Warm And Cozy Hot Toddy Recipe

The hot toddy is a drink with a fuzzy background. Merriam-Webster says it can have two meanings — the one we're most likely familiar with describes a hot, often alcoholic, drink made with sugar and lemon juice, but the other, and probably original, sense of the word is that of a drink made of palm sap. The former, of course, describes a classic cocktail, and an easy one to make at home, too.

This toddy recipe, however, adheres to the more standard formula, meaning it's entirely palm sap-free. Instead, it's pretty much the same booze, lemon, and sweetener mixture that may feel more familiar, especially to those who love a hot cocktail. Recipe developer Jaime Shelbert, however, chooses to sweeten hers with honey instead of the sugar mentioned by Merriam-Webster. Shelbert describes this drink as something that will "chase away the chill of damp and windy days." She also notes that toddies are alleged to have health benefits, telling us, "Some may reach for a hot toddy to soothe a sore throat." Soon enough you can sip away at ease — but first, let's make the recipe.

This recipe calls for just three ingredients — or four, if you count the water. You'll first need some whiskey, along with lemon juice and honey. That's it, although you can garnish your drink with a wedge of lemon or even a cinnamon stick if you want to be fancy.

The first step in this recipe simply involves the water. Bring the water to a boil using a kettle, the stove top, microwave, or whatever method you like best. Then, pour the water evenly into two mugs.

Now, it's time to make the cocktail itself. Pour even amounts of whiskey into the two mugs, followed by lemon juice, and finally some honey. Stir the drink up so that the honey melts into the hot water.

If you want to garnish your drink with the aforementioned lemon wedge, cinnamon stick, or anything else that strikes your fancy, go right ahead and do so. Shelbert suggests that "cloves and star anise can be used as warming spices instead of a cinnamon stick."

If whiskey's not your thing, there's no law against using a different kind of liquor. Shelbert says, "This certainly could be changed up with other alcohol including brandy, rum, and bourbon." She says you can also replace the water with tea, and also suggests that "hot apple cider offers a tasty alternative to hot water." Other tweaks you might consider are using sugar or maple syrup in place of the honey or even turning this hot drink into a cold one. As Shelbert tells us, "Iced toddies put a refreshing spin on a hot toddy."