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring water to a boil and steep the tea leaves for 3-5 minutes or according to package instructions.
2. Remove from heat and add maple syrup, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir until the syrup is fully dissolved.
3. Add sliced lemon and let it steep for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture into a mug to remove tea leaves and spices.
5. If desired, add honey to taste and stir well.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Earl Grey Tea Hot Toddy
This comforting drink combines the citrusy warmth of Earl Grey tea with the soothing properties of honey and lemon, perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon loose-leaf Earl Grey tea
– 1 cup boiling water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
– 1/4 cup warm milk or heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Bring the boiling water to a simmer and add the Earl Grey tea leaves. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, or until the tea reaches your desired strength.
2. Strain the tea into a large mug.
3. Add the honey and stir until dissolved.
4. Squeeze in the lemon juice.
5. Stir in the warm milk or heavy cream.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Smoky Whiskey Hot Toddy
Warm up with this smoky twist on a classic hot toddy. The combination of whiskey, honey, and spices will soothe your throat and invigorate your senses.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Smoked Whiskey (such as Laphroaig or Islay Scotch)
– 1 tsp Honey
– 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
– 1/4 tsp Lemon Zest
– 1/2 cup Hot Water
– Sliced Orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, cinnamon, ginger, and lemon zest.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring until the honey is dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and add whiskey. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in hot water and stir gently.
5. Strain into a mug or glass.
6. Garnish with sliced orange.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Cranberry Orange Hot Toddy
Cranberry Orange Hot Toddy Recipe
Elevate your winter evenings with this warm and comforting Cranberry Orange Hot Toddy, perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cranberry juice
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (or to taste)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 slice of orange (optional garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, combine cranberry and orange juices.
2. Add the bourbon whiskey and stir until well combined.
3. Add the honey and stir until dissolved.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or whiskey level to your liking.
5. Garnish with an orange slice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in no time!)
Enjoy your warm and fruity Cranberry Orange Hot Toddy!
Rum-Spiked Hot Toddy
Warm up with this soothing drink, perfect for a cold winter’s night. A twist on the classic hot toddy, this recipe adds a splash of rum to give it an extra kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 2 cups water
– 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea or 1 tea bag
– 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the honey and lemon slices, stirring until the honey dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and add the tea leaves or tea bag. Let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a large mug.
5. If using rum, add 1-2 tablespoons to the tea (optional).
6. Add a cinnamon stick, if desired, and enjoy.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Gingerbread Hot Toddy
Warm Up with a Gingerbread Hot Toddy
Combat the chill of winter with this soothing and flavorful drink. The combination of gingerbread-flavored whiskey, honey, lemon, and spices will transport you to a cozy haven.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gingerbread-flavored whiskey
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/4 cup hot water
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
– Slice of ginger, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a preheated mug, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, and honey.
2. Add the hot water and stir until the honey dissolves.
3. If desired, add a cinnamon stick to the mug for an extra burst of spice flavor.
4. Stir well and garnish with a slice of ginger.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and serve.
Lavender Honey Hot Toddy
Cozy up with this soothing hot toddy infused with the calming essence of lavender and the warmth of honey. Perfect for a chilly evening or when you need to unwind.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz whiskey (bourbon or scotch work well)
– 1 tsp dried lavender buds
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 cup hot water
– Sprig of fresh lavender for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat until smooth and fragrant.
2. Add the whiskey, dried lavender buds, and lemon slices to the honey mixture. Stir gently to combine.
3. Pour in the hot water and stir until the mixture is well combined and the flavors are infused.
4. Strain the toddy into a mug or teacup to serve.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Coconut Milk Hot Toddy
Soothe your senses with this creamy and comforting Coconut Milk Hot Toddy, perfect for a cold winter’s night.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon or whiskey (your choice)
– 3 oz coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Pinch of salt
– Ice cubes
– Whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk over low heat.
2. In a mug or cup, combine bourbon, honey, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Stir until the honey dissolves.
