When the weather turns cold or you feel like you need a little extra immune support, reach for this nourishing twist on the classic hot toddy. Unlike traditional versions loaded with alcohol and sugar, this wellness-focused drink combines warming comfort with ingredients that actually support your body’s natural defenses and digestive vitality.
Why This Hot Toddy Works
This isn’t just a cozy beverage—it’s a functional drink designed to support your health from the inside out. The raw apple cider vinegar aids digestion and helps balance your body’s pH, while grapefruit essential oil brings powerful anti-microbial properties to the mix. Grapefruit oil is also known for its ability to support immune function and stimulate digestive processes, helping your body break down and absorb nutrients more effectively.
The addition of digestive bitters takes this toddy to the next level. Bitters have been used for centuries to kindle digestive fire, stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and bile, and support overall gut function. When your digestion is strong, your immune system benefits too—after all, a healthy gut is the foundation of robust immunity.
The optional collagen adds a protein boost that supports gut health, skin elasticity, and joint function—making this drink as restorative as it is comforting. And the best part? It keeps you warm all night long without the next-day grogginess of alcohol-based toddies.
Healthy Hot Toddy Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 scoop Collagen Pro (optional)
- 1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 drop grapefruit essential oil
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp digestive bitters
- Honey or maple syrup to taste
Instructions:
Start by mixing your collagen into the hot water, stirring until fully dissolved. This creates a smooth base that won’t clump. Next, add one drop of grapefruit essential oil—a little goes a long way with essential oils, so don’t overdo it. Stir in the raw apple cider vinegar, digestive bitters, and your choice of natural sweetener.
Give it a taste and adjust to your preference. Some people love the tang of extra apple cider vinegar and the bold flavor of more bitters, while others prefer a sweeter, mellower drink. There’s no wrong way to customize this toddy to suit your palate and digestive needs.
Want to Take It Up a Notch? For a spicier version with even deeper immune-nourishing properties, swap the apple cider vinegar for homemade fire cider. This powerful herbal infusion combines apple cider vinegar with immune-boosting ingredients like ginger, horseradish, garlic, and cayenne. It adds a warming kick and amplifies the drink’s ability to support your body’s defenses and stoke your digestive fire during cold and flu season.
Sip slowly while it’s still warm and let the nourishing ingredients work their magic. This is the perfect drink for winding down in the evening, supporting your body during cold season, priming your digestion before or after meals, or simply giving yourself a moment of wellness-focused self-care.
A Note on Ingredients
When using essential oils internally, always ensure you’re using high-quality, food-grade oils specifically labeled as safe for consumption. Not all essential oils are created equal, and quality matters when you’re putting something into your body.
Stay warm, stay well, and enjoy your healthy hot toddy!
Heidi Ochsner, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Specialist at Temple Natural Health. She supports clients with chronic and complex health concerns through personalized nutrition, detoxification, and gut health strategies. With a passion for education and a deep belief in the mind-body connection, Heidi helps clients make lasting lifestyle changes that promote true healing.
