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Citrus and Spice Hot Toddy

Who’s ready for a hot cocktail? This Spice and Citrus Toddy is just what your tastebuds need! (and it’s a super simple drink recipe to make as well!) What really stands out about this recipe is that you just have to add the simple ingredients to the slow cooker and let it take over and do the work for you!

That means you get to smell those smells all day long, which will make you totally ready for a cup!

We’ve found that a hot toddy might be the answer to just about any question that you’re asking yourself.

Do I deserve a drink at the end of the day? Yes. Should I put my feet up and relax with a delicious spice and citrus today? Yes. Is there a reason to have another cup? Yes.

See what we mean? All valid questions that point straight to filling your cup with this classic recipe!

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With just eight simple ingredients needed (and rum being one of them!), you can easily whip this drink up and have it hot and ready whenever you are.

Why You’ll Love This Spice and Citrus Toddy

  • A simple dump and sip recipe.
  • Hot and delicious, perfect for warming your tummy.
  • This hot toddy recipe makes a large batch to satisfy a crowd. (if you want to share!)
  • Great for sore throats, allergies and whenever your body needs a little extra immunity boost of Vitamin C citrus
  • This hot beverage is a hydrating drink, that’s pretty light and not too overbearingly sweet.

Citrus and Spice Hot Toddy Ingredients

Get more information on these ingredients and when you’ll use them with the full instructions in the recipe card below.

  • apple cider 
  • sugar 
  • cinnamon sticks 
  • whole cloves 
  • anise seeds 
  • orange
  • lemon 
  • bourbon or rum 

Tools To Use To Make Spice and Citrus Toddy

Strainer

Fine Mesh Sieve Strainer Stainless Steel Cocktail Strainer Food Strainers Tea Strainer Coffee Strainer with Long Handle for Double Straining Utensil 3.3 inch by Homestia
  • OVERVIEW-We designed this strainer to meet your want when mixing a thick drink with pulp and lime seed. The sieve after hawthorne, aiming to sifting crushed ice and fine mesh the second straining and get your drinks softer. Just 3.3 inches in diameter, the almighty tool could be used for loose tea leave, cocktail pulp and seeds, grounds, wheat flour. Made of professional grade 18/8 stainless steel. All the plated color can elevate the look of your kitchen or home bar.

Cutting board

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Farberware 3-Piece Kitchen Cutting Board Set, Reversible Chopping Boards for Meal Prep and Serving, Charcuterie Board Set, Wood Cutting Boards, Assorted Sizes, Bamboo
  • KITCHEN ESSENTIAL: This set of 3 bamboo cutting boards are perfect for everyday food preparation, from slicing fruit to chopping veggies and is a perfect kitchen starter set, housewarming gift or back-to-school essential

Knives

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Cuisinart C77WTR-15P Classic Forged Triple Rivet, 15-Piece Knife Set with Block, Superior High-Carbon Stainless Steel Blades for Precision and Accuracy, White
  • SET INCLUDES: 8-inch Chef Knife, 8-inch Slicing Knife, 7-inch Santoku Knife, 5.5-inch Utility Knife, 3.5-inch Paring Knife, 2.75-inch Bird's Beak Paring Knife, 4.5-inch Steak Knives (6), 8-inch Sharpening Steel, All-Purpose Household Shears and Wooden Block

Whisk

HOTEC 4 Pieces Stainless Steel Whisks Set Wire Whisk Balloon Whisk Egg Beater Kitchen Utensils for Stirring, Beating, Blending
  • [Sturdy & Healthy] Healthy high-quality food-grade Stainless steel whisks, sturdy, durable, anti-rust, anti-corrosion, light weight. Easy to use, always as good as new.
  • [Easy to clean & hold] Ergonomic handle design for perfect hold, Easy to store with hook at the bottom. Non-stick, seamless with no dirty to hide, easy to clean. Dishwasher safe as well.
  • [Perfect choice for kitchen] A good assistant for beating eggs, butter, icing sugar, fresh cream, etc. Melt chocolate, stirring pancake batter and mixing sauce, etc. Essential utensil for kitchen whether at home or restaurant.
  • [Package] Whisk Set of 4 packs including 6.7-inch mini, 9.25-inch, 10.43-inch and 12-inch. Whatever container you use, bowl, pan, or pots, different sizes meet different needs. Multi-purpose, multi-functional in your kitchen.
  • [Services support] What you see is what you get. We support 100% money back. Feel free to contact us if you have any question about the product or other things we can help. Thank you!

