Give a Warm Welcome to Your Thanksgiving Guests With This Simple 3-step Spiced Hot Toddy

Citrus slices and cinnamon sticks give a festive feel to this traditional sip, which is laced with ginger for a spicy kick

Glasses of hot toddy on a green and white plate with festive foliage
(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)
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This comforting tipple will fill the house with a festive aroma and make a wonderful aperitif to serve ahead of a deliciously seasonal Thanksgiving menu.

Whiskey & Spice Hot Toddy

Glasses of hot toddy with fruit slices and cinnamon sticks

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)

Ingredients (serves 8)

  • 6 cloves, plus extra to serve
  • 2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra to serve
  • 2 × ½-inch slices fresh ginger, plus extra to serve
  • Pared zest of 2 clementines, plus extra to serve (we love the Microplane Zester at Amazon for best results)
  • 6 tablespoons honey
  • 1 ⅔ cups whisky
  • 2 lemons, sliced
  • 3½ cups water

Method

  • Place the water, the spices, and clementine zest in a small pan. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the honey and the whisky, then strain into a jug.
  • To serve, put a slice of lemon, some spices, and zest into each heatproof glass, (like these Viski Hot Toddy Glasses from Target). Pour in the hot toddy and enjoy.

If you're in charge of the festivities this year, make sure you consult our guide to hosting Thanksgiving like a pro, which is packed with expert tips and tricks for everything from food to decor.

Marina Filippelli
Food writer, Food Stylist and Food Editor

Marina has over 15 years' experience cooking, writing, and styling food. She's written her own cookbooks, styled recipe books for top chefs, such as Marcus Wareing, and has been Food Editor for the UK's Waitrose Food Magazine as well as working for brands such as Martini, Neff, and Cuisinart.

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