A Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy isn’t just another winter cocktail, it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening and a festive delight that brings joy and comfort. Made in a slow cooker, it’s not too sweet and has the perfect balance of lemon and ginger. Served hot with a shot of rum – or not – it’s great after a day spent outdoors or whenever you need a soothing drink in front of a roaring fire.
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What’s a Hot Toddy?
Traditionally, a hot toddy is an alcoholic drink made with hot water, honey, lemon, and a spirit, usually rum or whiskey. It’s known for its comforting warmth and is often touted as a remedy for colds and nasty coughs. Over time, this classic drink has evolved into a hot Christmas cocktail, and this Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy, which combines the zest of lemon and the punch of ginger, is warm, boozy, and totally sippable!
My family loves Hot Toddies after coming in from outside on a cold day. And this slow cooker hot toddy recipe means that I can get it cooking before we leave, and it’s ready when we come home.
I’ll also keep some frozen and thaw and heat it whenever one of us gets a cold. There’s no alcohol in it then, but the ginger, lemon, and honey are all restorative, and the hot liquid feels so good on a sore throat.
What You’ll Love About a Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy
- Hot toddies, or hot totties are perfect as a cold remedy or just to unwind at the end of the day.
- They’re easy to make – just set it in your slow cooker and let it do its magic.
- This lemon-ginger cocktail is great as a non-alcoholic drink or with a dash of rum for that extra warmth.
- Set it and forget it – It’s the perfect make-ahead cocktail mix!
Ingredients
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Ginger – 1-3 inch piece cut into chunks.
- Peel – From one lemon.
- Rum – Or whiskey.
- Cinnamon Stick and Lemon Slice – Optional garnishes.
How to Make Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy
- Combine water, lemon juice, honey, ginger, and lemon peel in a slow cooker. Set it on high for 3-4 hours to let the flavors infuse.
- Strain the mixture and return it to the slow cooker to keep it warm and inviting.
- To serve, add 1.5 oz of rum or whiskey to about 4-5 ounces of the hot toddy mix and stir gently. Or skip the alcohol and keep it as a mocktail.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of lemon, and enjoy!
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
- If you’re using rum instead of whiskey, opt for a dark rum to complement the ginger and lemon flavors.
- This drink can also be enjoyed as a non-alcoholic beverage. Simply skip the alcohol and sip on the warm, spiced lemon-ginger blend.
Recommended
What to Pair With a Hot Toddy
A hot toddy pairs beautifully with light appetizers like nibbling on a raclette spread. Think of shareables like a Tomato Bruschetta Board, fruit tarts, or even Christmas cookies. The warm, spicy notes of the toddy complement both sweet and savory flavors, making it a versatile drink for any occasion. And, this slow cooker hot toddy can stay warm in the slow cooker for as long as you need it!
Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy Mix
Equipment
- 1 Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup honey
- 2-3 inch fresh ginger long pieces, cut into chunks
- 1 lemon the peel from one lemon
- 1.5 ounce rum or whiskey, per 4-5 ounces of Hot Toddy mix.
Instructions
- Combine water, lemon juice, honey, ginger, and lemon peel in a slow cooker. Set it on high for 3-4 hours to let the flavors infuse.
- Strain the mixture and return it to the slow cooker to keep it warm and inviting.
- To serve, add 1.5 oz of rum or whiskey to about 4-5 ounces of the hot toddy mix. Stir gently.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of lemon and enjoy!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
- If you’re using rum instead of whiskey, opt for a dark rum to complement the ginger and lemon flavors.
- This drink can also be enjoyed as a non-alcoholic beverage. Simply skip the alcohol and sip on the warm spiced lemon-ginger blend.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
