Grand Rum Toddy

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 04/23/21
Grand Rum Toddy Recipe

Susie Cushner / Photolibrary / Getty Images

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

The hot toddy is a very popular drink for autumn and winter and the basic formula offers inspiration for countless other recipes. The grand rum toddy is one of those, combining your favorite rum with the sweet taste of citrus to create a lively yet soothing hot cocktail.

In the grand rum toddy recipe, the choice of orange liqueur plays an important role. The drink is best with either Grand Marnier or Gran Gala, both of which have a brandy base under a rich orange flavor. This adds to the drink's complexity and the liqueur takes over as the toddy's sweetener.

If rum is your choice in the original hot toddy, try this one for something a little different.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces rum

  • 3/4 ounce brandy-based orange liqueur

  • 1/4 ounce lime juice

  • 6 ounces water, or to taste

  • Lime wedge, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a preheated Irish coffee glass or mug, pour the rum, orange liqueur, and lime juice.

  3. Fill with hot water and stir well.

  4. Garnish with a lime wedge. Serve and enjoy.

Tips

  • Preheating your glass will keep this toddy warmer longer. You can do this by simply filling the glass or mug with hot water for a few minutes or by heating the water-filled glass in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
  • While you could use triple sec, curaçao, or other orange liqueurs, the toddy's flavor won't have the same depth as one made with the darker brandy-based options.
  • Fresh-squeezed lime juice is preferred and you should be able to make two to four toddies from a single fruit. Rather than getting out a juicer, you can simply squeeze the juice of half a lime into your drink.
  • Save some of the lime for the garnish. As with the gin and tonic, wiping the rim of your glass with the citrus adds an extra zing to the flavor when you go to take a drink.

Recipe Variations

  • The rum you choose to pour will greatly affect the taste of your toddy. White rums will be soft and let the citrus shine, while aged rums offer some extra flavors and really do produce the best grand rum toddy. If you prefer, spiced rum can be nice here as well.
  • As with any hot toddy, you can brew your favorite tea for this recipe and use it instead of plain water. Try a tea that's lighter in flavor, such as a green tea. A citrus or relaxing bedtime herbal blend work well, too. Avoid anything with mint or other bold flavors that will contrast with the toddy's citrus.
  • If you want a little extra sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey, agave nectar, or simple syrup. Flavored simple syrups can add a nice spice at the same time. Try a cinnamon syrup, vanilla syrup, or ginger syrup, all of which are incredibly easy (and cheap) to make at home.

How Strong Is a Hot Toddy?

As with most hot toddies, this recipe is mild when it comes to the alcohol content. It's not weak and still has a lot of flavors, but the alcohol isn't overpowering. On average, the grand rum toddy weighs in around 11 percent ABV (22 proof). It's perfectly relaxing and a lot like enjoying a glass of wine, only it's warm and toasty.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
204 Calories
0g Fat
20g Carbs
1g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 204
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 11mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 41mg 207%
Calcium 51mg 4%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 147mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Recipe Tags: