Old-Fashioned Brandy Hot Toddy

Glass with yellow liquid, an orange wedge, and a cinnamon stick in it sitting on a striped wooden cutting board.

A warm brandy hot toddy is the perfect cold-weather companion. This simple, comforting drink blends the bold richness of brandy with honey, citrus, and spice for a warming sipper that’s ready in just minutes. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or enjoying a cold evening at home, this cozy cocktail is steeped in tradition and flavor.

Course Beverages

Cuisine Scottish

Cook Time 3

Additional Time 5

Total Time 8

Servings serving

Calories 210kcal

Author Diane Gail

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup hot water
1 tablespoons honey
1 orange wedge
2 oz brandy
1 cinnamon stick

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Add honey: Spoon the honey into a coffee cup to create the sweet base.
Squeeze orange: Squeeze the juice from the orange wedge into the mug and drop the wedge in for added flavor.
Pour water: Carefully pour hot water over the honey and orange, filling the mug.
Stir to melt: Stir the mixture until the honey fully dissolves into the hot water.
Add brandy: Pour in the brandy and stir gently to combine.
Drop in cinnamon stick: Add a whole cinnamon stick for warm spice.
Steep: Let the drink steep for 3–5 minutes so the flavors can infuse before sipping.

Notes

Warm your mug: Keeps the toddy hotter longer so you can sip slowly without it cooling too fast.
Dissolve honey fully: Stir until no streaks remain so the sweetness runs evenly through the drink.
Add brandy last: Keeps the aroma soft and round without losing it to the steam.
Squeeze citrus lightly: Too much pressure can add bitterness from the peel.
Serve right away: Enjoy while it’s hot for the most soothing, comforting experience.

Nutrition