Orange Clove Whiskey Toddy Cocktail Recipe

When the weather turns cool, I’m always hunting for a drink that feels warm and comforting. A hot toddy’s a classic, but honestly, tossing in some citrus and spice makes it way more interesting.

An Orange Clove Whiskey Toddy brings together smooth whiskey, bright orange, and those warming cloves for a drink that’s both soothing and just plain tasty.

I like this cocktail mostly because it’s so easy, and the ingredients are usually kicking around my kitchen. The orange gives it this light sweetness, while the clove adds a gentle spice that just works with whiskey.

It’s balanced, not too heavy, and perfect for slow sipping on a chilly evening.

This recipe will walk you through putting it all together, step by step. After that, you’ll get some tasting notes so you’ll know what kind of vibe to expect before you make it.

Orange Clove Whiskey Toddy Cocktail Recipe

I end up making this drink when I want something warm, balanced, and honestly, just simple to throw together. The combo of citrus, spice, and whiskey is cozy and smooth, but it never feels like too much.

Equipment

• Heatproof mug or glass – I always pick something sturdy so it won’t crack from the hot water.
• Small saucepan or kettle – Makes heating the water a breeze.
• Measuring jigger or tablespoon – Helps me keep the whiskey, lemon juice, and sweetener in check.
• Mixing spoon – A long spoon works best for stirring everything together.
• Knife and cutting board – For slicing up fresh lemon or prepping garnishes like orange wheels.
• Fine strainer – I’ll use this if I toss whole spices like cloves or cinnamon straight into the water.

I keep my tools simple—no need to overcomplicate things. Everything fits on a tiny counter, which is honestly a relief.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon’s great if you want it softer)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (depends how sweet you like it)
• 4–5 whole cloves
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 4 oz hot water
• Orange slice or wheel, for garnish
• Optional: a few cranberries if you want some color and a little tartness

I’ll tweak the sweetener depending on who’s drinking. Honey’s got that floral thing, but maple syrup just feels richer to me.

Instructions

• Heat up your water in a small saucepan or kettle till it’s hot, but not boiling.
• Stick the cloves into an orange slice—keeps them from floating everywhere.
• Add whiskey, lemon juice, and honey (or maple syrup) to a heatproof mug.
• Pour in the hot water and stir it all together until the sweetener’s dissolved.
• Drop in the clove-studded orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
• If you’re feeling fancy, toss in a few cranberries for garnish.
• Let it sit for a minute or two so the spices can do their thing before you sip.

I always taste and adjust the sweetness at the end, just in case. Sometimes I’ll add a splash more hot water if I want it a bit lighter.

Notes

Bourbon makes the drink smoother, but if I’m in the mood for something spicier, I’ll grab rye whiskey. Both are good, honestly—it just depends on the day.

Fresh lemon juice is key here. Bottled stuff just tastes flat, and the citrus keeps the drink from getting too heavy.

Whole spices like cloves and cinnamon sticks give a gentle flavor without taking over. I stay away from ground spices—they just make things cloudy and weird.

If I want more citrus, I’ll add a twist of lemon peel along with the orange. And for guests? Cranberries make it look bright and festive, which is always a win.

Tasting Notes

Right away, I pick up on the warm spice of clove. There’s this gentle heat—kind of comforting, honestly, and not at all overpowering.

Then the orange hits, bringing in a bright, citrusy kick. That freshness lifts up the whiskey and stops things from getting too heavy or brooding.

As I take a sip, the whiskey itself comes forward. It’s got a smooth, rich body, and somehow the spice and citrus just meld together—nothing really steals the show.

I really appreciate how the sweetness stays subtle. It rounds off the whiskey’s edges but never tips things into sugary territory.

Flavor Highlights:

• Spice: Warm clove with just a hint of bite
• Citrus: Fresh orange peel and juice
• Body: Smooth whiskey base
• Sweetness: Gentle and balanced

The aroma? That’s a game changer too. Even before tasting, I catch the clove and orange on the nose, which honestly makes the first sip even more inviting.

The finish hangs around with that same cozy mix of spice and citrus. It leaves this warmth that kind of makes you want to go back for another sip, doesn’t it?