Mason Jar for Serving

Ball Glass 389579 Pint Regular Mouth Mason, 2 Count (Pack of 1), Clear
  • 2-Regular Mouth glass preserving Mason Jar. 2-Regular Mouth Lids. 2-Regular Mouth Bands.

How to Make a Hot Toddy with Apple Cider

  1. In your slow cooker, mix together the tangy apple cider, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and anise.
  2. Let the mixture cook on low for 3-4 hours.
  3. Slice and add orange and lemon wedges and slices to your drink mixture. Let those cook in the mixture for another 30 minutes.
  4. With a strainer, strain out the spices and the fruit and set aside.
  5. Add in the alcohol right before serving in your Mason Jars. Make sure to use your whisk to give it a final mix before serving.

Why Is A Drink Called A Toddy?

Fun name, right? The classic hot toddy recipe actually originated from India. There it means that the hot toddy drink is made with fermented sap from a tree, like palm sap.

Recipe Variations and Tips

Try adding a sweetener– try a drizzle of local honey as we all know honey lemon is perfect together and so great for your sore throat. Maybe try some crisp apple syrup for an extra fruity sweetness, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for some extra flair. Or a healthy dash of maple syrup, simple syrup or agave nectar.

Swap alcohol– try a different bourbon, rum or whiskey. See some other alcohol suggestions to try with your toddy below.

Serving styles– Serve hot or on the rocks.

Cup of tea– Some like to serve these cozy drinks with hot tea- use your favorite black tea bag and add another level to these warm drinks.

Feel free to garnish with a lemon wheel, orange slices or lemon slices with the lemon peel.

Are Hot Toddies Really Good For Colds?

It’s so common to hear people say that they’re going to drink a hot toddy for their cold symptoms or flu, but does it actually help? That just depends.

People who have a sore throat can easily find comfort in the soothing hot liquid on their throats.

Other than that, a little shot of rum may also help you get a good rest when you’re feeling less than stellar.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Drink When Sick?

You know that a hot toddy is at the top of this list! You can also try other methods of alcohol to cure your chills and colds, but we’re pretty happy with this toddy recipe.

Everyone always wants to know….

Does A Hot Toddy Help With A Cough?

We think the warm citrus flavoring and warm alcohol running down your throat sure helps us when we have a cough or a sore throat.

We also think using one of the hot toddy variations with honey is the perfect way to help suppress a cough when you need to get some much-needed rest. You should enjoy a hot toddy with your favorite chicken noodle soup if feeling under the weather.

What Other Alcohol Can You Add To Toddy Drink Recipes?

You can use rum or bourbon in this recipe, but that doesn’t mean that’s all the choices you have. You can also use:

  • brandy
  • scotch
  • whiskey

And any other liquor that you want to try. Not all may be winners, but it’s worth a “shot”! (see what we did there?!)

Looking for another fun, cozy drink to try? Our Homemade adult Bailey’s is creamy and belly warming for sure!

How Long Are Homemade Citrus Hot Toddy’s Good For?

With many cocktails, we recommend enjoying your cocktail once you make it. We don’t recommend letting it sit around once it’s all put together.

Drinks on ice will become watered down, hot drinks will cool and not have the same impact on your body and the taste may change.

Citrus toddy in crockpot.

Fun Ways To Serve Citrus and Spice Hot Toddy

While it’s easy to imagine sipping this glorious drink on your own, there are some instances that it’s fun to share, too.

  • Invite over family and friends and cheers to the day and cozy up with this tasty mixed drink
  • Create a double batch and have at your holiday gatherings, especially during the winter months
  • Whip up for a football party or tailgate as a slow sipper to last through the game

Other Favorite Cocktails

Looking for even more easy drink recipes?

Hot toddy in a jar drink with plate.

Citrus and Spice Hot Toddy

Mason Jar Recipe
This delicious hot toddy recipe is loaded with subtle sweetness with the perfect kick of alcohol!
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 4 hrs
Total Time 4 hrs 5 mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups apple cider
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 9 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 whole cloves
  • ½ teaspoon anise seeds
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • ½ cup bourbon or rum

Instructions
 

  • In your slow cooker, mix together the tangy apple cider, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and anise.
  • Let the mixture cook on low for 3-4 hours.
  • Slice and add orange and lemon wedges and slices to your drink mixture. Let those cook in the mixture for another 30 minutes.
  • With a strainer, strain out the spices and the fruit and set aside.
  • Add in the alcohol right before serving in your Mason Jars. Make sure to use your whisk to give it a final mix before serving.
Keyword Citrus and Spice Hot Toddy
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