The Best Hot Toddy Recipe for Frosty Winter Nights
The ultimate winter warmer beverage every mama should master!
A Hot Toddy can be interpreted in many different ways and has several different name variations depending on where you are from, but it is essentially a hot liquor drink made with water, honey, herbs, and spices.
It’s not just a festive drink but an all-around winter warmer, especially popular in winter when staving off those nasty cold and flu symptoms.
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Tools You Will Need for Making a Hot Toddy
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large serving cup or mug
- Jigger
- Citrus squeezer
- Long stirring spoon
Find all our favourite tools for your home cocktail bar here.
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Traditional Hot Toddy
This simple make-in-the-mug hot beverage is a winner whether it’s fighting off winter colds or a toasty warm drink around the fire at Christmas.
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 serve 1x
Ingredients
1/3 cup brown liquor (eg brandy, whiskey, scotch, dark rum)
1 tablespoon honey
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup of boiling hot water
Garnish: lemon wedge, cinnamon stick, star anise
Instructions
- Pre-warm your mug/glass (this can be done by pouring in boiling hot water first, tip out and wipe clean)
- Pour all the ingredients into a warmed mug and stir
- Add garnish if desired
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
Is it the same thing as hot-buttered rum? No. A common misconception is that Hot Toddy and Buttered Rum are used interchangeably, but in fact, hot toddy, by its broad definition, is any spirit. Buttered Rum—by its name—is a rum-specific drink that requires a separate “batter.” You can see our favorite version of hot buttered rum here.
I’ll be honest: I used to think that a hot toddy was one of those comical things my grandma would talk about until I had to spend a winter in England! Honestly, next time you feel the sniffles come along, you need to treat yourself to this and see how you feel!
It’s also a great beverage to serve around Christmas—it’s made it to our favorite festive drinks list!
Variations on Hot Toddy
There are so many variations to the Hot Toddy you can enjoy. It’s up to you and your liquor of choice – and the sweeteners and garnishes, too! Why not try:
- Spiced rum for that little extra kick
- Bourbon can bring out some sweet vanilla flavors
- Black tea can be added instead of just hot water
- Add a dash of apple cider vinegar
- In Canada, maple syrup is used (of course!) in place of the honey
- Like it really sweet? Keep adding the honey until it hits the spot
- A little nutmeg or ginger can spice things up
Serving Cups for Hot Toddy
Traditionally served in a tall glass with a handle (I love these double-wall insulated coffee mugs), there’s no end to how you can serve a hot toddy. Some prefer their favorite ceramic mug, but serving it in a copper-insulated mug is also popular.
Catch more of our popular classic cocktail recipes over here, plus, we share many more non-alcoholic hot drink ideas that are perfect winter warmers.
Little Party Pixie advocates quality over quantity. Always drink responsibly!
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