Classic Hot Toddy Recipe

There’s something timeless about a hot toddy. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or you’re looking for a comforting way to wind down, this classic recipe has you covered. Simple ingredients, soothing warmth, and a touch of tradition come together in this quintessential drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz whiskey (bourbon, scotch, or Irish whiskey work well)
• 1 tbsp honey, or more 😉
• ½ oz lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 pinch of ground cinnamon, or 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1 slice of lemon (for garnish)
• Cloves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Warm the Glass: Pour hot water into your serving mug to warm it. I just use hot tap water. Discard the water once the mug is warm, otherwise you’re making a warm toddy. 😀
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice to the mug.
3. Add Hot Water: Pour in the hot water, stirring until the honey dissolves.
4. Garnish: Add a cinnamon stick for extra flavor, and garnish with a lemon slice studded with a few cloves if desired.
5. Serve: Enjoy your hot toddy while it’s hot.

A Sip of History

The hot toddy has a fascinating legacy, originally believed to have medicinal benefits. It remains a go-to for cozy evenings, a soothing remedy for mild colds, or simply a warming drink to enjoy by the fire.

The hot toddy has even made its way into pop culture, becoming a symbol of comfort and sophistication. In How I Met Your Mother, Ted Mosby turns to a hot toddy to cope with a rough New York winter, proving it’s the perfect drink for those “get cozy” moments. Over in the world of Downton Abbey, the Crawley family enjoys their own variations, blending British tradition with aristocratic flair. Even in the iconic novel Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, a hot toddy is mentioned as a soothing remedy on a stormy night, underscoring its role as a timeless comfort drink.

On-screen or in literature, the hot toddy stands as a warm embrace in a glass, reminding us that sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate luxury.

Raise a mug to the simple joys of life with this classic recipe!