Holiday Hot Toddy
The best way to spread holiday cheer is making hot toddies for all to gather near!
That’s how the legendary ‘Elf’ quote goes, right?
Recently, I have been craving bold, warm cocktails with bourbon to keep me cozy in this chilly weather. There’s just something about that combination that makes me want to curl up by the fireplace in a pair of fuzzy socks and rewatch the whole series of ‘This Is Us’.
If you’re surprised by my choice in liquor, just know that I am too. About a year ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed that I would be happily sipping on Sam’s cocktail of choice (a whiskey sour), must less ordering my own. I have always been more of a chardonnay, champagne, or Moscow mule kind of gal. Naively, I thought bourbon was strictly for the men.
Then, I went to an event in the city with one of my super stylish friends, Vanessa Ulrich of The Primpy Sheep. She ordered an old fashioned at the bar and I was honestly perplexed.
Here I was drinking a margarita looking like the basic b*tch that I am (was?) and it seemed as if she had just sprung off the pages of Vogue with a fancy crystal glass in hand and a Parisian hair cut to boot. She looked chic AF, to put it simply.
From that point on, I began expanding my palate by sipping on the cocktails Sam ordered while we were out, finding which combos I enjoyed and which were still a bit too strong.
Now, I don’t know exactly when the turning point was, but eventually I started ordering my own bourbon cocktails, mixing up variations at home on occasion, and favoring them over my previous sweet choices.
Last weekend, Sam and I were both feeling a little under the weather after our trip to the beach. I was craving a hot toddy, but I couldn’t get the idea of cozy spices from a mulled wine off of my brain. And that, my friend, is how this beautiful cocktail creation was born.
This recipe has all of the benefits of a hot toddy alongside the warming indulgence of bold spices you would find in a sweet mulled wine over the holidays.
Simply having this cocktail on the stovetop will fill your home with the most incredible smell, forcing you to embrace the start of the holiday season with the same enthusiasm as you have for the Hallmark channel during Countdown to Christmas.
I should also mention that it is extremely simple to make, doesn’t require any complicated ingredients, and you can double or triple the recipe when hosting!
*If you would rather skip the booze, this recipe still tastes absolutely delicious without any bourbon added.
Holiday Hot Toddy
Makes approx. 6 - 8 oz cocktails
Ingredients:
1 Cup of Bourbon (more or less to taste)
2 Cups Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
2 Cups Water
1 Lemon, juiced
1/2 Cup Maple Syrup or Honey (more or less to taste)
2 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
2 Cinnamon Sticks
1/2 Cup Frozen Cranberries
2-3 Star Anise (optional)
For sugared rim (optional) -
Ground Cinnamon
Granulated Sugar
Directions:
Add cranberry juice and water to a medium size pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, rosemary, lemon juice, star anise, and cranberries and bring to a low simmer.
Add maple syrup or honey to pot. Taste and add more if desired. Stir and let simmer on the stove for 10-25 minutes.
Pour 2 oz of bourbon into your cup (or more if you like your drinks stronger). Add 6 oz of the warm cranberry juice from the stovetop. Garnish with 1 cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig if desired. Enjoy!
Optional* If you'd like, use the leftover lemon or an additional lemon wedge to coat the edges of your glass. Then, sugar the rim with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar on a flat plate.
Dip cranberries and rosemary sprigs into water and sprinkle with sugar. Let dry for a holiday sugared look.
I would LOVE to see how your Holiday Hot Toddy turns out! Tag me in your post or stories on Instagram (@lifestylebyannaelizabeth) for a chance to be featured.
Want more recipes? Check out my Champagne Chicken Mushroom Risotto and Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Blondie Skillet.
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xo Anna Elizabeth