Rum Hot Toddy

You’ve tried a hot toddy with bourbon, but a Rum Hot Toddy is just as soothing and cozy. With tropical, tiki vibes, this winter warmer is like sipping sunshine. You’ll love this spin on the traditional tipple!

About this Rum Hot Toddy recipe

Cold and flu season is here, along with chilly weather, and it’s only going to get worse before it gets better — if the groundhog has his say. My usual remedy is a classic hot toddy, made with lemon, honey and bourbon whiskey. But toddies can be made with more than just whiskey — a rum hot toddy is actually quite delightful!

Lemons in the winter are so succulent and juicy. That fresh, sweet and tangy juice is the basis for this winter warmer. Add some rum — or spiced rum if you prefer, — plus some boiling water and a big spoonful of local honey, and you’ve got a satisfying throat soother that will set you up for a good night’s rest.

Rum gives this drink some tiki vibes, making summertime seem even closer than it appears. If you’re feeling under the weather or are simply in need of a cozy nightcap to warm you right up, I can’t recommend this drink enough.

Related recipes: Spiked Apple Cider • Russian Tea • Honey Citrus Mint Tea

Why you’ll love this recipe

This is a hot toddy with a tiki twist because it uses rum instead of the usual whiskey. You’re going to love this easy rum hot toddy recipe!

• Hot toddies are the perfect, warm drink for the winter season.
• Rum makes for a tasty, summery addition to the traditional hot toddy.
• It’s oh-so-cozy to ward off the winter chill, as well as soothing for sore throats.

What is a hot toddy?

Though the word “toddy,” can often refer to any drink that’s served hot, a “hot toddy” is a specific type of warm drink. Traditionally, it’s a classic cocktail made with any combination of a warmed spirit and a sweetener, like simple syrup, maple syrup or honey.

Nowadays citrus is usually involved, sometimes even hot tea. For example, this rum hot toddy calls for a spritz of lemon juice, but one could also use orange juice or grapefruit juice for a change.

Tools & glassware

To make a hot toddy, you don’t need anything fancy. For starters, you’ll boil water in a kettle, the microwave or even a pot on the stove.

A jigger helps measure the amounts, but some people like a relaxed approach of eyeballing their hot toddy ingredients! You do you.

And finally, you’ll need a heat-proof mug of some kind to enjoy your drink in! You could use a tiki mug or keep it simple with whatever you have in your kitchen.

hot toddy essentials

gooseneck kettle

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gold coffee spoons

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citrus press juicer

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• Dark rum: Dark rum is a rich, full-bodied spirit that’s aged in charred barrels, giving it a deep brown color and a spectrum of complex flavors like caramel, molasses and spice. It’s not the same as spiced rum.
• Honey: You’ll want to stir in some kind of sweetener. Honey is usually used, especially for sickness-soothing toddies, but you could also use simple syrup, maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is going to be your best bet. It has the best flavor, whereas bottled concentrate can have a sharply sour and cloying taste.
• Hot water: You want it to be freshly boiled, but not actually boiling when we add it to the drink.

Garnishes

You can garnish your hot toddy with a lemon slice or other slice of citrus — even dehydrated lemon slices. Not only is it pretty, but a piece of the fruit will release some of the essential oils and zesty, bitter flavor in the lemon peel into the drink.

Spices like a cinnamon stick and a piece of star anise on top of the drink not only steep their flavors into your toddy, but they bring the fragrance of the warm spices close to your nose as you sip, enhancing the overall experience.

Best rum for hot toddies

White rum is light in color with a mild flavor, while dark rum is aged longer in barrels, giving it a richer, deeper taste with caramel and spice notes.

While you may use spiced rum or white rum instead, the spiced flavor is already present in the garnishes and there’s so much depth of flavor in dark rum, so it’s what I prefer!

Substitutions & variations

Rum replacement: Feel free to try other kinds of rum! You can use white rum which will have a crisp and clean flavor. Spiced rum will bring in the flavors of ginger and clove.

Spirit swaps: Traditionally toddies are made with whiskey, so you can easily sub out the rum for bourbon or Scotch whiskey. But you can also try a toddy with another aged spirit like brandy or a reposado or añejo tequila.

Syrup substitutes: Don’t have or want to use honey? Simple syrup, maple syrup or agave nectar will work to sweeten your drink too.

Citrus swaps: Try this recipe with the juices of oranges, clementines, lime or grapefruit. You can even use apple cider!

Instructions

Now let’s make a Hot Rum Toddy! These delicious winter warmers are incredibly easy to put together.

First, boil some water. While it boils, you can prepare the rest of the ingredients. Let the water cool ever so slightly before you use it.

In a heat-proof mug, add the rum, honey and lemon juice. (Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice if possible.)

Top with very hot water and stir together gently. Finish it off with a lemon slice, a stick of cinnamon and a piece of star anise, if desired.

Tips & tricks

These simple tricks will help you master this recipe:

• Don’t boil or microwave the alcohol — when it’s cooked, the alcohol will evaporate. The heat in this drink should come from the hot water.
• Don’t skip the garnishes, if possible. They might seem like a fancy addition, but they do more than look pretty! They add flavor and fragrance to the drink as well.
• Squeezing fresh lemon juice into the drink is worth the effort. Fresh lemon juice has a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled juice, which can taste flat or overly acidic due to preservatives.

Food pairings

If you’re feeling under the weather, don’t underestimate the power of homemade chicken noodle soup! This creamy chicken & wild rice soup is another favorite.

Hot toddies are also a great nightcap with dessert — even when you’re not sick! Try them with treats that have similar flavors, like a slice of lemon pound cake or honey pistachio shortbread.

FAQ

More warm drink recipes

• Instant Pot Hot Chocolate
• White Hot Chocolate
• Homemade Apple Cider