Blood Orange Hot Toddy: Premier Blood Orange Cocktails

The Blood Orange Hot Toddy is a winter classic with a twist. Warm, comforting, and quietly vibrant, it brings together the familiar ease of a traditional hot toddy with the bright lift of fresh blood orange and gentle holiday spice.

At its core, this drink is all about balance. Cozy heat meets citrus brightness, with spiced bitters tying everything together. It is the kind of cocktail you reach for on a cold night when you want something soothing but not sleepy.

Featuring ginger whiskey and El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters, this version turns the standard hot toddy into a layered, grown up nightcap. It proves that blood orange cocktails are not just for summer and that a little citrus goes a long way on a dreary winter day.

The Aromatic Heart of This Hot Toddy

What sets this Blood Orange Hot Toddy apart is the way the flavors build on each other. Fresh blood orange brings brightness and seasonal citrus, while ginger whiskey adds gentle heat and depth. The finishing touch is El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters, which layer in warm baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Those bitters are the backbone of the drink. They turn a simple hot toddy into something deeply aromatic and unmistakably festive, wrapping the citrus and ginger in cozy spice without overpowering either. The result is a cocktail that feels both comforting and alive, perfect for cold nights when you want something warming but still vibrant.

This recipe yields one beautifully balanced cocktail and proves that a hot toddy can be more than just soothing. It can be bright, spiced, and worthy of a second pour.

Blood Orange Hot Toddy

x Christa Cotton
📸: Jes Gutierrez-Switaj
This recipe makes one serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄2 oz Ginger Whiskey
• 1⁄4 oz Bergamot Sec
• 1 oz Blood Orange juice
• 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons local honey
• 5 dashes El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters
• Hot water
• Blood Orange wheel, star anise, cinnamon stick & bay leaf, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mug of your choice, combine the ginger whiskey, Bergamot Sec, blood orange juice, fresh lemon juice, honey, and the bitters.
2. Dissolve Honey: Pour hot water into the mug, filling it almost to the top. Stir the mixture well until the honey is completely dissolved into the hot water base.
3. Garnish & Serve: Garnish your finished hot toddy with a blood orange wheel, a star anise, a cinnamon stick, and a bay leaf before serving immediately.
   

Tips & Variations:

• Make it softer or spicier: If you like a gentler heat, reduce the ginger whiskey slightly and add a touch more hot water. For extra warmth, add an additional dash or two of Holiday Pie Bitters or swap the garnish cinnamon stick for a fresh slice of ginger.
• No Bergamot Sec on hand: You can substitute an orange liqueur or skip it entirely. The blood orange and bitters will still carry the citrus notes beautifully. If you omit it, add a small squeeze of extra blood orange juice to keep the balance bright.
• Honey matters: Local honey adds depth and a subtle floral note, but maple syrup also works well and leans even cozier. Start small and adjust to taste. This drink should be gently sweet, not dessert sweet.
• Make it spirit free: For a warming spirit free version, replace the ginger whiskey with hot water steeped with fresh ginger and a strip of orange peel. Keep everything else the same. The result is comforting, aromatic, and just as satisfying.
• Batch for a crowd: This recipe scales easily. Combine everything except the hot water in advance, then gently heat and add hot water just before serving. Perfect for holiday gatherings when you want something thoughtful but low stress.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a hot toddy?

A hot toddy is often used as a home remedy for cold and flu symptoms. The hot water and honey can soothe a sore throat, the whiskey may help you relax and rest, and the citrus juice provides a boost of Vitamin C.

Can I make this hot toddy recipe with different whiskey?

Yes, you can easily substitute the ginger whiskey in this hot toddy recipe with your favorite bourbon, rye, or even a non-alcoholic spirit. The beauty of a hot toddy is its versatility.

How do you make a hot toddy sweeter or less sweet?

The sweetness in this hot toddy recipe comes from the honey and the cordials. To make it sweeter, simply add more honey to taste. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the amount of honey you use in the recipe.

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