Cold Toddy Whiskey Mule

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Combine the best parts of two classic cocktail recipes into one sweet and spicy Cold Toddy Whiskey Mule. With the zing of ginger beer plus the elements of a hot toddy that people say is good for a cold, you get one refreshing drink that’ll soothe you and maybe even ward off some germs. You can also make it a mocktail so even the kids can sip on this virus-fighting drink.

A cold toddy whiskey mule cocktail in a copper mug with an orange slice and cinnamon stick on top of a red cloth napkin and piece of burlap.

Cold Toddy – A Whiskey Mule Cocktail!

This cocktail recipe happened by accident. You see, several years ago, I was sick on New Year’s Eve. Plans to devour make-your-own Gluten Free Pizza got replaced by a steaming bowl of Flu Buster Vegetable Soup.

After that, though, I was also desperate for something to clear my sinuses. Someone suggested a hot toddy, but, strange as it sounds, I was craving something cold to ease the burning in my throat.

I figured I could use some of the elements of a hot toddy that people say are good for colds, like the lemon, cinnamon, honey, and yes, the whiskey. For that cool and refreshing factor, I was craving the ginger beer and citrus of a traditional Moscow Mule. So I combined them with more cold-fighting ingredients like apple cider vinegar, a squeeze of orange, and a little extra ginger for good measure.

And the Cold Toddy Whiskey Mile was born! It’s so crisp and spicy that there’s no need to wait till you have the sniffles to enjoy it!

A copper mug filed with a cocktail and garnished with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick on top of a square of burlap and some red and white cloth napkins.

Is a Toddy Hot or Cold?

A hot toddy is a cocktail that typically included liquor, usually whiskey, mixed with water, honey, and sometimes spices or lemon. As the name suggests, it is usually served hot and many people enjoy it both when the weather is cold and when they aren’t feeling well. It can warm you if you have a chill, soothe the throat, and even help clear sinuses.

But served cold, it becomes crisp and refreshing. It’s something you can enjoy any time, but if your throat is on fire, it might help calm that burning sensation.

Closeup of the cinnamon stick, fresh ginger, and orange slice garnishes on top of a cocktail in a copper mug.

Cocktail Ingredients

Head to the store and grab what you need for this tasty cocktail. The full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Ginger Beer. Note that this is different than ginger ale. It is also non-alcoholic, but has a stronger ginger flavor. I like Fever Tree, and Fentiman’s is also a good choice.
  • Whiskey. Choose your favorite whiskey or bourbon.
  • Apple cider vinegar. A raw, unfiltered one, such as Bragg’s, has antiviral properties.
  • Honey. Any you have in the pantry is fine, but a raw honey also packs in the antioxidants.
  • Garnishes: Lemon and orange wedges, ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick, and a slice of fresh ginger all add to those germ-fighting properties.

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How to Make a Cold Toddy Whiskey Mule

Add some ice to a copper mug or glass. Pour in the ginger beer, whiskey, apple cider vinegar, and honey, then give it a stir. Squeeze a wedge of orange and lemon into the drink, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon, and garnish with the slice of fresh ginger and cinnamon stick, if you like.

Looking down into a cold toddy whiskey mule cocktail in a copper mug on a piece of burlap with orange, lemon, cinnamon stick, and a slice of fresh ginger as garnishes.

FAQ’s

Why is a mule served in a copper mug?

Mules are traditionally served in a copper mug as some people say it keeps the drink colder and enhances the taste. However, you really can make this cocktail in any type of glass and still enjoy it.

Can I make it a mocktail?

Yes, if you don’t imbibe or have a little one who is under the weather, you can still get the benefits of the virus-fighting ingredients by simply leaving out the whiskey.

Is whiskey gluten free?

Bourbon is an American style of whiskey and I have an entire article on whether bourbon is gluten free. Since they are produced in a similar manner, the same considerations apply. While whiskey cannot contain a gluten free label because it is made with gluten-containing grains, it is generally considered gluten free because the distillation process separates the alcohol from the portion of the grains that contain the gluten protein. However, it is always best to consult your doctor to know what is best for your specific situation.

If you are concerned about gluten in whiskey, you can make the mocktail version, or try it with rum!

Looking down into a cold toddy whiskey mule cocktail in a copper mug with orange, lemon, cinnamon stick, and a slice of fresh ginger as garnishes.

More mule recipes

If you love these ginger beer cocktails, try another variation. They are all amazing.

Looking down into a copped much with a cocktail with floating orange and lemon slices, and a cinnamon stick and text overlay that says "Cold Toddy Whiskey Mule".
5 from 1 vote

Cold Toddy Whiskey Mule

Combine the best parts of two classic cocktail recipes into one sweet and spicy Cold Toddy Whiskey Mule. With the zing of ginger beer plus the elements of a hot toddy that people say is good for colds, you get one refreshing drink that'll soothe you and maybe even ward off some germs. You can also make it a mocktail so even the kids can sip on this virus-fighting drink.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz ginger beer, the size of the bottle varies by brand. I like Fever Tree.
  • 1 oz whiskey, leave this out for a mocktail
  • 1 Tablespoon unfiltered apple cider vinegar such as Bragg’s
  • 1 teaspoon honey or more to taste
  • 1 lemon wedge about 1/4 of a lemon
  • 1 orange wedge about 1/8 of an orange
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • a slice of fresh ginger and cinnamon stick optional

Instructions

  • Add some ice to a copper mug or glass. Pour in the ginger beer, whiskey, apple cider vinegar, and honey, and stir to combine. Squeeze the lemon and orange into the drink, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon, and garnish with the slice of fresh ginger and cinnamon stick, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Cold Toddy Whiskey Mule
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 210
% Daily Value*
Sodium 19mg1%
Potassium 149mg4%
Carbohydrates 37g12%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 29g32%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin C 64.2mg78%
Calcium 28mg3%
Iron 1.1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimers: Please discuss your individual dietary needs (i.e. gluten free) with a physician. Even when not specified, be sure to verify all ingredients are gluten free, if needed, by reading labels on all packaging and/or confirming with the manufacturer this varies by brand and can change at any time. Nutrition information shown is an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.

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4 Comments
  1. Such a great recipe for the flu season. Love your presentation.Thank you for linking with us at #HomeMattersParty . We would love to see you again next week.

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