Got a sore throat? Hot toddy.
Common cold? Hot toddy.
Headache? Hot toddy.
Cold hands? Hot toddy.
I may not be a doctor, but I can tell you that this cocktail will definitely warm you up if you’re feeling down. (Note: I really am not a doctor, and you shouldn’t rely on me for medical advice!)
The hot toddy drink is perhaps the best known “hot cocktail” and for good reason: It’s classic, easy to make, and downright delicious.
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THE HISTORY OF THE HOT TODDY
As with most cocktails, the history is a bit fuzzy. (It’s almost like people weren’t thinking clearly and failed to document the process. Hmm.) The best information we could find indicated that this drink is probably based on a very old Hindi drink called a “taddy.”According to a 1786 definition, these were the ingredients for a taddy:
- Fermented Palm Sap
- Hot water
- Sugar
- Spices
Look familiar? It’s almost the same as the Hindi “Punch” recipe we’ve featured in the past– but hot!
In modern times, the hot toddy is perhaps best known as being medicinal. This folklore probably started with Dr. Robert Hentley Todd, an Irish physician who was known to prescribe a hot drink of brandy, cinnamon, sugar syrup, and water as a cold remedy.
Regardless of its history, this is a delicious hot drink to have in your repertoire during the cold months!
HOW TO MAKE A HOT TODDY:
HOT TODDY VARIATIONS:
The best part about simple cocktails is how easy they are to adapt and customize. This one is no exception! As we discussed in the video, take a look at this Cocktail Family drawing Chris created:
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The possibilities are endless! As inspiration, here are a few possibilities just from Chris’ suggestions above:
- An apple brandy toddy with apple cider, maple syrup, and lemon.
- A rum toddy with Rooibos Tea, Molasses and Orange.
- A whiskey toddy with cranberry juice, Stevia, and lemon.
While I haven’t personally tried making these versions, they sound pretty amazing! And you can clearly see how easy it is to adapt to your personal preference. Love agave nectar? Use that as your sweetener. Prefer Irish whiskey over a toddy with bourbon– or perhaps another type of whiskey? Use it!
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And although whiskey is traditional, some people swear by rum (or other spirits) as the base alcohol. Others love using brown sugar instead of white sugar. I’m curious for you to tell us which variation is your favorite!
In the video above, you’ll see one of Chris’ favorite recipes, but there are clearly so many ways to make this hot drink!
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So below, we actually have two options for a hot toddy recipe for you, one including fresh ginger and one that uses brandy and a prepared lemon peel with cloves, which adds an aromatic quality and a little extra spice.
Being a warm cocktail, both require a small amount of prep time, just FYI.
Side note: If you’re avoiding alcohol, a non-alcoholic hot toddy can simply omit the base liquor for a hot beverage of honey & lemon water… Or use a spirit alternative like Seedlip. You can still add the fun garnishes for all the flavors, too!
Whether you need a congestion-clearing cocktail or just need something to warm you up on a cold night, this classic cocktail (maybe even one of the most classic, apparently!) is sure to do the trick.
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HOT TODDY RECIPES
Ready for your own delicious, warm drink to perk you right up? You can choose either delicious recipe below:
Hot Toddy with Brandy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy or whiskey
- 0.25 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.25 oz Honey
- 4-6 oz Hot Water
- 1 ea Lemon Wheel or Lemon Wedge (for garnish)
- 5-6 ea Whole cloves (for garnish)
- 1 ea Extra Lemon Peel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine the brandy, lemon juice, and honey into a mug. Stir to mix.
- Add hot water to serving glass. Stir again.
- Stab the cloves into the meat of the lemon wheel, and insert into drink.
- Garnish with a zested lemon peel - curl and stab with pick.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey
- 0.75 oz Ginger-Honey Syrup
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3-4 oz Boiling Water
Instructions
- Add hot water to serving glass to warm the glass. Dump the water.
- Build all ingredients into your mug of choice. Stir until syrup melts.
- Garnish with lemon zest and candied ginger.
Copper Bell Jigger
This jigger is the real deal. It’s rounded shape makes it extra comfortable in your hand, while its internal markings make it easy to read and measure your ingredients. Oh, and did I mention the beautiful mirrored copper finish? A trusty and beautiful choice for your backbar!
Hot Toddy
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Bourbon or whiskey
- 0.5 oz Lemon Juice
- 0.75 oz Honey
- 4-6 oz Hot Water
- 1 ea Lemon Peel (for garnish)
- 6-8 ea Whole cloves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add hot water to serving glass to warm the glass. Dump the water.
- Now add the 4-6 oz of hot water and remaining ingredients
- Stir and garnish with a lemon peel studded with cloves
- Add hot water to serving glass to warm the glass. Dump the water.
- Build all ingredients into your mug of choice. Stir until syrup melts.
Hot Toddy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Bourbon or whiskey
- 0.5 oz Lemon Juice
- 0.75 oz Honey
- 4-6 oz Hot Water
- 1 ea Lemon Peel (for garnish)
- 6-8 ea Whole Cloves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add hot water to serving glass to warm the glass. Dump the water.
- Now add the 4-6 oz of hot water and remaining ingredients.
- Stir and garnish with a lemon peel studded with cloves.
- Add hot water to serving glass to warm the glass. Dump the water.
- Build all ingredients into your mug of choice. Stir until syrup melts.
