Embrace the warmth and comfort of a classic Hot Toddy cocktail, I guarantee a soothing whiskey-infused serenity with every sip.
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You know those days when it starts to get dark earlier than you’d like and there’s that certain chill in the air? I call those “Hot Toddy” days. This warm, snuggly drink was made for those colder months, to help soothe your cold and cough. It is made out of whiskey for that lil kick, honey for just a smidge of sweetness, a fresh squeeze of lemon for some tang, and your favorite tea for that extra yumminess.
And honestly? It’s not just a winter thing. A good Hot Toddy can kiss those sore throats goodbye and perk up your mood any time of the year.
If you’re down with a Whiskey Sour or a Sazerac, you’ll love a Toddy! It’s the “hot” cousin of them both. Whereas those other cocktails are all about that sweet-tart play, a Hot Toddy brings everyone together in a bubble of warmth.
INGREDIENTS
Ready for a Toddy? Here’s what you’ll need!
- 1 1/2 oz. whiskey or bourbon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tea bag (your choice of flavor)
- 1 slice lemon (for garnish)
equipment needed
- Warm mug
- Kettle or a pot
- Stirring spoon
- Juicer – optional
- Knife
- Tablespoon
INSTRUCTIONS
Steep
Fill the mug with hot water and steep the tea for 3–5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and set aside.
Stir
Stir in the honey until it completely dissolves.
Add
Add the whiskey or bourbon, and the lemon juice. Stir well.
Garnish
Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately.
How to Make a Healthy/Low-Calorie Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a relatively healthy cocktail as it is and it is even recommended to soothe your cold and cough. However, you may want to consider the below adjustments:
- Replace the honey with a natural sweetener like stevia. Fewer spoonfuls of sweetness mean fewer annoying calories.
- Choose an herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, which will give your toddy an extra flavor boost as well as some bonus health points.
- Find a whiskey or bourbon that has lower sugar and keep your cocktail light.
- To make a mocktail Hot Toddy, drop the whiskey and use a non-alcoholic spirit or apple cider for a warming, alcohol-free variant reminiscent of the original. The drink will still warm you up and taste great but will assume the profile of a sophisticated tea more than a cocktail.
Tips & Tricks to Making The Perfect Hot Toddy
- Even though it is a warm cocktail, I still recommend you pick a quality whiskey for your Hot Toddy. I would go for an Irish or a good Bourbon.
- If you don’t like to steep your tea for very long, warm your mug before adding the ingredients. It will keep the drink hot for longer.
- The type of tea used is up to you, but traditional black tea, calming chamomile, or even a spicy chai all taste great.
- Nothing beats the flavor of freshly squeezed lemons.
- Speaking of lemons, make sure to add a slice for a garnish. For an extra kick, stick a few cloves into your lemon slice or add a cinnamon stick.
FAQs
A typical Hot Toddy packs in 150–200 calories, with most of them found in the whiskey and honey.
Your Hot Toddy is hot (yes, it’s not just a clever name) so it should be enjoyed in slow sips from a cozy warm mug.
It definitely does. Choose whichever tea you prefer—a classic black, a bit more daring hibiscus, or even a calming chamomile.
Sure, make a Ginger Toddy by adding a spoonful of ginger juice for a spicy twist. or choose a chai tea for a spiced-up, Indian-influenced version.
How to prep and store a hot toddy
The most you can do in terms of prepping a Hot Toddy is get the tea steeped and get the whiskey and honey all mixed up before your guests arrive (assuming you’re prepping for a get together). Pump up the heat and squeeze in some lemon when you know when you’re going to serve them.
If you have any leftover, put it in a sealed container and let it chill before storing in the fridge. When the urge to have more hits, heat it up slowly on the stovetop, but don’t let it boil or you’ll kiss the booze goodbye. Don’t forget to add a dash of fresh lemon when serving. A cool tip? If you don’t want to use the leftovers to make more cocktails, you can use it as a tasty base for a marinade!
Classic Hot Toddy
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz. whiskey or bourbon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tea bag your choice of flavor
- 1 slice lemon for garnish
Instructions
-
Fill the mug with hot water and steep the tea for 3–5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and set aside.
-
Stir in the honey until it completely dissolves.
-
Add the whiskey or bourbon, and the lemon juice. Stir well.
-
Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- The type of tea used is up to you, but traditional black tea, calming chamomile, or even a spicy chai can add new depth and variety to your Hot Toddy experience.
- Nothing beats the flavor of freshly squeezed lemons.
- Speaking of lemons, add a slice for a garnish, and, for an extra kick, prick a few cloves into your lemon slice or adding a cinnamon stick.
Nutrition
The post Hot Toddy Cocktail (Classic Recipe!) appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.
