Cranberry Hot Toddy

Cranberry is one of my favorite flavors! And when I can incorporate it into a tasty, boozy beverage – I’m totally in! This Cranberry Hot Toddy was spicy, warm, fruity, herby – delicious! It was the kind of drink that just warms you all through the body! This would be the perfect drink to have after a hearty thanksgiving meal or after being out in the cold all day while you chop down your Christmas tree! This was simple to throw together, and the flavor profile was super impressive! You don’t need anything fancy to make this festive drink AND this recipe calls for two, since you’ll probably have a drinkin’ buddy!

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How did the idea for a hot toddy come about?

The hot toddy that most of us know today originated around 1786, but its roots trace all the way back to the 1600’s in India! Around this time in India, the word “toddy” had come from the Hindu word “taddy,” which refers to a beverage made from fermented palm sap. By 1786, the very first written version of this drink appeared in Britian and was described as an alcoholic beverage made with hot water, spices, and sugar! The British colonists had brought this idea back from India, where it was served with whiskey to adapt to colder climates!

The modern version usually incorporates honey and from there, you can make whatever spin on it you’d like, adding whatever fruit and herbs you choose! I felt like cranberry would be perfect for this toddy with the upcoming holidays and since they’re fresh and in season! And especially since I live in Wisconsin and it’s the cranberry capital of the world!

Did you know?

Some argue that this drink actually became popular because of a doctor in Dublin, Ireland named Robert Bentley Todd. In the 19th century, he would prescribe hot whiskey drinks for medicinal purposes. And historically, the hot toddy was usually consumed as a nightcap, as a way to warm up in the winter, and as a cure for the cold and flu! To this day, these are sometimes still referred to as “Southern Cough Syrup!” Pretty interesting stuff! So, I mean, if you find yourself battling the common cold this winter…it’s clear what the answer is! A hot toddy!

What ingredients do I need to make a Cranberry Hot Toddy?

Cranberries
Whiskey
Water
Basil
Honey
Lemon
Cinnamon Sticks

What equipment do I need?

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Juicer
• Drinking Mugs
• Muddler or Wooden Spoon

How do I make it?

To get started on these toddies, wash all of your produce and get started prepping. Rip or chop up the basil. Get out two mugs and divide some of the cranberries and basil among them both.

Using a wooden spoon or muddler, muddle the cranberries and basil until mostly crushed and pulpy.

In a microwave safe dish, heat some water until piping hot and divide it between both mugs. Drop a cinnamon stick into each and wait several minutes to allow those flavors and spices to steep into the liquid.

Next, mix in the honey, and stir until it dissolves. Juice the lemon and divide between the mugs. Then top them off with the whiskey.

Garnish each mug with additional basil and some fresh cranberries! Serve immediately while piping hot, enjoy!

Tips:

• Use any type of whiskey you want for this toddy! I would recommend using a decent whiskey like Jack Daniel’s, Crown Royal, even Mount Royal! These are quality whiskey brands that are still affordable! You can also use a bourbon if you’ve got it!
• I would recommend using fresh cranberries for this recipe! In a pinch, you could thaw some frozen cranberries.
• If you don’t have basil, you could always use fresh thyme or rosemary! And lemon juice in the bottle also totally works!

Love cranberry too? Check out these festive recipes!

• Orange Cranberry Bread
• Cherry and Cranberry Cobbler
• Cranberry Onion Pork Chops
• Cranberry Sangria