Postgame Spiced Bourbon Toddy
A warm, comforting bourbon toddy with soothing spices perfect for a chilly evening after a game. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together bourbon, hot water, 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 210 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
- 2 oz bourbon
- 4 oz hot water
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 whole star anise
- 1 slice lemon wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: Warm a heatproof mug by rinsing it with hot water, then discard the water.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice into the mug.
- Step 3: Pour 4 oz hot water (just off boiling) into the mug and stir gently until the honey dissolves.
- Step 4: Add 1 cinnamon stick and 1 whole star anise to infuse the drink.
- Step 5: Let steep for 3 minutes, then remove the star anise and leave the cinnamon stick.
- Step 6: Garnish by floating a thin lemon wheel on top, resting it against the mug’s rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Postgame Spiced Bourbon Toddy take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Postgame Spiced Bourbon Toddy?
Refrigerate any leftover postgame spiced 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 Postgame Spiced 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 Postgame Spiced 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 Postgame Spiced Bourbon Toddy?
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.
