Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate Toddy
A cozy hot chocolate cocktail infused with cinnamon and spiced rum, perfect for chilly evenings. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together spiced rum, hot chocolate, stick cinnamon stick 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 250 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
- 1.5 oz spiced rum
- 6 oz hot chocolate
- 1 stick cinnamon stick
- 1 oz whipped cream
- a pinch ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 6 oz freshly made hot chocolate to steaming hot but not boiling.
- Step 2: Pour 1.5 oz spiced rum into a pre-warmed heatproof glass mug.
- Step 3: Add the hot chocolate to the mug and stir gently with a cinnamon stick for 20 seconds to infuse flavor.
- Step 4: Top with 1 oz whipped cream dolloped neatly on the surface.
- Step 5: Lightly dust the whipped cream with a pinch of ground cinnamon.
- Step 6: Garnish by resting the used cinnamon stick vertically against the side of the mug.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate Toddy take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate Toddy?
Refrigerate any leftover cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate toddy 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate Toddy?
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 Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate Toddy 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate Toddy?
Cocktails & Drinks 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.
