Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy: My Latest Sip of the Week!

Summer is gone and Fall has officially arrived. That means its time for all the spice-filled, warm, cozy, autumn-y things! First up: my new Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy.

Crystal glass with a pumpkin spice hot toddy surrounded by decorative pumpkins, a bottle of whiskey, and a jar of honey.
This cozy fall cocktail is hard to put down once you take your first sip. It’s a perfect balance of pumpkin spice and everything nice!

Fall is my favorite season of the year. California finally starts cooling off and the weather turns to partly-cloudy with a cool breeze instead of burning hot. For many of us California locals, the biggest sign of the season changing is the influx of pumpkin spice everything in the grocery stores (I see you, Trader Joe’s). This is the time of year where I officially lose all self-control while shopping and feel a need to indulge in all the spice-filled things.

Ariel view of pumpkin spice hot toddies and ingredients.
Actual image of my favorite type of pumpkin patch. Cocktails included!

I thought I would kick off this Fall season with a cozy drink for any occasion. And when I say any occasion, I mean ANY occasion!

Entertaining? A post-dinner Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy nightcap is perfect. Under the weather? Waste no time in making yourself a Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy! (Seriously, rumor has it that Hot Toddy’s were “prescribed” by doctors to heal ailments starting centuries ago. This must mean it’s healthy, right? Doctor’s orders!)

Close up of pumpkin spice hot toddies with ingredients
Lemon, tea, and honey? That sounds like the perfect medical remedy to me. Adding a little bourbon just makes it even better!

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy (makes two portions):

1 Pumpkin Spice Tea bag (Trader Joe’s carries a delicious Rooibos Pumpkin Spice tea)

8 ounces hot water

3 ounces bourbon

2 tablespoons honey (I used Bee Ladies Meyer Lemon-infused honey for an extra citrus kick!)

4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Lemon slices, whole cloves, or cinnamon sticks for garnish

pumpkin spice hot toddy with reflection on table
You can mix up your glassware for this cocktail to match your occasion. Crystal glasses make the Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy perfect for a fancy holiday cocktail. Make it more casual by serving the Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy in glass mugs. Make this sip more modern by pouring it into copper glasses.

Directions:

Steep Pumpkin Spice Tea bag in hot water for at least 5 minutes. Try to use a good quality tea…it will make your Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy much richer if you do. After the tea has steeped, add bourbon, honey, and lemon juice. Stir until all ingredients are combined. Conduct a taste test and adjust proportions to your preferences if needed! Then, sit back, relax, and sip away.

pumpkin spice hot toddy surrounded by decorative pumpkins
I won’t judge if you are a little generous with your pour of bourbon in your Hot Toddy…that’s a perfect way to warm up on a chilly fall night!

My Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy takes no more than 10 minutes to put together and is a perfect way to warm up on a chilly autumn evening. This cocktail gives other nightcaps some serious competition! Give it a try to see for yourself. Cheers, friends!

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Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy

Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks
Servings 2 drinks

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces hot water
  • 1 teabag of good quality Pumpkin Spice Tea (I use the Rooibos Pumpkin Spice Tea from Trader Joe's)
  • 3 ounces bourbon (Maker's Mark is a great go-to if you're looking for something tasty and affordable.)
  • 2 tbsp honey (I used Bee Ladies Meyer Lemon-infused honey for an extra citrus kick!)
  • 4 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon slices, whole cloves, or cinnamon sticks for garnish!

Instructions
 

  • Steep Pumpkin Spice Tea bag in hot water for at least 5 minutes.
  • After tea has steeped, add bourbon, honey, and lemon juice.
  • Stir until all ingredients are combined. Conduct a taste test and adjust proportions
    to your preferences if needed!
  • Sit back, relax, and sip away.

Looking for more fall “Sips”?

Warm up with my Spiced Whiskey Ginger recipe! 

Get in the Halloween spirit with this “Blood” Orange Margarita!

For a refreshing twist on some classic holiday flavors, try my Cranberry Orange Spritz!