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Feeling under the weather? Hot Toddy to the rescue. With Old Man Winter wrathfully upon us, here is the best hot toddy recipe, a twist on a classic hot toddy cocktail that is sure to warm the soul and indulge the senses by Ricardo Garcia, Former Beverage Director at Linwood’s Restaurant, located in our hometown of Owings Mills, Maryland.
What is a Hot Toddy?
A hot toddy is a classic winter drink that has been cherished for centuries for its soothing properties. Traditionally, a hot toddy consists of hot water, lemon juice, and honey, with a splash of liquor for adults. This comforting concoction is often used to help alleviate symptoms of a sore throat, cough, or cold. The warm liquid, combined with the natural ingredients, creates a drink that not only warms you up from the inside out but also provides a sense of comfort and relief during the chilly winter months.
A Little History of Where This Classic Hot Toddy Came From
The origins of the hot toddy are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is widely believed to have its roots in 17th century India. There, a similar drink known as “toddy” was enjoyed, made with hot water, spices, and liquor. This early version of the hot toddy was often consumed as a remedy for colds and flu. The drink made its way to the United States in the 19th century, where it quickly gained popularity at social gatherings and parties. Over time, the hot toddy evolved into the beloved winter warmer we know today, cherished for its ability to soothe and comfort.
Stir a Ginger Honey Lollipop in your Hot Toddy for added health benefits
The Perfect Hot Toddy
The classic hot toddy recipe is a timeless and soothing drink that has been a staple for generations. Perfect for cold nights, sore throats, and as a warming whiskey drink, this simple yet effective recipe is sure to become your go-to. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ounce of Maryland style whiskey: Bourbon or dark rum work wonderfully in a hot toddy. You can also experiment with other types of whiskey, such as scotch or Irish whiskey, to find your favorite hot toddy recipe.
- 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for a hot toddy. It adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- 1 tablespoon of Bee Inspired Honey (or to taste): Honey is a natural sweetener that adds a soothing quality to the hot toddy. Adjust the amount to your taste for the perfect balance.
- 6 ounces of chamomile tea (mix our Good Night Tea with boiling water): Chamomile tea made with boiling water is essential for dissolving the honey and bringing the flavors together. Make sure it’s hot but not boiling when you add it to the mug to serve.
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional): A cinnamon stick adds a warm and comforting flavor to the hot toddy. It’s optional but makes for a lovely garnish.
- 1 lemon slice (optional): A lemon slice adds a touch of citrus and visual appeal to the hot toddy. It’s optional but makes for a lovely garnish.
You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar as an optional ingredient. It enhances the flavor and provides soothing effects, especially in cold remedies.
To make a classic hot toddy, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, and honey in a mug. Add the cinnamon stick and lemon slice if desired. Pour the boiling water over the chamomile to create chamomile tea, and add to the rest of the liquids. Stir until the honey is dissolved. Let the mixture steep for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy this warming whiskey drink on a cold night or whenever you need a comforting pick-me-up.
Preparing the Perfect Old Fashioned Hot Toddy
Preparing the perfect hot toddy is an art that requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you get it just right:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice, pure honey, and good-quality whiskey make all the difference in a hot toddy. The better the ingredients, the better the drink.
- Adjust the sweetness: Honey is a natural sweetener, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet hot toddy, use less honey.
- Experiment with spices: Cinnamon sticks are a classic addition to hot toddies, but you can also experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg or cloves, to find your perfect flavor combination.
- Use the right water temperature: Boiling water is essential for dissolving the honey and bringing the flavors together. Make sure the water is hot but not boiling when you add it to the mug.
- Let it steep: Let the hot toddy steep for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will help the honey dissolve and the flavors to balance out.
- Try green tea as a base: Consider using green tea as an alternative base for your hot toddy. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which surpass the antioxidant content of Vitamin C, and may help alleviate symptoms associated with colds and flu.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a hot toddy that’s perfectly balanced and incredibly soothing.
How to Make an Old Fashioned Hot Toddy
One: Gather Ingredients
First, gather all the ingredients that you will need, including whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and the optional cinnamon stick and lemon slice. Start with Maryland-style rye. If you're at a loss, we cover one that we like in this Skinny Rye Crush recipe.
