Dive into the season with these Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddies. Perfectly blending tart cranberry with warm spices, it’s the drink your chilly evenings have been waiting for. Cozy up, sip, and enjoy!

two spiced cranberry hot toddies in glass mugs.

When the air gets that unmistakable crispness and our sweaters come out of hiding, there’s one thing that I find myself craving: a comforting, warm drink to cradle in my hands. Whether it’s the magic of twinkling lights, the aroma of baked goods, or the sound of crackling fireplaces, the cold season just begs for something cozy. That’s why I’ve been reaching for these Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddies.

There’s something so comfortable about turning on the stove and simming a pot of all these lovely flavors and smells. It’s even better when there’s nowhere to go and all that’s calling you is your favorite chair and that new mystery novel you’re reading (or your favorite binge-worthy show on Netflix; I’m watching new episodes of Great British Bake Off).

spiced cranberry hot toddy in a glass mugs with cinnamon stick and cranberry garish.

Once the spices and flavors are all beautifully melded together, all that’s left to do is add a splash of your favorite liquor, then sip, enjoy, and forget about everything else. Sounds pretty good, right?

Looking for more festive cocktail recipes? Check out this collection of the best Christmas cocktails. There’s something for everyone!

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How To Make

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 More Warming Cocktails You’ll Love

6 Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddies

Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

It perfectly balances tradition with a touch of something new. It’s a nod to the classic hot toddies but with a fresh twist, connecting cherished traditions with new moments.
The combo of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice is like holiday magic in liquid form, while the cranberry juice creates a deep, rich base, setting the stage for a comforting drink experience.
Perfect for Christmas, delightful in the fall, and oh-so-cozy for winter evenings, it’s a drink for all cool weather moments. It encapsulates the warmth and joy of the season, urging you to snuggle up and savor.

Now it’s time to get cozy with this cocktail!

spiced cranberry hot toddies garnished with cinnamon sticks in a festive setting.

Ingredients

Before we’re ready to heat up this Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy, let’s gather together the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsweetened Cranberry Juice: Provides a rich, tart base, capturing the essence of festive flavors.
Orange Slices: Introduces a zesty brightness, balancing out the deeper tones of the drink.
Cinnamon Sticks: Add a touch of warmth and a classic holiday aroma.
Ginger: Offers a slight kick, invigorating the palate and complementing the sweeter elements.
Allspice Berries: Contribute a depth of spice, reminiscent of festive desserts and cozy evenings.
Star Anise: Brings in a subtle licorice note, adding complexity and an aromatic allure. (I know many aren’t a fan of this flavor, so feel free to leave it out.)
Maple Syrup: Acts as the gentle sweetener, rounding off the tartness and enhancing the overall warmth of the drink.
Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack (or other spirit): Gives it that spirited punch. Feel free to adjust or substitute to align with personal preferences.
Fresh Cranberries: An optional garnish for added color.

I found these beautiful double-walled glasses to serve these hot toddies. I love them! You might remember I used them to serve my pumpkin white hot chocolate and caramel pear cider.

spiced cranberry hot toddy with a cinnamon stick, orange, and cranberries.

How To Make

Now we’re ready to mix up this cold-weather drink. I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Add the cranberry juice, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, ginger, allspice, and anise to a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

spiced cranberry hot toddy mix in a sauce pan.

Remove from heat. Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the spices and oranges.
Evenly pour the strained juice into four heat-proof mugs. Add two ounces of Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack to each.

pitcher pouring spiced cranberry juice into glass mug.

adding alcohol to spiced cranberry hot toddy in glass mug.

Garnish with cranberries, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks.

Aren’t they beautiful? All that’s left to do is say cheers, drink, and enjoy!

spiced cranberry hot toddies in glass mugs with hand holding one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened cranberry juice?

Yes, you can! If you opt for sweetened juice, you might want to reduce the maple syrup to avoid making the drink too sweet. Taste and adjust accordingly.

What can I substitute for maple syrup?

Honey or agave syrup are great alternatives. Adjust to your desired sweetness level.

I don’t have Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack. What else can I use?

Any whiskey, bourbon, or brandy will do the trick. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to use your preferred spirit.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cranberry-spice mixture ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, reheat and add the alcohol.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

For sure! Simply skip the alcohol and you’ve got a cozy, spiced cranberry drink that’s family-friendly.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover mixture (without the alcohol) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat before serving and add your choice of spirit.

spiced cranberry hot toddies in glass mugs with holiday decor surrounding.

single spiced cranberry hot toddy served in a glass mug with orange slice and cinnamon stick.

More Warming Cocktails You’ll Love

And there we have it! A cup of warmth, memories, and joy, all wrapped up in this Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment alone, remember to savor each sip! Enjoy this drink? Please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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