As the temperatures start to drop, many of us seek some cozy comfort in warm foods and drinks. There’s nothing like a piping hot bowl of soup and your favorite warm beverage to get you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
When it comes to warm drinks, we know you have a lot to choose from. There are plenty of hot cocoa or hot chocolate recipes as well as specialty coffees and teas to get the chill out.
There are also plenty of hot toddy recipes.
Hot toddies are a favorite for many because they combine spices and heat with liquor. If you’ve never had a hot toddy or are new to the scene, you’ll want to check out our favorite hot toddy recipe as well as learn a little bit about why they’re so popular.
What is a hot toddy?
A hot toddy can vary a bit with its ingredients, but it is made of water, honey, liquor, herbs, and spices. Whiskey, brandy, or rum are usually the liquors of choice.
After you mix them all, you, of course, serve it hot.
The history of the hot toddy is a bit blurred. Some believe it was invented in Scotland in the 1700s.
Some say since women weren’t a fan of scotch, the hot toddy was designed for them because it was sweeter.
They say the name may be traced to Todian Spring, also referred to as Tod’s Well. This was the main water supply to Edinburgh, Scotland. So, they think the Hot Toddy may have been named after it.
Others say the hot toddy’s roots can be traced back to India and Great Britain. Since Britain was involved with trade with India, the story goes that the drink may have been named for toddy, an Indian drink made from palm tree sap.
Besides being a tasty beverage to warm you up, many people turn to the toddy for relief when they’re sick. Many people believe it can soothe a sore throat or help break up mucus.
While it may not be a cure-all, it may be able to help you feel a little better. At the very least, you’ll be warm! Other people just like to drink it for the pure taste, even when they’re feeling just fine.
Are you ready for your toddy?
Since there are variations, everyone has their favorite hot toddy recipe for what they like to include. Here’s a look at ours from The New York Times.
Hot Toddy ingredients:
- 2 ounces scotch, bourbon, rye, Irish whiskey, dark rum, cognac, or amaro
- ¾ ounces light honey, such as acacia, or maple syrup (or 1 teaspoon Demerara sugar)
- 1 (3-inch) lemon peel
- Cinnamon stick and whole star anise, to garnish (optional)
Hot Toddy directions:
Once you have all of your ingredients measured, fill a 6-ounce mug glass with boiling water and set it aside for one minute. Be sure it’s heatproof.
Next, pour out the water and add your liquor of choice and honey to the warmed glass. Top with boiling water and stir until the honey dissolves.
You can garnish your toddy with a lemon peel or cinnamon stick if you want. Let it cool down a little before drinking.
There you go, pretty simple, right? The next time you’re feeling a little chilly or just want to try a new drink recipe, try this hot toddy recipe that’s sure to please.
