Hot Ginger Toddy

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/3/21
Apple cider with cinnamon stick in glass mug

James And James / Stockbyte / Getty Images
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
188 Calories
0g Fat
26g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 188
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 11mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 24g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 1mg 4%
Calcium 7mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 22mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Add a shot of ginger liqueur to your hot toddy to recreate a favorite winter cocktail. Incredibly simple, the hot ginger toddy is simultaneously soothing and invigorating. With the first sip, you'll appreciate how aromatic ginger and bourbon become under a little heat.

Ginger toddy recipes are nothing new. The spice is a natural companion for whiskey and has long been added to steaming toddy mugs. Typically, the older recipes involve ginger syrup, and that remains a great option. However, with ginger liqueurs readily available, this toddy is even easier to make.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 1 ounce bourbon whiskey

  • 1/2 ounce ginger liqueur

  • 4 to 6 ounces hot water, or to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a warm Irish coffee glass, pour the honey, lemon juice, whiskey, and ginger liqueur.

  3. Top with hot water and stir.

  4. Serve and enjoy.

Tips

  • Warming your glass or mug before building the drink ensures your toddy stays nice and warm to the last sip. You can either let hot water sit in it for a few minutes or fill it with water and heat it in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
  • Adding the honey first helps it dissolve into the drink more efficiently.
  • You can reserve the lemon juice for the last ingredient (even after the water), then add just enough to suit your taste. Squeezing the juice of a lemon wedge should be the perfect amount.

How Strong Is a Hot Ginger Toddy?

Toddies are not only relaxing, but they're also typically low-proof and this one is no exception. When made with an 80-proof whiskey, it mixes up to 9 percent ABV (18 proof). That's just a little lighter than a glass of wine.

Recipe Variations

  • Alternative sweeteners like simple syrup and agave nectar can replace the honey.
  • Try this toddy with other styles of whiskey. A spicy rye whiskey creates an interesting flavor, or you can go the ultra-smooth route with a blended whiskey like those from Canada and Ireland.
  • To knock the strength down slightly while retaining the ginger flavor, make a vanilla-ginger syrup. It can replace the liqueur or you can add a little more to taste.
  • For a nonalcoholic ginger toddy, skip the whiskey and double up on the ginger syrup. You can also steep a tea that includes ginger in the blend into the hot water. Adding a slice of fresh ginger root can add a little extra flavor as well.
  • Garnishes can also add a boost to this toddy. Try a cinnamon stick, a piece of lemon peel, or some candied ginger. Each will slowly infuse into the toddy as you drink.