As the brisk, winter chill fills the air, a Hot Toddy cocktail can be the cup of warmth to make the day brighter. While some people might believe in its medicinal purposes, the sweet, comforting cocktail makes it a cold weather favorite. From a classic recipe to a twist on the old favorite, these cocktail recipes deserve to be enjoyed.
While the classic Hot Toddy is a combination of honey, lemon, and whiskey, there are numerous variations on the simple recipe. Some people add more spices and others prefer to enhance one particular flavor. No matter the choice, one thing remains constant. The beverage is served warm.
The key with a Hot Toddy is the correct temperature. Too much heat will not only interfere with the flavor, but it impacts the alcohol content. No one wants an imbalanced cocktail.
A whisky sour inspired Hot Toddy.
Buchanan’s DeLuxe Whisky shared this version of a Hot Toddy. Infused with cinnamon tea, the warm spices highlight the comforting note. Combined with lemon juice for a burst of brightness, it can be the shining light on a gloomy winter day. Also, the brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness to keep the cocktail well balanced.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Buchanan’s DeLuxe Whisky
4 oz Hot Cinnamon tea
1 tbsp of brown sugar
0.25 oz lemon juice
Preparation
To make the tea, boil a cup of water with 3 cinnamon sticks.
Dissolve the sugar in the tea and add lemon juice after boiling.
Pour Buchanan's DeLuxe in a glass mug, add the tea and garnish with cinnamon stick and lime wheel.
A traditional take on a Hot Toddy
The Basil Hayden Hot Toddy is a classic version of the warm cocktail. A few extra ingredients, like ginger and cinnamon, make it quite enjoyable. Also, thoughtfulness with the bitters can change the overall flavor experience. While this recipe calls for classic bitters, a walnut bitters would add a depth that would be perfect on a chilly night.
Ingredients:
2 parts Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon
1 part honey
2 lemon wedges
2-3 slices of ginger, peeled
4-5 dashes angostura bitters
4 parts hot water
Cinnamon stick or grated cinnamon
Method:
In a saucepan over medium-heat, heat the ginger and water until almost boiling.
Pour the water into a large mug, straining out the ginger.
Add the honey, stirring until it is well dissolved.
Squeeze and drop in the lemon wedges.
Add the Basil Hayden and bitters, giving it another stir to incorporate all of the ingredients. Feel free to add more honey if you like it a little sweeter!
Garnish with a cinnamon stick or grated cinnamon.
Switch the liquor for a Mexican infused Oaxacan Hot Toddy
While whisky or bourbon is the traditional spirit in a Hot Toddy, Mezcal Union suggests using its spirit as the foundation for the warm cocktail. The artisan spirit has a smoky quality that works well with the apple cider. This cocktail has more depth than the traditional cocktail. For drinkers who prefer layered flavors, this option is perfect for them.
Ingredients:
1.1 oz Mezcal Unión Uno
1.1 oz. Hot Water
1.1 oz Apple Cider (homemade if possible)
0.8 oz Agave Honey
0.5 oz Herbal Liqueur
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
Instructions:
Mix ingredients together and pour into a rocks glass. Include a slice of lemon. Enjoy!
Ready to feel the warmth? Raise a glass to the Hot Toddy and enjoy the deliciousness.