Spiced Blood Orange Hot Toddy (Print)

Warm citrus and whiskey drink with honey and spices. Aromatic and comforting, perfect for chilly nights.

# Ingredients:

→ Citrus & Sweetener

01 - 1 large blood orange, juiced (approximately 1/3 cup)
02 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

→ Spirits

03 - 3 fluid ounces whiskey (bourbon or rye recommended)

→ Spices & Flavor

04 - 1 cinnamon stick
05 - 3 whole cloves
06 - 1 star anise
07 - 2 thin slices fresh ginger
08 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Other

09 - 1 cup water
10 - Blood orange slices, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine water, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and ginger slices. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
02 - Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to fully infuse the water with the spice flavors.
03 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the spiced water through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof pitcher or measuring cup. Stir in the fresh blood orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until the sweetener is completely dissolved.
04 - Divide the whiskey evenly between two heatproof mugs. Carefully pour the warm, spiced blood orange mixture over the whiskey in each mug. Stir gently to combine.
05 - Garnish each mug with a slice of blood orange. An additional cinnamon stick can be added for aroma, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 15 minutes
  • Uses simple ingredients with complex flavors
  • Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and citrus
  • Customizable to your preferred sweetness level
  • Works beautifully with or without alcohol
02 -
  • Perfect for soothing sore throats and winter colds
  • Contains vitamin C from fresh citrus
  • Can be prepared in advance and reheated
  • Doubles as a stunning signature cocktail for winter gatherings
  • Offers aromatherapy benefits from the essential oils in the spices
03 -
  • The temperature of your water matters tremendously. Water that's boiling will damage the delicate oils in the citrus and create a bitter undertone. Aim for water that's just below the boiling point, around 200°F, for optimal flavor extraction without harshness.
  • When selecting blood oranges, look for fruits that feel heavy for their size and have a slight blush on the skin. The deeper the color of the flesh, the more anthocyanins they contain, which gives your toddy both better color and a more complex flavor profile.
  • For entertaining, consider creating a hot toddy bar with the spiced base in a thermal carafe, various spirits (including non-alcoholic options), and garnishes like citrus wheels, cinnamon sticks, and honey stirrers. This interactive element always delights guests while allowing them to customize to their preferences.
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