Hot Toddy Pitcher Cocktail
This classic Hot Toddy Pitcher Cocktail is the ultimate cozy drink for gatherings. Made with whiskey, lemon juice, honey, spices, and hot water or tea, it's soothing, aromatic, and easy to serve to a crowd.
Equipment
- Large heatproof pitcher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Long wooden spoon or stirrer
- Kettle
- Mugs or heatproof cups
- Citrus zester or peeler
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Ladle
- Teapot
Ingredients
- 8 oz whiskey, bourbon, or dark rum 1 cup
- 4 oz fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup adjust for sweetness
- 3-4 cups hot water or hot brewed black tea
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 6-8 whole cloves
- 1-2 star anise optional
- lemon peels or lemon wedges for garnish
- lemon slices for extra citrus flavor
- extra honey or sweetener served on the side
- herbal or decaf tea can be used instead of black tea
Instructions
- Measure whiskey, bourbon, or rum into the heatproof pitcher.
- Add fresh lemon juice and honey (or maple syrup).
- Stir until the honey dissolves.
- Pour in hot water (or hot brewed tea) and stir again.
- Drop in cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise.
- Stir occasionally to release spices.
- Garnish with lemon peels, lemon wedges, or slices.
- Ladle into mugs or cups and serve right away.
- Offer extra honey or sweeteners at the table.
Notes
Let spices steep longer for a stronger flavor. For non-alcoholic, skip the whiskey and use more tea or hot water. Sweetness is easy to adjust—taste as you go. Serve warm, not boiling. Herbal tea gives a lighter flavor, and rum gives a deeper note than bourbon. Always use a heatproof pitcher.