Bourbon and Ginger Hot Toddy with Honey
A cozy hot toddy combining spicy ginger and smooth bourbon, sweetened with honey for a comforting beverage. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes brings together water, fresh ginger root, thinly sliced, bourbon for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 175 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger root, thinly sliced
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 whole star anise
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small pot, bring 3/4 cup water, 1 inch thinly sliced fresh ginger root, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 whole star anise to a simmer over medium heat. Let simmer for 7 minutes until the water is infused with the spicy aromas.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and strain the liquid into a heatproof mug, discarding solids. Stir in 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp lemon juice until the honey dissolves completely.
- Step 3: Add 2 oz bourbon to the mug and stir gently. Serve hot with a lemon wedge garnish if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bourbon and Ginger Hot Toddy with Honey take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Bourbon and Ginger Hot Toddy with Honey?
Refrigerate any leftover bourbon and ginger hot toddy with honey in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon and Ginger Hot Toddy with Honey?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bourbon and Ginger Hot Toddy with Honey for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bourbon and Ginger Hot Toddy with Honey?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
