Candy Cane Toddy: Delightful Peppermint Hot Toddy
Sep 18, 2025
Looking for an ideal drink to warm you up this holiday season? Our "Candy Cane Toddy" is a truly delightful peppermint hot toddy to share with friends and family. This festive holiday cognac cocktail was created by the talented Chris Hannah for Jewel Of The South, and is a must-have for your collection of Christmas cocktail recipes.
The rich warmth of the cognac is beautifully complemented by the sweet, minty flavor, creating a cozy drink.

Why This Is the Perfect Christmas Cocktail
A hot toddy is a classic warm cocktail, typically made with a base spirit, hot water, honey, and spices. Our take on this timeless drink uses cognac and El Guapo™ Candy Cane Syrup to create a unique peppermint hot toddy that's a perfect addition to any list of Christmas cocktail recipes. The rich warmth of the cognac is beautifully complemented by the sweet, minty flavor, creating a sophisticated and cozy drink.
The Candy Cane Toddy Recipe
This recipe makes one cocktail.
Candy Cane Toddy: Christmas Cocktail Ingredients
x Chris Hannah for Jewel Of The South
- 1.5 oz Cognac
- 1 oz El Guapo™ Candy Cane Syrup
- 4 oz Piping hot holiday tea (any tea will do)
- Miniature candy canes, for garnish
Peppermint Hot Toddy: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Warm Mug: Preheat your mug with hot water, then discard the water (this keeps the drink hotter longer).
- Combine Ingredients: In the warmed mug, combine the cognac, hot tea, and El Guapo™ Candy Cane Syrup.
- Stir & Serve: Stir the mixture gently to fully combine all the ingredients.
- Garnish: Garnish with miniature candy canes. Serve immediately while piping hot. CHEERS!
Holiday Sweetness: Candy Cane Syrup for a Festive Toddy
The Candy Cane Toddy transforms a standard hot toddy into a festive Christmas cocktail. The primary element is the El Guapo™ Candy Cane Syrup, which provides a clean, natural peppermint flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm, fruity notes of the cognac and hot tea. This specific syrup is essential for achieving a perfect peppermint hot toddy that tastes genuinely like the holidays, avoiding the artificial flavor often found in less refined syrups.
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 is a hot toddy?
A hot toddy is a simple, warm cocktail traditionally made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water. It's often enjoyed in colder weather and is thought to have soothing properties. Our peppermint hot toddy is a modern spin on this classic, perfect for the holiday season.
What is the best cognac for a holiday cocktail?
For a holiday cognac cocktail, you should use a quality VS or VSOP cognac. These are aged long enough to develop complex flavors without being too expensive. The warm, fruity notes of cognac pair wonderfully with the peppermint and spices in this recipe.
Can I use regular peppermint syrup instead of El Guapo™?
You can, but using El Guapo™ Candy Cane Syrup ensures a balanced, natural peppermint and cane sugar flavor. Many commercial syrups can taste artificial. For a truly excellent Christmas cocktail, using high-quality ingredients like El Guapo™ is recommended.