Hot Toddy is the best warm cocktail to have on a cold winter night. While many will call it the best remedy for the cold, others just enjoy the way it warms your heart. It truly will make you warm inside and out with the soothing combination of Bourbon, hot tea, lemon, honey, cloves, and cinnamon.
Hot Toddy Recipe
Such a simple cocktail to enjoy on a cold evening. Just imagine sitting in front of the fire with a warm mug of this aromatic, smooth hot toddy, while the cold wind is blowing outside. Maybe a few snow flakes starting to fall from the sky. Even though it doesn’t have to be cold outside for you to enjoy this cocktail, it’s nice to imagine.
I like to make hot toddies the classic way. Why mess with the beloved classics, right? Although, I do one thing that is a little rebellious and that is cloves. I like to add just a few cloves along with a cinnamon stick to the hot tea while it’s steeping. Cloves go very well with Bourbon and the flavor is perfect for the season.
It’s a well knows thought that hot toddy is the best cold fighting remedy. Even though it’s not a medical fact, there is nothing I enjoy more that a big mug of this cocktail when I have a cold.
Does It Actually Help With A Cold?
Well, let’s start with the fact that there is no cure for the common cold and all the medicines we take just treat and ease the symptoms. So when it comes to hot toddies, that is exactly what it does. It doesn’t actually cure the virus but it helps ease and sooth the symptoms.
Benefits of honey and lemon are pretty well known. Honey is an anti-inflammatory and works well for soothing a sore throat and cough. Lemons are full of antioxidants and Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system.
Hot toddies are good for comfort while you have a cold because it helps you relax, relieve sore throat, and lessen the cough. Rest is the best remedy for the cold and this cocktail will definitely help you get some rest.
What Liquor To Use In A Hot Toddy?
Classic hot toddies are made with whiskey or bourbon whiskey. Not everyone loves the flavor of whiskey though so there are a couple of options you can try. Vodka is a great substitute because it’s virtually flavorless. If you want to go a little sweeter, try using rum and add a splash of vanilla extract.
Ingredient Notes:
There are 5 simple ingredients in a hot toddy:
Whiskey – use your favorite whiskey or bourbon whiskey.
Hot tea – I prefer to use Earl Grey tea but any plain tea will work. Just stay clear of too many flavors.
Lemon juice – freshly squeezed lemon juice is best.
Honey – if you can get your hand on a local honey, it’s best because there are not many preservatives in it like in store-bought.
Cinnamon stick – add a cinnamon stick to the tea while it’s brewing.
Whole Cloves – this is an optional ingredient but great with whiskey and tea. Throw 3-4 cloves into the tea while it’s steeping and then discard.
Instructions:
Bring water to boil and add the tea bag, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Take off heat and let the tea steep for 3-4 minutes (check the instructions on the tea package for exact time).
Combine lemon juice, honey, and whiskey bourbon in the mugs and pour in hot tea. Stir everything together until combined and enjoy!
More Hot Cocktail Recipes To Try:
Classic Hot Toddy
Ingredients
- 3 oz whiskey bourbon
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups hot tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 whole cloves optional
Instructions
- Bring water to boil and add the tea bag, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Take off heat and let the tea steep for 3-4 minutes (check the instructions on the tea package for exact time).
- Discard cloves after tea is done steeping.
- Combine lemon juice, honey, and whiskey bourbon in the mugs and pour in hot tea. Stir everything together until combined.
Video
Nutrition
George says
My favorite hot toddy! Doesn’t even have to be cold outside, but sure helps when it is
LyubaB says
I am glad you like it, George!