HOT TODDY
The Hot Toddy: Warm Comfort in a Mug
The Hot Toddy's history is all over the place. One theory traces it back to India, where "taddy" was a drink made from fermented palm sap. British colonists adapted it by adding spirits, hot water, sugar, and spices. Another story credits 18th-century Scotland, where bartenders mixed Scotch with hot water from Edinburgh's Tod's Well, possibly giving the drink its name.
What's clear is that by the mid-1800s, the Hot Toddy had become a popular cold remedy. People believed the combination of warm liquid, honey, and alcohol helped with congestion and sore throats. Whether it actually works medicinally is debatable, but the honey soothes your throat and the hot liquid definitely feels good when you're under the weather.
The recipe is beautifully simple: whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and hot water. That's it. The standard ratio is two ounces whiskey, one tablespoon honey, one tablespoon lemon juice, and about four to six ounces hot water.
For whiskey, bourbon and Scotch are the most common choices. Bourbon brings vanilla and caramel notes, while Scotch adds smokiness. Irish whiskey works too for something smoother. Mid-shelf bottles are perfect here - you don't need expensive whiskey for a Hot Toddy.
Making it takes about two minutes. Heat your water until it's steaming but not boiling. In a mug, combine the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice. Pour in the hot water and stir until the honey dissolves completely. Some people add a cinnamon stick, star anise, or cloves for extra warmth and spice.
The Hot Toddy is endlessly customizable. Swap honey for maple syrup or agave. Add fresh ginger for extra kick. Use chamomile tea instead of plain water. Replace whiskey with rum or brandy if that's your preference.
What makes the Hot Toddy special is how comforting it feels. The warmth spreads through you from the first sip, the honey and lemon balance each other perfectly, and the whiskey adds that gentle numbing quality that makes everything feel a little better. It's the drink equivalent of wrapping yourself in a blanket.
Whether you're fighting off a cold or just want something warm on a freezing night, the Hot Toddy delivers exactly what you need.
RECIPE:
2 oz bourbon
1 tbsp honey
½ oz lemon juice
Hot water
Lemon peel or clove (optional)
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a heatproof mug.
Stir gently and serve warm.