Salted Caramel Hot Toddy Cocktail Recipe

When the weather gets chilly, I start craving a drink that’s warm, smooth, and honestly, a bit decadent. A hot toddy usually hits the spot, but salted caramel? That just takes things up a notch.

This Salted Caramel Hot Toddy brings together whiskey, honey, lemon, and rich caramel for a cocktail that’s both sweet and balanced.

I love how this twist keeps all the comfort of a classic hot toddy but adds a deeper, richer flavor. That touch of salt really makes the caramel stand out, and the warmth from the whiskey just ties it all together.

It’s easy to put together, but feels special enough for sharing with friends when they drop by.

You’ll see as you go through the recipe—just a handful of ingredients and basic tools, nothing fancy. I’ve also added some tasting notes to highlight what makes this drink shine, and how those flavors play off each other in every sip.

Salted Caramel Hot Toddy Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this drink because it blends the cozy warmth of a classic hot toddy with the sweet, salty kick of caramel. Whiskey, apple cider, and honey balance out perfectly with lemon juice and a cinnamon stick.

Equipment

• Small saucepan for gently warming the cider and other liquids—don’t let it boil.
• Measuring cups and spoons so I can actually get the sweet-tart thing just right.
• Heatproof mug to keep everything hot and safe to hold.
• Wooden spoon for stirring in honey and caramel until it’s all smooth.
• Citrus juicer—fresh lemon juice, always.
• Whisk if I feel like blending the caramel extra well.
• Optional garnish tools like a knife for slicing lemons or a peeler for zest.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz whiskey or salted caramel whiskey
• ½ cup apple cider
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp salted caramel sauce
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 slice lemon for garnish
• Pinch of sea salt (optional, for extra caramel flavor)

If I have salted caramel whiskey, I use it, but regular whiskey plus caramel sauce tastes great too. Fresh lemon juice really makes a difference—bottled stuff just isn’t the same.

Instructions

• Warm the apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat. Don’t let it come to a boil, just get it hot.
• Stir in the honey and salted caramel sauce until everything dissolves.
• Take the pan off the heat, then add whiskey and lemon juice.
• Pour everything into a heatproof mug.
• Drop in the cinnamon stick and let it steep for a minute or two.
• Garnish with a lemon slice or a pinch of sea salt on top if you want.
• Serve it right away while it’s still hot.

I always take a quick taste before serving. If it’s too sweet, I squeeze in a bit more lemon juice. Too tart? A little extra honey fixes it.

Notes

Salted caramel whiskey gives a stronger caramel flavor, but plain whiskey with caramel sauce feels a bit smoother to me. Apple cider makes the drink fruitier, while hot water gives it a lighter feel.

The cinnamon stick adds a nice bit of spice without taking over, so I leave it in the mug. Raw honey brings out a richer taste than the processed kind.

I serve this drink hot, but I never let the cider boil—boiling just kills those fresh flavors. A pinch of sea salt at the end sharpens up the caramel and keeps the sweetness in check.

Tasting Notes

I take a first sip and immediately feel the whiskey’s warmth. It mixes with caramel’s sweetness, making the drink feel cozy but not too heavy.

That salty finish? It cuts through just enough, so it never gets cloying.

The texture strikes me as silky—almost creamy, thanks to the caramel syrup. Hot water softens the alcohol’s edge, so I can sip it slowly without any harshness.

Steam rises up and brings a gentle sweetness to my nose before I even taste anything.

I notice a gentle spice from the cinnamon stick and cloves. They don’t take over, but they do add a mild heat that plays nicely with the caramel.

Salt lingers at the end, leaving a clean and tidy finish on my tongue.

Flavor highlights I notice:

• Sweetness: smooth caramel, almost buttery
• Warmth: mellow whiskey and hot water
• Spice: a touch of cinnamon and clove
• Finish: a whisper of salt to balance it all

Each flavor seems to arrive in its own time. First, there’s warmth, then sweetness, a bit of spice, and finally that salt at the end. Every sip feels just a little different—never boring, honestly.