When the winter winds are blowing (and your nose is running), there's nothing better than a hot toddy to cure what ails you. But what, exactly is a hot toddy?
What is a Hot Toddy, Anyway?
Winter gets a bad rap—it’s become known as “cold and flu season.” Much better to think of it as “hot toddy season.” When the winter winds are blowing (and your nose is running), it’s delightful to curl your hands around a hot toddy and breathe in the fragrant, potent steam. Go ahead, breathe it in. It’s actually good for you. People have offered up hot toddies to cold-sufferers for ages. But what, exactly is a hot toddy?
What Is a Hot Toddy?
As with many traditional drinks, there’s no hard-and-fast answer to what’s in a hot toddy, or even where it came from. Depending on which origin story you believe, the first hot toddies were simply a way to defeat cold weather or were seen as medicine from the get-go. According to the most common explanation, hot toddies first appeared in Scotland in the 1700s, where publicans added a splash of boiling water to their drams of whiskey to ward off the brutal northern winters. (Anyone who’s been to Edinburgh in January knows Chicago has a serious challenger for the title of “The Windy City.”) As the story goes, publicans added sweeteners and spices to the drink to make it more palatable to the ladies. Alternate explanations are an Irish physician named Todd who prescribed a hot brandy-based drink, and a hot medicinal drink from India, called a tari, made with fermented tree sap.
How Do You Make a Hot Toddy?
Wherever the drink originally came from, the most common ingredients in a basic toddy are:
- 2 Tbsp. whiskey
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. honey
Combine the ingredients in a mug, then fill the mug to the brim with boiling water, stir, and enjoy (more on the variations later). With the combination of lemon and honey, it’s easy to see why toddies are known as a cure for sniffles and scratchy throats. Whiskey also has a warming effect, as well as encouraging drowsiness, so a hot toddy is just the thing when you’re feeling a little under the weather.
A word of caution—for all the purported medicinal properties of hot toddies, mixing alcohol with actual medicine is not a great idea. If you’re taking prescription drugs or stronger over-the-counter medications, take it easy with the alcohol content in your toddy. You wouldn’t want to have more than one, anyway, as alcohol in quantity won’t create the restful sleep you need.
Mixing it Up
The variations on toddies are almost endless. In Scotland, hot toddies also go by the name “hot whiskey,” indicating that the whiskey is non-negotiable. But in the U.S., especially the south, toddy-makers often use bourbon instead. In the Midwest, it’s often brandy. Sometimes it’s rum.
The sweetener varies, too, depending on local preferences. Straight white sugar is common, as is brown sugar. In Canada and New England, you’ll find hot toddies made with maple syrup. Most hot toddies also include spices like cinnamon, cloves and ginger, in different proportions and combinations. Some people make their toddies with cayenne pepper, to encourage the clearing of the sinuses.
How to Make a Hot Toddy With Tea
It might seem as if the only constant in a hot toddy is plain old boiling water, but not even that is sacred—many hot toddies are made with tea. Spiced teas, like chai or Earl Grey, often do double duty, taking the place of the water and the spices. Try this Tea Toddy, for something deliciously different. (If you’re making a toddy with tea, steep the tea before mixing in the other ingredients.)
So, another way to think about a hot toddy—whether you’re drinking it for pleasure or to relieve your stuffy head—is simply, “Hot drink with stuff I like in it.” Start with the basic recipe and start experimenting. Bartenders across the country are offering up their own distinct recipes, and there’s no reason you can’t do the same at home!
Get More Cozy Drink Ideas
Mocha Morning DrinkWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Crockpot Apple CiderWith crockpot apple cider, there's no such thing as last-minute prep. When you're expecting guests, just load the slow cooker hours in advance and spend your time visiting instead.
Pumpkin Spice Hot ChocolatePumpkin spiced hot chocolate is a warming cinnamon and orange-infused dairy concoction with real pumpkin puree and white chocolate chips. A cloud of spiced whipped cream on top finishes it off.
Also check out the best hot chocolate mixes according to cocoa and cozy experts.
