Are you ready to elevate your winter sipping game? Let’s talk about a drink that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out: a gin hot toddy. We put a twist on the traditional hot toddy by infusing it with the unmistakable flavor of gin.
Hit the “jump to recipe” button if you’re ready t cozy up with a homemade Gin Hot Toddy that’ll have you feeling like you’re lounging in a rustic cabin, even if you’re just curled up on your couch. Or scroll through below for some tips and a fun story on how I got this gin hot toddy recipe.
What Is A Hot Toddy?
If you’re unfamiliar with a hot toddy, it’s kind of like making tea with bit of an extra kick. And as my grandmother would say, it’s the kick that cures the cold. The ingredients needed to make a basic, or regular hot toddy include whisky or brandy, honey, lemon, and hot water.
I’ve had a stuffy-nose kinda cold this past week. I know, lousy way to start off the new year. But the good news is that I had a gin hot toddy recipe I’d been intending to make and this cold gave me the perfect excuse to open up a bottle of gin in the name of health.
Why Gin?
Now, you might be thinking, “Gin in a hot toddy?” Yes!!! Gin’s botanical profile, with its blend of juniper berries, herbs, and spices, adds a unique depth of flavor that plays oh-so-nicely with the traditional hot toddy ingredients. Plus, it brings a refreshing twist to this classic winter warmer.
British Gin
This gin hot toddy recipe comes from the distillers of one of my favorite craft gins in the world — Shortcross Gin from Northern Ireland. Instead of lemon, a bit of orange and cinnamon are used to enhance the botanicals in the gin. Add to that a bit of soothing hot water and a spoonful of honey to help the medicine go down and you’ve got a great cold-weather cocktail.
I visited the Rademon Estate Distillery (where Shortcross Gin is made) when I spent a day in Belfast during my gin tour of Great Britain. It’s a beautiful place out in the countryside and was even one of the locations used for filming Game Of Thrones (you can see some pictures of my visit in my 24 Hours In Belfast roundup). What’s even more fun, is that they’re super active on social media. So, make a comforting mug of gin hot toddy and raise a toast to @LordGin and @LadyGin on Twitter (I guess it’s X now?)
Alas, I have run out of my Shortcross Gin and have used other gins to make this gin hot toddy too. Always pick a gin that is more citrus forward for this recipe. A sloe gin works nice too.
Ingredients To Make A Gin Hot Toddy
- Honey
- Gin
- Hot Water
- Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
- Cinnamon Stick
- Orange Slice or Orange Peel (for garnish)
How To Make The Best Gin Hot Toddy
- Warm Up: Start by heating up your water. You want it hot, but not boiling – around 160°F to 180°F should do the trick.
- Mug Prep: While your water is heating, take your favorite mug and warm it up by rinsing it with hot water. This step ensures that your toddy stays nice and toasty until the very last sip.
- Build Your Base: Once your mug is warmed, add the gin, honey, and freshly squeezed orange n juice. Give it a good stir to ensure that the honey is fully incorporated.
- Add Hot Water: Now, it’s time to pour in that hot water. Fill your mug with 4 to 6 ounces, depending on your preference for strength and warmth.
- Stir & Sip: Give your Gin Hot Toddy a gentle stir to combine all the flavors. Take a moment to inhale the fragrant steam rising from your mug – trust me, it’s a delight for the senses.
- Garnish with Flair: For that extra touch, garnish your hot toddy with a cinnamon stick and a twist of orange peel. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even stud a few cloves for added aroma and flavor.
- Sip & Savor: Now comes the best part – cozying up with your homemade Gin Hot Toddy. Take a slow sip and let the warmth wash over you, soothing away the stresses of the day.
Tips & Tricks:
- Experiment with Gin: While Shortcross Gin is where I got the original recipe, a London Dry gin is another great choice for a Gin Hot Toddy. I recommend choosing a gin that is citrus-forward, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles. A floral or spiced gin can add another layer of complexity to your drink.
- Play with Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste buds. Some like it sweeter, while others prefer a more tart and tangy toddy.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Feel free to get creative with your garnishes. Orange slices, star anise, or a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon can all take your Gin Hot Toddy to the next level.
- Stay Cozy: The beauty of a hot toddy is that it’s incredibly customizable. Feel free to tweak the recipe to your heart’s content until you find your perfect winter warmer.
So there you have it – a simple yet sophisticated recipe for a Gin Hot Toddy that’s sure to become a staple in your cold-weather cocktail lineup. Whether you’re curling up by the fire or hosting a cozy gathering with friends, this drink is guaranteed to chase away the winter chill and leave you feeling warm and toasty inside. Cheers to good company, great cocktails, and the simple joys of winter indulgence!
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Gin Hot Toddy Recipe
Gin Hot Toddy
A cozy winter cocktail to keep you warm.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Honey
- 1 oz Gin
- 1/4 Cup Hot Water
- 1 Tbsp orange juice
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange slice
Instructions
Warm Up: Start by heating up your water. You want it hot, but not boiling – around 160°F to 180°F should do the trick.
Mug Prep: While your water is heating, take your favorite mug and warm it up by rinsing it with hot water. This step ensures that your toddy stays nice and toasty until the very last sip.
Build Your Base: Once your mug is warmed, add the gin, honey, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Give it a good stir to ensure that the honey is fully incorporated.
Add Hot Water: Now, it's time to pour in that hot water. Fill your mug with 4 to 6 ounces, depending on your preference for strength and warmth.
Stir & Sip: Give your Gin Hot Toddy a gentle stir to combine all the flavors and dissolve the honey.
Garnish with Flair: For that extra touch, garnish your hot toddy with a cinnamon stick and orange slice. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even stud a few cloves for added aroma and flavor.
Sip & Savor: Now comes the best part – cozying up with your homemade Gin Hot Toddy. Take a slow sip and let the warmth wash over you, soothing away the stresses of the day.
Originally posted in 2016. Updated 2024.
I will definitely be trying this recipe. I made myself a basic hot toddy last week, but it wasn’t as good as the ones my Mom used to make for my Dad (the ones I got to taste if I wasn’t feeling well). I wonder if her secret ingredients were cinnamon and orange. So, thanks for this!!
On what could be our last chilly night in Venlo before Spring arrives, I’m enjoying my improvised version of your recipe. I substituted what I had on hand, which was jenever (granddaddy of English gin), and it’s quite nice. Thanks again for the inspiration!
Can lemon juice be substituted for the orange?
It sure can!
Hi Rachel
Do you have a recipe for The Hot Gin made in the Croatian Christmas markets in Zagreb
Hi Colin!
I don’t have a recipe for that specifically, but it is similar to this hot toddy.