3. Pour in the warmed coconut milk and stir to combine.
4. Add ice cubes to the mixture if desired.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes, if using.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Pomegranate Hot Toddy
This Pomegranate Hot Toddy is a twist on the classic hot toddy, adding a burst of fruity flavor and antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice to warm you up on a chilly winter evening.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
• 1 shot of bourbon or whiskey (optional)
• Slices of orange and pomegranate for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, and ginger. Heat over low heat until the honey dissolves.
2. Add the pomegranate juice to the mixture and stir well.
3. If desired, add a shot of bourbon or whiskey for an extra kick.
4. Pour the hot toddy into mugs and garnish with slices of orange and pomegranate.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Caramel Apple Hot Toddy
As the weather cools down, warm up with a deliciously sweet and tangy Caramel Apple Hot Toddy. This autumn-inspired drink combines the flavors of caramel, apple, and spice to create a perfect blend for crisp fall nights.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 ounce caramel syrup (or dulce de leche)
– 1/2 ounce apple cider
– 1/4 ounce lemon juice
– 1 cinnamon stick, crushed
– Honey, to taste
– Sliced apples and caramel sauce, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, warm the bourbon or whiskey over low heat.
2. Add the caramel syrup, apple cider, and lemon juice. Whisk until well combined.
3. Remove from heat and stir in crushed cinnamon stick.
4. Strain into a mug or heatproof glass.
5. Drizzle with honey to taste.
6. Garnish with sliced apples and caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Brandy Hot Toddy with Cloves
Soothe your senses and warm up on a chilly evening with this comforting Brandy Hot Toddy infused with the subtle warmth of cloves. This classic cocktail is perfect for relaxing after a long day or as a pre-dinner pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz brandy
– 1 cup hot water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2-3 whole cloves
– Lemon slice or wheel, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, combine the brandy and hot water.
2. Add the honey and stir until dissolved.
3. Add the whole cloves to the mixture and let steep for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the toddy into another mug or glass if desired (leaving the cloves behind).
5. Garnish with a lemon slice or wheel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Matcha Green Tea Hot Toddy
Warm up with this soothing and refreshing Matcha Green Tea Hot Toddy, perfect for a cozy evening or a pick-me-up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
• 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 lemon, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• Ice cubes (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a simmer.
2. Add the matcha green tea powder and whisk until dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and stir in honey until melted.
4. Slice the lemon and add it to the tea mixture for infusion (optional).
5. If desired, add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth and flavor.
6. Pour the hot toddy into a cup or mug filled with ice cubes.
Cooking Time: 3-5 minutes
Serve Hot: Enjoy your Matcha Green Tea Hot Toddy as is, or add a splash of milk or cream for added richness.
Blackberry Sage Hot Toddy
This refreshing drink combines the sweet flavor of blackberries with the earthy hint of sage to create a soothing and warming hot toddy. Perfect for those chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed tea (black or green)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup fresh blackberry puree
– 1 tablespoon dried sage leaves
– 1 lemon slice
– 1 shot of bourbon or whiskey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, combine the brewed tea and honey. Stir until the honey is dissolved.
2. Add the blackberry puree and stir to combine.
3. Add the dried sage leaves and let steep for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Squeeze in the lemon slice and discard the pulp.
5. If desired, add a shot of bourbon or whiskey for an adult twist.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional blackberry puree and sage leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Cozy up with these 18 delicious hot toddy recipes perfect for chilly nights! From classic bourbon to spiced apple cider and everything in between, there’s something for everyone. Try the Vanilla Chai Hot Toddy for a warm and comforting drink, or go bold with the Smoky Whiskey Hot Toddy. If you’re feeling festive, try the Caramel Apple Hot Toddy or Gingerbread Hot Toddy. And don’t forget to spice things up with the Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy or Peppermint Schnapps Hot Toddy. With so many options, you’ll be sure to find your new favorite drink.