Ghostly Hot CocoaChocolate pudding mix is the convenient start to this clever cocoa mix. Kids of all ages get a kick out of the marshmallow ghost floating on top. —Ruby Gibson, Newton, North Carolina
Slow-Cooker Chai TeaA wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this fragrant and flavorful chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado
Caramel MochaIf you crave cafe-style coffees at home, here's a recipe for caramel mocha. You can make this decadent, sweet recipe within a few minutes and have a drink that rivals what you'd get at a coffeehouse.
Mulled WineOur mulled wine recipe smells just like Christmas! A heady brew of red wine, brandy, aromatic fruits and spices will keep everyone warm during your holiday festivities.
Spiced Apricot TeaWarm up a chilly winter morning by serving cups of this hot, fruity tea. It’s wonderful with scones, muffins or other breakfast treats. —Mary Houchin, Lebanon, Illinois
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple CiderSpiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Warm Spiced Cider PunchThis is a nice warm-up punch. I like to serve it when there is a nip in the air. The aroma of the apple cider, orange juice and spices as the punch simmers in the slow cooker is wonderful. —Susan Smith, Forest, Virginia
Hot Chocolate with MarshmallowsThis hot chocolate with marshmallows recipe isn't your average cup of hot cocoa. Melted marshmallows make this the fluffiest, frothiest, coziest cocoa you'll ever sip.
Next, try out this 3-ingredient whipped hot chocolate.
Hot Cider PunchMy hot fruit punch has been a family fave since 1993—hard to believe that we’ve loved it for 20 years! Adding clove-studded orange wedges makes it look especially festive. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee
Vanilla Almond Hot CocoaTreat your family to this comforting, homemade cocoa as you decorate the tree or open holiday gifts. Vanilla and almond extracts make it taste even more special. —Vicki Holloway, Joelton, Tennessee
Hot Cranberry CiderAdding colorful appeal to a wintertime meal is easy—just turn to this tasty cider. The cranberry juice gives it lots of flavor, too. —Anna Mary Beiler, Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Spiced Mint TeaThis delightful recipe makes teatime special. Dress up this homemade fresh mint tea with spices and a bit of honey if you like. —Ione Banks, Jefferson, Oregon
Mulled Dr PepperWhen neighbors or friends visit us on a chilly evening, I'll serve this warm Dr Pepper with it's spicy undertones along side ham sandwiches and deviled eggs. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Mexican Hot ChocolateCold winter days beg for a sweet, warming and creamy beverage, but this Mexican hot chocolate recipe does even better. You’ll love the spicy aromas and touch of dark chocolate bitterness in every frothy cup.
Holiday Peppermint MochaMake spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Coffee with Cinnamon and ClovesA quick-and-easy, fall-flavored coffee made with instant granules. What's not to love about this special beverage? —Jill Garn, Charlotte, Michigan
Orange Spiced CiderEvery time I serve this wonderful hot beverage, someone asks for the recipe. Orange juice adds a bit of sweetness and Red Hots are a fun substitute for traditional cinnamon sticks. —Erika Reinhard, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Lemon Thyme Green TeaFresh sprigs of lemon thyme make this citrusy tea so refreshing—it’s like sipping summer from a cup. My family and I enjoy it so much that it’s a staple on our southern front porch.—Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Spiced Hot Apple CiderDuring cool-weather season, my husband and I take this soul-warming drink outside by the fire pit. Our house smells amazing while the cider is simmering! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
Peppermint White Hot ChocolateMy soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Vanilla Citrus CiderMy mom used to make cider for the holidays, so I based my citrus-vanilla variation on her recipe. I think it hits the spot! The longer the cider simmers, the stronger the flavors will be.—Kristin Weglarz, Bremerton, Washington
Irish CoffeeIrish coffee, with a splash of Irish whiskey, sugar and cream, is a classic recipe for a reason. Cozy up with this easy-to-make boozy treat. Sláinte!
Caramel-Chai Tea LatteInspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland
Maple Hot ChocolateWhen I first developed this version of hot chocolate, my husband was quite skeptical. But after one taste, his doubts were erased. It really hits the spot on a chilly morning, especially when served with cinnamon rolls or doughnuts. —Darlene Miller, Linn, Missouri
Comforting Coffee MilkThis recipe is special to me because the delicious ingredients and flavors speak for themselves without those extra preservatives. Now that’s refreshing! —Brenda Schrag, Farmington, New Mexico
Cappuccino PunchWhen I tried this punch at a friend's wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, Idaho
