Can a hot toddy soothe your winter ailments?

A hot toddy beverage is a classic cocktail. Now as the winter chill seems to take over, can this warm libation soothe those winter ailments?

Does a hot toddy beverage seem like the perfect way to ward off the winter chill? More and more often, people are believing that the classic cocktail can be a way to feel better. Whether it is a winter ailment, scratchy throat or just a deep chill, this cocktail could be the cure for those winter issues.

Hot toddies can be served in various ways. While the “warm” factor is always consistent, the flavors can change slightly. The basic recipes includes a liquor, water, honey and spices.

This recipe from Aberfeldy is a riff on the classic toddy recipe. For a good introduction to the classic, this cocktail recipe is on point.

Aberfeldy Golden Hot Toddy, photo provided by Aberfeldy

"Golden Hot ToddyIngredients:•50 ml Aberfeldy 12•15 ml Local Honey Syrup*•20 ml Lemon Juice•Spice Mix* Local Honey Syrup: 100g of honey, 64g water, stir and leave to chill. Bottle and use accordingly.Method: Hot, spicy and zesty, mix a bespoke hot toddy mix with Aberfeldy 12, local honey, lemon juice and hot water for this winter warmer."

During the winter, many people love hot tea. Whether it is a soothing beverage on a scratchy throat or a warm sip to push away the chill, tea is a popular choice. But, in the evening, some people would prefer to have a little kick to that spot of tea.

In this version of the hot toddy, the traditional tea gets a big boost of flavor from both the orange and the cognac. The combination of bright, citrus and spicy cinnamon is a classic blend. With a touch of sweet, this cocktail is quite soothing. Of course, the orange is a good source of vitamin C, which is vital during the winter.

D’USSE HOT TODDY, photo provided by D’USSE

"D’USSE HOT TODDYIngredients:2 oz D’USSE Cognac4 oz Hot Black Tea1 oz Honey Syrup2-3 Orange PeelsCinnamon StickMethod:Seep tea in a glass mug. Add D’USSE, honey syrup and stir. Add orange peels and cinnamon stick as a garnish."

During the winter, a few cocktails are more popular. Mulled wine, with its warm spices, is another popular winter cocktail. In this cocktail, the mulled wine is combined with the toddy for a comforting sip. With a hint of vanilla and a touch of exotic from star anise, this cocktail will surely impress anyone coming to visit. Maybe even Santa could appreciate a sip on Christmas Eve.

"The Cooper & Thief Hot ToddyCreated by Elliott Clark,Ingredients:½ cup Cooper & Thief Red Wine Blend1-2 cinnamon sticks1-2 star aniseGranulated Sugar8-12 oz hot water6 oz High West American Pairie Bourbon2 oz lemon juiceMethod:For Cooper & Thief Red Wine Blend Spiced Syrup: In a sauce pan, lightly simmer wine, broken cinnamon sticks, and star anise until warm. Add equal parts sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and strain.For Hot Toddy: Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and spiced syrup in a mug. Top with hot water and stir. Garnish with a smoke cinnamon stick and lemon wedge."

Belvedere Toddy, photo provided by Belvedere

While brown liquors, like whiskeys and bourbon, are used in hot toddies, other liquors can be used, too. This version of a toddy features vodka. The combination of the Belvedere Vodka and Lillet Blanc is quite invigorating. Add the touch of spice from the nutmeg and cloves and it is a great sipper for a winter evening.

"Belvedere ToddyIngredients:1 oz Belvedere Vodka1.5 oz Hot Water1 oz Lillet Blanc0.5 oz Lemon0.5 oz Honey1 Cinnamon StickFresh Grated Nutmeg, Orange Wedge, ClovesMethod:Add hot water to heat glass mug, then honey to melt. Add remaining liquid ingredients. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange wedge and top with freshly grated nutmeg. Option to pierce orange wedge with 3 cloves."

Do you enjoy a comforting, soothing hot toddy beverage on a chilly, winter evening? Do you think that this cocktail can cure what ails you?