A hot toddy is a classic warm whiskey cocktail made with honey, lemon juice, hot water, and sometimes, fall spices like cinnamon! The combination of flavors is warm and comforting, which is why this drink is so popular in wintertime. This quick and easy cocktail makes a fabulous nightcap on chilly evenings!
Hot Toddy Warm Cocktail
A hot toddy is a warm alcoholic beverage typically made with whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon. It is commonly consumed as a remedy for colds and flu or as a soothing nightcap during the colder months.
Initially, the hot toddy was made with hot water, sugar, and either whiskey or brandy. It was typically consumed as a medicinal drink to help alleviate cold and flu symptoms, as well as to warm the body on cold winter nights.
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Over time, the hot toddy evolved to include other ingredients such as lemon, honey, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. Today, it is enjoyed worldwide as a comforting and warming beverage and is often considered a classic cold-weather drink.
🌎 Origin
The origin of the hot toddy is somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in Scotland in the 18th century. The word "toddy" is thought to have come from the Indian word "tari," which refers to a fermented palm sap that was used to make an alcoholic beverage.
🍹 Hot Toddy Ingredients
- Whiskey - 1.5 ounces of whiskey. I'll use any Irish whiskey, but typically Jameson is my go-to.
- Honey - 1 tablespoon of honey.
- Lemon Juice - 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice (½ of a fresh lemon, juiced).
- Hot Water - 1 cup of hot water.
- Cinnamon Stick (optional) - For a lovely spiced fall flavor.
- Star Anise (optional) - Adds a subtle licorice flavor, and pairs well with cinnamon.
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
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🍸 How To Make A Hot Toddy
You don't have to be a bartender or mixologist to make this classic warm cocktail, it's super simple! You'll need a heatproof mug or glass, a home bar kit or measuring utensils, and a spoon for stirring.
- Combine the ingredients. In a heatproof glass or mug, add 1.5 ounces of whiskey, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Add hot water. Pour hot water over the mixture and stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Add cinnamon (optional). Add a cinnamon stick and/or star anise for additional flavor.
- Enjoy. Serve hot and enjoy!
🥂 Cocktail Tips & Variations
- When making a hot toddy, it is important to use good-quality whiskey. A smooth, slightly sweet whiskey like bourbon or Irish whiskey works well in this recipe.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. You can also add a slice of lemon for garnish.
- Choose a good quality honey for the best flavor. Honey can be adjusted to taste, depending on how sweet you like your hot toddy.
- To make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the whiskey and add extra hot water and honey.
- Some people like to add other ingredients to their hot toddy, such as ginger, cloves, or nutmeg. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
🍲 Foods To Serve With
Whether you're looking for a late-night snack or a comforting meal to pair with your hot toddy, you can't go wrong with any of these delicious recipes.
- Irish Oatmeal Cake
- Puff Apple Pastry Turnovers
- Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese
- Irish Lamb Stew
- Bailey's Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chicken Noodle Soup
>>>>See all of my recipes HERE<<<<
❓ FAQ
The choice of whiskey is a personal preference, though Irish whiskey is the most common choice. A few more great choices are Wild Turkey 101, Four Roses single barrel bourbon, Buffalo Trace bourbon, and Bulleit rye whiskey.
You sure can, and it is still super tasty! Just leave out the whiskey and add more hot water and honey for a non-alcoholic hot toddy.
Though hot toddies themselves have not been studied for their medicinal effects, the individual ingredients in a hot toddy have been! This drink has been considered a 'home remedy' for colds and the like for many years. Lemon, honey, and hot water have all been proven to help with cough and cold-like symptoms. Alcohol isn't required to reap the benefits of a hot toddy, but it sure does make them more fun to drink!
🍷 More Tasty Cocktails
- Old Fashioned Cocktail - Another classic cocktail for whiskey lovers!
- Bahama Mama - This fruity rum cocktail will make you feel like your on a beach vacation!
- Appletini - A sweet and sour apple cocktail that is as fun to look at as it is to drink!
- Vodka Mojito - Vodka, simple syrup, lime, soda, and mint, in one refreshing cocktail.
- Irish Coffee - This Irish whiskey cocktail is warm and soothing, just like a hot toddy!
- Cosmopolitan - A tart and sweet cocktail made with vodka, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice cocktail!
📋 Recipe
Hot Toddy
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces whiskey
- 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup hot water
- cinnamon sticks (optional)
- star anise (optional)
Instructions
- In a heatproof glass or mug, add whiskey, honey, and lemon juice.1.5 ounces whiskey, 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey
- Pour hot water over the mixture and stir until the honey is fully dissolved.1 cup hot water
- (Optional) Add a cinnamon stick and/or star anise for additional flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!cinnamon sticks, star anise
Equipment You May Need
Notes
- When making a hot toddy, it is important to use good-quality whiskey. A smooth, slightly sweet whiskey like bourbon or Irish whiskey works well in this recipe.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. You can also add a slice of lemon for garnish.
- Choose a good quality honey for the best flavor. Honey can be adjusted to taste, depending on how sweet you like your hot toddy.
- To make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the whiskey and add extra hot water and honey.
- Some people like to add other ingredients to their hot toddy, such as ginger, cloves, or nutmeg. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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