I had no clue what a “toddy“ was until a month ago.
And assuming that some of you are just as clueless as I, a hot toddy is essentially a mixed drink prepared with liquor, water, sugar, and spices. 
They are perfect while it’s still cold outside, especially around the holidays.
Last month when I hosted my Holiday Brunch for my friends, I experimented and served them a Hot Pomegranate Toddy. They all unanimously agreed the drink was pretty darn delicious.
I prepared half my Hot Pomegranate Toddy with Bacardi and the other half with Whiskey. Personally, I preferred the Whiskey version over the Bacardi version, but if you prefer milder drinks, go for Bacardi.
So while the weather outside is frightful, forget the hot chocolate, and give this Hot Pomegranate Toddy a chance.
The prep time is less than 10 minutes! You won’t regret it.
NUTRITION: Pomegranate Juice is an excellent source of antioxidants, of course, the more natural the better it is for you. Lemon and Orange Juices are an excellent source of Vitamin C. Honey contains antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers. Additionally, honey is a natural sweetener which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
INGREDIENTS (makes 4 to 6 servings; partially inspired by Recipe.com):
- Trader Joe’s Sparkling Pomegranate Juice – 3 cups (Sparkling Cranberry Juice would work too)
- Water – 1 cup
- Honey – 2 to 3 tbsp
- Lemon Strips – 2 (2 inch) pieces
- Fresh Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp
- Orange Rind - 2 to 3 strips
- Fresh Orange Juice – ¼ cup
- Whistle Pig Straight Rye Whiskey – 3 tbsp (Bacardi works really well too)
- Cinnamon Stick – 1.5 inch piece
- Cloves – ½ tsp
- Cardamom – 2 pieces
- Ginger – a little piece (sliced)
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the pomegranate juice and water. Turn the heat onto low-medium heat.
2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a pitcher… honey, lemon strips, lemon juice, orange juice, whiskey, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom. Whisk well since honey can be sticky.
3. Add all the ingredients to the pot.
4. Take a small piece of fresh ginger and slice it up. Add the ginger to the pot as well.
5. Whisk all the ingredients until well combined.
6. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes on medium heat.
7. This is what you should have… Hot Pomegranate Toddy boiling away. Turn off the heat.
8. Pour into serving cups. You can pour the Hot Toddy thru a sieve, however I prefer all the spices floating around. Serve immediately.
TELL ME: Have you ever heard of a Hot Toddy? Have you ever tried a Hot Toddy? If so, what’s your favorite kind?
Joanne says
I love pom mixed into cocktails...and this is kind of a cocktail, yes? I could have used this on that -200000 degree day!
honeywhatscooking says
This is definitely a cocktail.. anything with alcohol is a cocktail in my book. I know.. I should have posted this last week when it was so freakin' cold! Hopefully it becomes cold again so you make this. 🙂
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I've never tried anything liked this before, unless mulled wine counts. Sounds delicious and warm though. Definitely something I'm going to try when we're in a colder climate!! 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
It's probably similar to mulled wine, I have to make that soon. It's definitely warm in Florida, not sure when your cold season will come. Lucky girl!
Dixya says
im not much of a warm beverage person except for sake..but love pomegranate infused cocktails. I am glad your friends enjoyed it 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
Don't think I've ever tried sake, hopefully soon. I love pomegranate in cocktails too, I didn't know how I'd feel about a hot toddy, but I love it! Thanks Dixya!
Gintare @Gourmantine says
Now that's just perfection for winter. I love nothing more than cozying up with a steaming drink, such a great idea making it with pomegranates.
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks! I love pomegranate juice, cranberry juice is yummy too, especially the sparkling kind. 🙂
Tara says
I have heard of hot toddys but never personally tried one. If I make this I will add whiskey, though. 🙂 Now I want a Le Creuset, time to look for a good sale. 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
Tara, this tastes SO much better with Whiskey, the smell is sensational. I know, I wanted Le Creuset for so long and I finally made the purchase over Christmas. Check on the Le Creuset site, the same pot is going for $150 - that's the cheapest you'll find it.
Velva says
This is a beautiful hot toddy. They are perfect when the weather is cold/. Love it.
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Velva. I'm having a lot of fun drinking them this winter. 🙂
Natasha @ The Cake Merchant says
Oooh, this looks way better than hot chocolate! Perfect for a cold night!
honeywhatscooking says
So much better, probably even lighter in calories/fat. It's so relaxing with a touch of alcohol. Thanks Natasha.
Kitchen Riffs says
I love rye! So I'd definitely use that in this. Terrific looking drink! I haven't had a hot toddy in quite some time, and never one with pomegranate. Wonderful post - thanks.
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks.. hope you try it, especially with the latest vortex. 🙂
eatgood4life.blogspot.com says
Holly smokes, like you I had no idea about a hot toddy 🙂 Now I know. I love the ingredients on this. It would be great to have a huge jug in the fridge ready to go and heat up when ever one wants a hot drink. This is right up my husband's alley. I will be pinning this to make soon!!
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Miryam. It's so delicious, hope you try it. Yeah, you can probably keep it around for a few days in the fridge. It's perfect outside to make this.
Ashley says
I've heard of a hot toddy so many times but never actually realized what it was : ) haha I learned something today! I love that you used the sparkling pomegranate juice - we had that at a baby shower once and it was delicious!
honeywhatscooking says
It's so yummy, Ashley. I love the sparkling pomegranate juice from TJs. So delicious. I wanna try blueberry and cranberry next. 🙂
Cate @ Chez CateyLou says
I bet you are excited that you discovered hot toddys 🙂 These look delicious - just the thing to have on a cold winter day!
honeywhatscooking says
Lol.. yes Cate. I was excited, I'll be better prepared next season. It's perfect for a cold winter today, like today.
Chai a Cup of Life says
First time I have heard of a Toddy too! Great idea for a party during winter, I could not handle drinking a cold cocktail during this time. Otherwise, red wine works 😉
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Amelia. Appreciate it. It's nice to have a warm cocktail, I love the idea. Wanna make mulled wine next.