Two: Honey and Lemon
Next, you'll need our honey. It wouldn't be a good honey recipe if it didn't involve our honey! Juice a lemon. I like Meyers lemon when they are in season, and Meyer Lemon season often coincides with flu season. (Thank you, mother nature!)
Three: Make Chamomile Tea
Boil water and make chamomile tea. This hot tea will be the base of your hot toddy. If you want to try something different, warm up some organic apple cider for this delightful treat! We grow chamomile on our farm, and there is no better way to enjoy chamomile tea than with your own chamomile that you've grown and hand-harvested. Or, grab a jar of our loose-leaf Good Night Tea; it's blended by hand.
Four: Put It All Together
Add honey or one of our honey lollipops and stir, then add the rest of the ingredients and stir. Adding cinnamon, clove, ginger, or nutmeg will add depth to your toddy if you prefer.
Customizing Your Old Fashioned Hot Toddy Recipe
We always invite you to play with your food; this recipe is no different! One of the best things about hot toddies is that you can customize the recipe to your taste. Here are some ideas for customizing your hot toddy recipe:
- Use different types of whiskey: Experiment with different types of whiskey, such as scotch or Irish whiskey, to change up the flavor profile and find your favorite hot toddy recipe.
- Add a twist of citrus: Add a twist of citrus, such as orange or grapefruit, to give the hot toddy a different flavor profile. Fresh lemon juice is classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative.
- Use different sweeteners: Experiment with different sweeteners, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, to change up the flavor profile. Each sweetener brings its own unique taste to the drink.
- Add a spice: Add a spice, such as nutmeg or cloves, to give the hot toddy a different flavor profile. These spices can add depth and warmth to the drink.
- Use different kinds of tea: Use different kinds of tea to add a different flavor profile to the hot toddy. Ginger tea or honeybush tea work well in hot toddies and can add an extra layer of comfort.
- Try green tea: Use green tea as an alternative base for your hot toddy. Its rich polyphenol content and antioxidants can provide health benefits, making it a soothing natural remedy, especially during cold and flu season.
Customizing your hot toddy recipe allows you to create a drink that’s perfectly suited to your taste and mood.
Big-Batch Hot Toddy Recipe
Hosting a gathering or simply want to have a ready supply of this comforting drink? Making a big-batch hot toddy is the perfect solution. Here’s a recipe that serves 4-6 people, ensuring everyone can enjoy a warm, soothing cup.
Serving Suggestions
The hot toddy recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it as a standalone drink to warm up on a cold night, or pair it with comfort foods like chicken noodle soup or turkey noodle soup for a complete soothing meal. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a slice of lemon to your hot toddy. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or with a meal, this classic drink is sure to provide warmth and comfort.
Homemade Lentil Soup would taste delicious with a Hot Toddy
Non-Alcoholic Alternative
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, a hot toddy can still be just as comforting and delicious. Here’s a simple recipe for a non-alcoholic hot toddy that’s perfect for everyone.
Benefits of an Old Fashioned Hot Toddy
Hot toddies have been a staple for generations, and for good reason. Here are some of the benefits of a hot toddy:
- Soothes a sore throat: The combination of honey, fresh lemon juice, and whiskey in a hot toddy can help soothe a sore throat. The warm liquid and natural ingredients provide relief and comfort.
- Relieves cold symptoms: The steam from the hot toddy can help relieve cold symptoms, such as congestion and coughing. The warmth and ingredients work together to provide soothing relief.
- Promotes relaxation: The combination of whiskey and honey in a hot toddy can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. It’s a perfect drink to unwind with after a long day.
- Warming and comforting: Hot toddies are a warming and comforting drink that can help take the chill off on a cold night. The blend of warm spices, honey, and whiskey creates a cozy and inviting experience
- Enhances flavor and health benefits: Adding apple cider vinegar to your hot toddy can enhance its flavor and provide additional health benefits. Known for its soothing effects, apple cider vinegar combined with lemon, honey, and hot water or tea creates a comforting beverage, especially beneficial in cold remedies.
Whether you’re looking to soothe a sore throat, relieve cold symptoms, or simply enjoy a warming drink on a cold night, a hot toddy is the perfect choice. Check out our Apple Rye Punch or other whiskey honey drink recipes for more inspiration.
Drink slowly.
Get rest.
Cheers!
Loved making this drink using our Eastern Shore Honey? Try these other recipes next!
