Introduction

A hot toddy is a classic warm cocktail beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. Traditionally, it is made with a combination of whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon but there are countless variations to suit everyone’s tastes. Hot toddies are perfect for soothing sore throats, colds, or simply for warming up on a chilly day. In this article, we will cover the classic hot toddy recipe as well as creative variations that use tea, herbs, spices, fruits, and more.

The basics of a classic hot toddy

The classic hot toddy has a simple yet delicious flavor profile. This recipe is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day or soothe a cough or cold.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz of whiskey
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 6 oz of hot water
• 1 lemon wedge

Instructions

1. Fill a mug with boiling hot water to preheat the mug.
2. Add the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice into the warm mug.
3. Pour the hot water into the mug and stir until the honey dissolves.
4. Garnish with the lemon wedge and enjoy!

To make a perfect toddy, you must find the perfect balance between the whiskey and honey. You can adjust the amount of honey according to your taste. The higher the quality of whiskey used, the better the hot toddy will taste.

Using tea as a base

Using tea as a base in hot toddies adds depth and complexity to the drink. Tea provides additional warmth, flavor, and health benefits.

Types of Teas

• Earl Grey
• Green tea
• Chai tea

Instructions

1. Heat water in a saucepan until it’s steaming, but not boiling.
2. Add the desired tea bag or tea leaves and let it steep for 5 mins.
3. Remove the tea and add whiskey, honey, and lemon juice into the mug.
4. Pour the steeped tea and stir until the honey dissolves.
5. Serve with the garnish of lemon wedge.

Non-alcoholic variations

Not everyone drinks alcohol, but that doesn’t mean they should miss out on the warming and soothing properties of a hot toddy. Here are some non-alcoholic options to try.

Apple Cider Hot Toddy

Ingredients

• 2 cups of apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1 slice of lemon

Instructions

1. Pour apple cider, cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon slice into a saucepan and heat until it begins to steam.
2. Pour the mixture into a mug and let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves and add honey and a lemon wedge to taste.
4. Stir until honey dissolves.
5. Serve and enjoy.

Non-alcoholic whiskey substitute Hot Toddy

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 6 oz of hot water
• 1 lemon wedge

Instructions

1. Fill a mug with boiling hot water to preheat the mug.
2. Add non-alcoholic whiskey substitute, honey, and lemon juice into the warm mug.
3. Pour hot water into the mug and stir until the honey dissolves.
4. Serve and enjoy.

Using spices and herbs

Spices and herbs can elevate your hot toddy to new levels while also providing additional health benefits. Just be careful not to overdo it with the spices!

Spices and Herbs

• Cinnamon stick
• Cloves
• Fresh ginger
• Nutmeg
• Star anise

Instructions

1. Pour whiskey, honey, and lemon juice into a mug.
2. Add a touch of each of the spices and fresh ginger.
3. Heat the water in a saucepan until it begins to steam.
4. Pour the heated water into the mug and stir until the honey dissolves.
5. Add the lemon wedge and serve.

Infusing with fruits and berries

Adding fruits and berries to your hot toddy will give a fruity twist to your drink. The flavor combinations are endless! Here are some to try.

Fruits and Berries

• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Orange
• Cranberries

Instructions

1. Add the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice into a mug.
2. Add the desired fruit or berries to the mug.
3. Heat water in a saucepan until it begins to steam.
4. Pour the heated water into the mug and stir until the honey dissolves.
5. Garnish the drink with the desired fruit or berries.

Easy-to-make variations

If you don’t have the time to make a hot toddy from scratch, here are few variations that are quick and easy to make.

Honey-Lemon Hot Toddy

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 6 oz of hot water

Instructions

1. Pour honey and lemon juice into a mug.
2. Pour hot water into the mug and stir until the honey dissolves.
3. Add a lemon wedge and serve.

Whiskey Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 ½ oz of whiskey
• 6 oz hot milk

Instructions

1. Add unsweetened cocoa powder and honey into a mug.
2. Add whiskey to the mug and stir until the honey dissolves.
3. Heat the milk in a saucepan until it begins to steam.
4. Pour milk into the mug and stir.
5. Garnish with marshmallows or whipped cream and serve.

Seasonal hot toddies

Adding seasonal ingredients makes your hot toddy more vibrant and enjoyable. Here are a few seasonal flavor combinations to try.

Winter Spice Hot Toddy

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 ½ oz of cinnamon vodka
• 6 oz of hot apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the apple cider in a saucepan until it begins to steam. Add honey and stir.
2. Pour cinnamon vodka into a mug.
3. Pour the heated apple cider into the mug and stir.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy.

Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 ½ oz bourbon
• 6 oz of hot cranberry juice
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 slice of orange (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat cranberry juice, cinnamon stick, and cloves in a saucepan until it begins to steam. Remove cinnamon stick and cloves.
2. Pour the bourbon and honey into the mug.
3. Pour the heated cranberry juice into the mug and stir.
4. Garnish with a slice of orange and enjoy.

Conclusion

Hot toddies are the perfect winter drink and there are countless variations to satisfy everyone’s tastes. You can experiment with tea, spices, herbs, and fruits, or make the classic recipe as it is. Each one has unique health benefits that make it worth the effort.