Hot Toddy
Winter nights call for something cozy, something comforting—and nothing hits the spot quite like a Hot Toddy. This simple, heart-warming drink combines whiskey, honey, lemon, and a mix of spices to create a soothing cup of warmth. But behind this humble drink lies a history as rich and layered as its flavors.
The Story Behind the Toddy
The hot toddy, while credited as an old British cocktail, comes with a story that winds through centuries and continents. The word toddy actually traces its roots back to India, where it described an alcohol made from fermented palm sap. By the early 1600s, it had found its way into the Oxford Dictionary, as did the habit of plundering spices and recipes from lands under British “influence” (ahem).
As Britain braved its cold, damp climate, the arrival of exotic spices—star anise, cinnamon, and nutmeg—changed how people drank. Hot water and whiskey became a common remedy, and by the late 1700s, Scottish poets like Robert Burns were already singing its praises.
There’s also the curious case of Irish doctor Robert Bentley Todd, who is said to have “prescribed” this concoction of brandy, sugar, cinnamon, and hot water to flu-stricken patients. Whether medical or poetic, one thing is clear: a hot toddy is a blend of cultures, stories, and flavors, all simmered into a glass.
A Sip of History
This drink is more than just whiskey and spices—it’s a blend of cultures, trade, and time. Spices that crossed oceans, recipes passed down generations, and stories scribbled by poets all come together in this humble mug.
So whether you’re making it for its history, its flavor, or just because it feels like a warm hug, the hot toddy is a winter classic that’s stood the test of time.
Share this recipe with someone who needs to make it for you (you deserve it!), and as always, happy drinking! 🍋✨
Ingredients
450 ml (about 2 cups) water
120 ml (2 shots) whiskey or bourbon
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon honey
Spices of your choice (I recommend star anise, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg)
Instructions
Make the Hot Toddy Tea:
In a saucepan, add water, lemon juice, and your spices—star anise, cinnamon, and nutmeg for me. Stir in the honey and bring everything to a boil. This mix alone is fragrant enough to warm your soul.Assemble the Drink:
Take the saucepan off the heat. Pour 60 ml of whiskey into each glass, then top it up with the hot toddy tea.The Finishing Touch:
Stir with a cinnamon stick. It adds a subtle flavor and, let’s be honest, it looks really cool.Serve and Enjoy:
Sip it slowly, let the warmth spread, and forget (just for a moment) how cold it is outside.
