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 general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes brings together water, bourbon, honey 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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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?
General 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.
