Spiced Citrus Hot Toddy

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 3 min
🍽 Serves: 1
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Warm up with a Spiced Citrus Hot Toddy, a comforting drink that blends bourbon with zesty orange and cozy spices. Perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings, it’s a delicious way to enjoy winter’s bounty.

Ingredients for Spiced Citrus Hot Toddy

Bourbon provides the warm, robust base for this cocktail. Its smoothness pairs wonderfully with sweet and spicy elements.

Fresh orange juice adds a bright, tangy note that enlivens the drink, balancing the depth of the bourbon.

Honey is the sweetener that brings a natural, floral sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.

Fresh ginger slice adds a hint of spice and a subtle zing, enhancing the warmth of the toddy.

Cinnamon stick contributes a comforting, woody spice that’s synonymous with winter warmth.

Star anise offers a delicate licorice flavor, making the drink aromatic and complex.

Boiling water is the key to melding all the flavors together, creating a smooth, integrated drink.

Lemon wheel and orange wheel are not just for garnish; they add a fresh aroma and a pop of color.

A dash of ground cloves adds an extra aromatic punch, enhancing the overall spice profile.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor—bottled juice just doesn’t compare.
  • Feel free to adjust the honey to your taste; some prefer it less sweet.
  • For a stronger spice flavor, let the spices steep a bit longer before removing them.

Serving Suggestions

This toddy is perfect on its own, but if you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with a slice of gingerbread or a buttery shortbread cookie. The warm spices complement each other beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of whiskey?
Absolutely! Rye or Scotch can work, though they’ll change the flavor profile slightly.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, replace the bourbon with apple cider for a cozy, alcohol-free alternative.
How can I store leftovers?
The drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate it and reheat gently on the stove.

Spiced Citrus Hot Toddy Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a heat-resistant glass. Pour in the bourbon, fresh orange juice, and honey. Give it a good stir to start dissolving the honey—it’s like priming the canvas for your masterpiece.

Add a slice of fresh ginger, a cinnamon stick, and a star anise to the glass. These spices will infuse their flavors into the drink as they steep.

Carefully pour in a cup of boiling water. This helps dissolve the honey completely and blends all the ingredients together. Stir gently to ensure everything is well mixed.

Let the spices steep for about 2–3 minutes. This is crucial for extracting all those wonderful flavors without overpowering the drink.

Once steeped, fish out the ginger, cinnamon, and star anise. They’ve done their job, and you don’t want them to dominate the drink.

Garnish your toddy with a lemon wheel and an orange wheel. These not only look appealing but also add a fresh citrus aroma.

Finish with a dash of ground cloves. It’s the final touch that elevates the aroma and flavor of your hot toddy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the warmth of bourbon with refreshing citrus notes.
  • Infused with aromatic spices for a cozy, inviting flavor.
  • Quick and easy to prepare—ideal for impromptu gatherings.
  • Customizable with your favorite spices and garnishes.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz fresh orange juice
1 tbsp honey
1 slice of fresh ginger
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
1 cup boiling water
1 lemon wheel for garnish
1 orange wheel for garnish
Dash of ground cloves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a heat-resistant glass, combine bourbon, fresh orange juice, and honey.
2. Add a slice of fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
3. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the mixture and stir well to dissolve the honey.
4. Allow the spices to steep for 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove the ginger, cinnamon, and star anise.
6. Garnish with a lemon wheel and an orange wheel.
7. Add a dash of ground cloves for an extra aromatic kick.
8. Serve immediately while hot.

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