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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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
More mule recipes
If you love these ginger beer cocktails, try another variation. They are all amazing.
Cold Toddy Whiskey Mule
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.
Did you make this?
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[…] Need more whiskey recipes? Try this elegant Whiskey and Wine, this zippy Ginger Whiskey Cocktail or this Cold Toddy Whiskey Mule. […]
Woo..awesome It can fight cold and viruses. I’m a big fan of whiskey mule. But never tried mixing with a hot toddy though..lol It’s gonna be on the list of my recipe next week.
I hope you enjoy the recipe, Mary!
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.