Martha Stewart Bourbon Hot Toddy

Martha Stewart bourbon hot toddy is an easy warming cocktail made with bourbon, honey and fresh lemon juice, ready in 10 minutes. Save this simple winter drink recipe for cozy nights, holiday parties, snow days or cold weekends, because it's a quick spiced two-mug cocktail.

Let the mugs stand a full 5 minutes before you stir, because that is when the cinnamon and cloves release their flavor into the hot water. Skip the wait and you get a thin drink that tastes mostly of bourbon and lemon.

Martha steeps whole cinnamon sticks and cloves right in the mug instead of using ground spices, so the drink stays clear and never turns gritty. The honey then softens the bite of the bourbon while the lemon keeps the whole thing from tasting too sweet.

Martha Stewart Bourbon Hot Toddy

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Course: BeverageCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

150

kcal

Hot water, honey and bourbon steep with whole spices into a clear, soothing sip. A slice of lemon on top adds a fresh, bright finish.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces bourbon
  

• 2 tablespoons honey
  

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus 2 thinly sliced lemon rounds for serving
  

• 2 cinnamon sticks
  

• 4 whole cloves
  

• 2 thinly sliced lemon rounds, for serving
  

Directions

• Boil the water: Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan or tea kettle. Then take it off the heat so it stops bubbling before it hits the mugs.
• Fill the mugs: Divide the hot water between two mugs. Use mugs that are heatproof and sturdy, so they hold the heat while the drink steeps.
• Add the flavors: Divide 4 ounces bourbon, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 cinnamon sticks and 4 whole cloves between the mugs. The honey will start to melt right away, so each mug gets an even share.
• Let it steep: Let the mugs stand for 5 minutes so the spices can infuse the water. Then stir well until all the honey has dissolved.
• Garnish and serve: Float 2 thinly sliced lemon rounds on top, one in each mug. Serve right away while the toddy is steaming hot.

Tools for this recipe

• Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 3-quart saucepan, Zulay metal lemon squeezer. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I use a different spirit instead of bourbon?

Dark rum, brandy or rye whiskey all work well here, since they stand up to the honey and spices. Keep the same 4 ounces total so the balance with the lemon stays right.

Can I make a hot toddy without alcohol?

Yes, just leave out the bourbon and use a little extra hot water or a splash of apple cider instead. The honey, lemon, cinnamon and cloves still make a soothing drink on their own.

Can I make a big batch for a party?

Multiply everything by the number of guests and keep the hot water in a kettle, then let each person build their own mug. I wouldn't hold finished toddies on the stove, because the alcohol and lemon flavor fade the longer they sit hot.

What if I don't have whole cloves or cinnamon sticks?

Use a pinch of ground cinnamon and a tiny pinch of ground cloves per mug, but expect a cloudier drink. Whole spices are better because you can fish them out and the toddy stays clear.

What's the most common mistake with a hot toddy?

Using water straight from a rolling boil with no steeping time is the usual problem, since the spices never get a chance to flavor the drink. Let it stand the full 5 minutes, then taste and add a little more honey if you like it sweeter.