Hot Toddy Drink – a hug from the inside

It’s Hot Toddy Drink season. a.k.a. cold weather season! Time to curl up by a roaring fire, catch up on old movies, and grab a soul-warming adult beverage!

Why This One’s Worth Making

This warm cocktail is top of my list if you’re looking for a Hot Alcoholic Drink to warm you up from the inside out. Especially if you’re nursing a wee bit of a cold. (My Hot White Russian is another good one!)

Does a Hot Toddy Actually Help a Cold?

It’s been around forever and many call it the “get-well elixir of life.” While that may be a bit of an exaggeration, there’s no doubt that sipping on this warm, whiskey-filled, lemon-tinged drink can, in fact, make you feel one heck of a lot better!

It’s probably not truly a medical cure for the common cold, but there’s no harm in trying!

The hot toddy drink can be made with either bourbon or whiskey, so make sure to use your liquor of choice! I like it with whiskey, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a bit of bourbon! Nothing wrong at all… What else is in this warm alcoholic drink?

What’s a Hot Toddy Made of?

• Hot Water – Not boiling, but very hot. (see full recipe below.)
• Whiskey or Bourbon – Both of these are great so just use the one you like best.
• Honey – Raw honey is my honey of choice.
• Cinnamon Stick – This adds a great flavor when you use it as a stirring stick.
• Lemon – A little lemon juice in the drink goes a long way. And use a lemon wheel for garnish.

How to Make a Hot Toddy Drink

1. Pour 8 ounces of very hot water into a glass. (See full recipe below.)
2. Add 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey (can use bourbon). Stir in some honey and lemon juice. Use a cinnamon stick if you have one – it adds a nice, spicy touch.
3. Top with a lemon wheel and sip away!

I use these glass mugs when I make a hot toddy.

A Little Bit of this Hot Cocktail History

Like all classic cocktails, the origin of the hot toddy recipe is disputed. Some say it started in India when it was under British control. The cold, wet dampness of the UK and the need for a warm-you-up drink, combined with the wonderful spices of India and BAM! This amazing warm cocktail was born.

Others say it is Irish and was invented by a Dr. Robert Todd to help his sick patients feel better. (You can read more about that in this article on the origin of the hot toddy drink.)

I have no idea where the truth lies, but I do know this… the Hot Toddy Drink is warm and smooth, and the hint of lemon, honey, and cinnamon will make just about anyone feel better.

So grab yourself a mug, throw on your fuzzy socks, heat up some water, and toss in all that goodness and enjoy your Hot Toddy Drink!

Here are a couple of other great cocktail recipes for you!

• Classic Margarita
• Pineapple Vodka Drink (my favorite!)

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