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Spiced Cranberry Orange Hot Toddy - Cozy, Citrusy, and Comforting

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cranberry juice (100% juice, not cranberry cocktail)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 medium orange (zest a few strips and slice for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons honey, plus more to taste
  • 2–3 whole cloves
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise (optional, but lovely)
  • 1 thin slice fresh ginger or 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
  • 3–4 tablespoons bourbon or whiskey (1.5–2 ounces), or dark rum
  • Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Warm the base: In a small saucepan, add cranberry juice and water. Toss in the orange zest strips, cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, and ginger if using.
  2. Gently heat: Bring to a steamy simmer over medium heat. Don’t boil hard—just let it gently bubble for 5–7 minutes so the spices infuse.
  3. Sweeten: Turn off the heat. Stir in honey until fully dissolved. Taste and add a little more if you prefer it sweeter.
  4. Strain: Remove the spices and orange zest with a slotted spoon, or strain the liquid into a heatproof measuring cup.
  5. Add the spirit: Pour the hot mixture into two mugs. Add bourbon, whiskey, or rum to each mug—start with 1.5 ounces total and adjust to taste.
  6. Garnish and serve: Add an orange slice and a few fresh cranberries to each mug. If you love extra aroma, add a fresh cinnamon stick.
  7. Taste and tweak: If it’s too tart, add a touch more honey. If it’s too strong, top with hot water. Serve immediately while steaming.