Hot Cocktails to Keep Warm this Winter

Brave the winter with a Hot Toddy in hand!

As winter perseveres with its bitter cold and frosty weather, there’s no better cure for the seasonal gloom than a delicious hot toddy. Read on for two of our favourite twists on the classic to brighten up the traditional recipe. From the floral Empress Hot Toddy by @twolovesstudio, to the Spiced Cranberry Toddy by @emilylaurae, both variations are bound to keep you toasty even on the chilliest of nights!

First, meet the classic

If you aren’t familiar with this tried-and-true cocktail, we’re here to fill you in. The traditional Hot Toddy features just five key components: spirit (like whiskey, brandy, or gin of course), hot water, lemon juice, honey and your garnish of choice! While the classic is delicious in its own right, there are so many ways to elevate the drink— from homemade syrups to the addition of tea, it’s always fun to mix it up!

Pictured, from left: @twolovesstudio’s Empress Hot Toddy, @emilylaurae’s Spiced Cranberry Toddy

our favourite recipes

1. @twolovesstudio’s Empress hot Toddy

With vibrant flavours of hibiscus and elderberry, it’s safe to say @twolovesstudio’s twist on the toddy will be pouring from our teapots all winter long! Try swapping the tea for your preferred premium blend to make this cocktail your own!

Ingredients

• 1½ oz Empress 1908 Gin
• 4 Elderberry & Hibiscus Tea (we love this blend from Blink Tea)
• 1-2 dashes Peach Bitters
• Honey (to taste)
• Lemon Slice, or Twist

Method

To make the tea, use one tea bag for 500ml (2 cups) of boiling water and lightly steep. Stick to 2-3 mins for steeping. Steep with 2-3 lemon slices.⁠ Then, in a glass add the hot tea, gin, lemon slice and a dash of bitters. Stir to combine. Add honey to taste.⁠

2. @emilylaurae’s spiced cranberry toddy

This toasty cocktail is packed with delightful seasonal flavours. @emilylaurae adds her own special twist with sweet vermouth, cranberry juice and an array of warm winter spices!

Ingredients

• 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
• 2 tsp Honey
• 1½ cup Hot Water
• 1 oz Cranberry Juice
• ½ oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1 Spiced Tea Bag
• Cinnamon Stick
• Star Anise
• Spritz of Orange Juice
• Fresh Cranberries
• Dehydrated Orange

Method

Add honey, hot water, spiced tea bag, cinnamon stick and star anise in a mug and allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and stir to combine. Next, add the cranberry juice, Vermouth, Empress 1908 Gin and orange juice to your mug, stirring to combine. Garnish with cranberries and a dried orange slice before enjoying!

For a full tutorial of Emily’s creation, click here!

For more winter inspiration and delicious cocktail recipes, visit our Signature Cocktails page or favourite winter cocktails blog.

Sip responsibly!