Hot Bourbon Toddy
A comforting drink for cold evenings, featuring bourbon, honey, lemon, and a touch of spice. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 8 minutes, brings together Bourbon, Honey, Fresh lemon juice 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 150 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 Bourbon
- 1/2 oz Honey
- 1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz Water
- 1/2 inch Cinnamon stick
- 2 Whole cloves
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1.5 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz honey, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, 3 oz water, 1/2 inch cinnamon stick, and 2 whole cloves.
- Step 2: Heat over medium-low heat for 2 minutes until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is warm but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Strain into a heatproof mug, discarding the spices.
- Step 4: Garnish with a thin slice of lemon and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hot Bourbon Toddy take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (7 min prep + 1 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Hot Bourbon Toddy?
Refrigerate any leftover hot bourbon 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 Hot Bourbon 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 Hot Bourbon 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 Hot Bourbon Toddy?
American 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.
