Warm Up with a Cranberry-Infused Hot Toddy

Is there anything cozier on a crisp autumn or chilly winter night than unwinding with a warm hot toddy? This beloved drink—a mug filled with bourbon, lemon, honey, and hot water—is a true seasonal staple. Another thing I adore this time of year is finding ways to use cranberries. They’re fantastic in many dishes, not just as a Thanksgiving side! So, I created a cranberry spiced honey syrup to put a festive spin on the traditional hot toddy.

Cranberry Spiced Hot Toddy, makes 1 serving: 1 1/2 ounces bourbon, 3/4 ounce cranberry spiced honey syrup*, 1/2 ounce lemon juice, topped with hot water, and garnished with an orange wedge, cloves, and cranberries.

*Cranberry Spiced Honey Syrup: 1 cup honey, 1/2 cup water, 1 cup fresh cranberries, 2 orange slices, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 2 whole star anise

First, prepare the cranberry spiced honey syrup. Combine all syrup ingredients in a small saucepan and let it simmer on the stove for 10 minutes. Stir well to blend the honey, water, and spices. Strain out the solids, then store the syrup in a bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Putting together a hot toddy is a breeze because you can assemble it directly in the mug, then finish with hot water. I added cloves, an orange slice, and cranberries as garnish. These pink enamel mugs are ideal for enjoying warm drinks all winter long!

This simple twist on a classic hot toddy turned out wonderfully. If you enjoy mulled wine, I think you’ll love this Cranberry Spiced Hot Toddy. The warm, comforting spices and tart cranberries bring incredible depth to the cocktail. Plus, making the cranberry spiced honey syrup fills your home with an amazing aroma! You can also use the syrup to sweeten your morning tea or experiment with it in other cocktails that call for honey for a fun seasonal variation. What’s your go-to warm drink during this season? I hope you’ll add this Cranberry Spiced Hot Toddy to your list! xo Natalie

Cranberry Spiced Hot Toddy

• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
• 3/4 ounce cranberry spiced honey syrup*
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• topped with hot water
• orange wedge, cloves, and cranberries for garnish

*For Cranberry Spiced Honey Syrup

• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 orange slices
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2 whole star anise

1. Begin by making the cranberry spiced honey syrup. Put all syrup ingredients in a small saucepan and let it simmer on the stove for 10 minutes. Stir to combine the honey, water, and spices. Strain and discard the solids, then store the syrup in a sealed bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
2. Assembling the hot toddy is straightforward: build it right in the mug, then add hot water. I garnished mine with cloves, orange, and cranberries. READ MORE Glazed Orange Cranberry Scones | Just a Taste READ ALSO Cranberry and Mandarin Relish — Nourished Kitchen

Credits//Author and Photography: Natalie Jacob. Photos edited with A Color Story Desktop.