Cranberry Hot Toddy
The Cranberry Hot Toddy combines smooth whiskey with tart cranberry, soothing honey, and bright lemon for a comforting hot cocktail that warms from within. Perfect for cold evenings, this ruby-hued sipper balances sweet and sour notes beautifully.
Ingredients
- 4 oz 120ml whiskey or bourbon (Irish whiskey works wonderfully here)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3 cups water
- 3 tablespoons honey adjust to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cinnamon sticks plus more for garnish
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- 2 slices of fresh orange optional but recommended
- Fresh cranberries and lemon wheels for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry base by combining cranberries and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the cranberries burst and release their color, about 5 minutes.
- Add the spices – cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise – to the simmering mixture. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Stir in the honey until completely dissolved, adjusting the amount to balance the cranberries’ tartness. Remove from heat once honey is incorporated.
- Add the lemon juice to the warm mixture, stirring to combine. The acidity brightens the drink and balances the sweetness.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof measuring cup or bowl, pressing gently on the solids to extract maximum flavor.
- Prepare your mugs by warming them with hot water (then emptying) if you have time – this keeps your toddy warmer longer.
- Pour 2 oz (60ml) of whiskey into each mug, then top with the hot cranberry mixture, dividing equally.
- Garnish each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick, a slice of orange if using, and a few floating cranberries and lemon wheel. Serve immediately while steaming hot.
Notes
- For an alcohol-free version, replace the whiskey with strong-brewed black tea.
- The cranberry base can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator – simply reheat before adding the whiskey.
- If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first.
- The level of sweetness is highly personal – start with less honey than you think you need, as you can always add more.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try using an orange-blossom or wildflower honey.