The Blustery Blood Orange Toddy is the perfect blend of warmth and vibrancy! Crafted with Empress Elderflower Rose Gin, blood oranges, ginger, and honey, this comforting drink is my go-to for chilly nights.

I partnered with Empress 1908 Gin to mix up the Blustery Blood Orange Toddy recipe! Recipe and ideas are my own.

Blood Orange Hot Toddy

When the temperature drops, I can’t think of a better way to heat up the holidays than with the Blustery Blood Orange Toddy! I whipped up this cocktail with Empress Elderflower Rose Gin, zesty ginger, smooth honey, and fresh blood orange juice for the ultimate cozy beverage in a mug.

For an extra kick, steep fresh ginger in boiling water before adding it to your toddies. I also love using seasonal blood oranges for their vibrant color and subtle sweetness. While traditional hot toddies typically use bourbon, I opted for Empress Elderflower Rose Gin. Its delicate floral notes and nuanced botanicals perfectly complement the zestiness of ginger and the tang of fresh blood orange juice. This drink is the comforting warmth you know, with a burst of flavors you’ll love!

Ingredients for the Blood Orange Hot Toddy

• Empress Elderflower Rose Gin: Adds floral, citrusy, and spicy notes with a gorgeous red tinge.
• Fresh Ginger: Steeping fresh ginger in boiling water adds an invigorating kick. Peel and slice it to get the best infusion.
• Blood Orange: For a burst of citrusy brightness, seasonable fresh blood orange juice balances out the other rich and aromatic ingredients.
• Honey: I used one of my favorite honey brands, Local Hive. Agave or sugar can also be used in this recipe.
• Blood Orange Slice, Cloves: Infuse depth into the Orange Hot Toddy by pressing cloves into a blood orange slice. A cinnamon stick works as a great sub if you don’t have cloves on hand.
• Dried Rosebuds: Dress up this delicious cocktail with a garnish of dried rosebuds, like these from TEARELAE, before enjoying!

How to Make the Blood Orange Hot Toddy

Creating this warming libation is super easy, making it perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in!

Start by peeling and slicing fresh ginger. Then add it to boiling water. Cover and let the ginger steep for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in your favorite mug, combine Empress Elderflower Rose Gin, the juice from half a blood orange, and a tablespoon of honey. You can substitute navel oranges or red grapefruit, which are seasonal as well. Once the ginger-infused water is ready, strain it into the mug, discarding the ginger pieces.

Give everything a good stir, ensuring the honey is well incorporated. For an extra layer of flavor, press cloves into a slice of blood orange and add it to the mug. If you have them on hand, garnish with dried rosebuds for a final touch before enjoying immediately!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of honey should I use?

Any type of honey will work in this recipe, but I always recommend raw or pure honey.

What is a hot toddy made of?

The traditional hot toddy is a simple mix of spirits, sweetener, and hot water. The spirits typically used are whiskey, bourbon, or brandy. The sweetener is usually honey or sugar. The hot water is typically infused with spices like cinnamon, cloves, or star anise.

What can I substitute for the blood orange juice?

If you don’t have blood orange juice, you can substitute it with navel orange or red grapefruit, which are also in season. The flavor of the drink will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

What can I use as a garnish if I don’t have dried rosebuds?

If you don’t have dried rosebuds, you can garnish the Blustery Blood Orange Toddy with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a slice of orange.

More Warm Drinks to Enjoy

• Spiked & Spicy Hot Chocolate
• Apple Chai Hot Toddy
• ​​Blood Orange Rum Hot Toddy

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