Winter Spiced Whiskey Toddy
A warm and comforting whiskey toddy infused with warming spices and citrus, perfect for chilly evenings. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, hot water, honey syrup (1:1 honey to water) 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 160 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 whiskey
- 5 oz hot water
- 0.75 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 slice lemon wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 5 oz hot water until near boiling and pour into a pre-warmed heatproof mug.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 0.75 oz honey syrup, and 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice to the mug.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20 seconds to dissolve the honey and blend flavors.
- Step 4: Add 1 cinnamon stick and 2 whole cloves to the mug and let steep for 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the cloves with a spoon, then garnish by floating a thin lemon wheel on top and resting the cinnamon stick inside the mug.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Winter Spiced Whiskey Toddy take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Winter Spiced Whiskey Toddy?
Refrigerate any leftover winter spiced whiskey 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 Winter Spiced Whiskey 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 Winter Spiced Whiskey 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 Winter Spiced Whiskey 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.
