Low-Sugar Hot Toddy Recipe: Cozy Keto-Friendly Cocktail

This Midwestern take on the Hot Toddy contains no added sugar, so you can enjoy a warm, comforting Sugar Free Hot Toddy without worrying about your diet.

How do you make a sugar free Hot Toddy?

The classic Hot Toddy typically uses honey as a sweetener, but this version swaps that out for diet ginger ale to keep the drink sugar free while retaining a pleasant, rounded flavor. If you prefer the traditional honey-sweetened toddy, you can substitute honey or a low-carb sweetener, but many find the Midwestern-style version with diet ginger ale less prone to obvious artificial sweetener notes.

What you’ll need for this recipe

• Diet ginger ale
• Bourbon whiskey
• Fresh lemon juice
• Whole cloves
• Lemon slice
• Cinnamon stick
• Ground nutmeg (pinch)

Making the Sugar Free Hot Toddy

Start by pouring the diet ginger ale into a mug and warming it for about 45 seconds to 1 minute in the microwave, depending on your appliance, until it’s hot but not boiling.

Carefully add the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and whole cloves to the warm ginger ale. Add these liquids slowly to reduce fizzing from the ginger ale.

Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top, place a cinnamon stick in the mug, and finish with a lemon slice. Let the drink rest 3–5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the temperature to settle, then stir with the cinnamon stick and enjoy.

Mike’s Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Sugar Free Hot Toddy

1. The diet ginger ale usually provides enough sweetness on its own, but you can add 1–2 tsp of a zero-calorie sweetener (Swerve, Splenda, etc.) if you prefer a sweeter drink.
2. Warm the ginger ale slowly and watch it while heating to avoid excessive fizzing or boiling over.
3. Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, less harsh flavor—freshly squeezed is best for this small quantity.
4. Stir the drink with the cinnamon stick to distribute its flavor throughout the toddy.
5. For a nicer presentation, serve in a glass mug so the color and garnishes are visible.

Enjoy!

Mike