Three Soul-Warming Hot Toddy Recipes You Must Try this Fall
You read that right: Not one, not two, but three delicious hot toddy recipes perfect as a festive holiday cocktail…or simply for a cozy night at home.
If you’ve been following along on my Instagram account for a while, you’ve probably taken note of the moderate obsession I have with a steamy, amber-colored cocktail called a “Hot Toddy.” Why? Coziness, brown liquor, a little bit of healthiness…what’s not to love? Come cold weather, there’s no adult beverage I’d rather sip. And once you try the below recipes, I know you’ll feel the same!
—
I first heard about hot toddies two decades ago when my parents came home from a visit to the land of my paternal heritage: Ireland.
Their trip was cold and dreary – not a day without gray skies, rain & wind. Several days in, they arrived at a quaint but poorly insulated B&B in the countryside. The host, an elderly woman with glasses and strong forearms who seemed to always wear an apron, observed my mom shivering under a wool blanket in the living room.
“Let me fix ye a hot toddy,” she offered kindly.
According to my mom, it would be the first and only evening she felt warm all trip.
—
A couple years ago, while trying to think of something different to bring to a holiday get-together, I remembered this story and began experimenting with recipes. Today, hot toddies are my go-to homemade cocktail, and few holiday gatherings are held in which I don’t arrive loaded with a full thermos in either hand. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas? They just wouldn’t feel quite the same without hot, steamy and adorably garnished toddies for all.
A History: Some Internet digging told me the history of hot toddies is…debatable. While some Scots claim the invention as theirs, it seems most likely they were first enjoyed in British-controlled India in the 1600s.
A Note on spirits, a.k.a. “the Goods”: Most often, hot toddies are made with Scotch whiskey or Irish whiskey, but as bourbon-enthusiast, I tend to opt for the American-made spirit instead. Some people even use rum…but…I…it’s…um…no comment. The fun part about hot toddies is you really can use whatever you like! I do recommend going for a middle-of-the-road spirit though. Leave the top-shelf stuff for sipping neat, but don’t ruin a good cocktail with something you won’t enjoy either. My favorites? Bulleit and Buffalo Trace bourbons.
Serving Tip: You’ll see I pretty much always serve my hot toddies out of a double-walled glass mug. I found the ones pictured in this post at Crate & Barrel. After experimenting with traditional mugs, whiskey snifters, insulated tumblers and more, I’ve decided there is really no better option than double-walled glass. Beverages tend to taste best out of glass, the double-wall design keeps them hot longer, and clear sides & cute garnishes make them just so darn pretty.
Bonus Reason to Love Hot Toddies: Throughout history, hot toddies were believed to be good for one’s health. While alcohol is actually shown to suppress immunity (darn!), the other ingredients like citrus and honey really can give your health a boost.
One Last Thing: There are truly countless versions of hot toddies out there, and experimenting is half the fun. I can already feel a “part two” blog post coming. Do you have your own special variation? Inspire me in the Comments section below.
1. The Classic
The simple version served to my mom one dreary night in Ireland. There’s a reason it’s been popular for so many years!
Ingredients (one serving):
3/4 cup drinking water
1 tsp sugar
2 oz bourbon or whiskey
1/2 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Twist of washed, organic lemon to garnish
Directions:
In a mug, combine bourbon and lemon juice. In a saucepan or tea kettle, combine water and sugar and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Pour water mixture into mug and garnish with a twist of lemon. (I like to give the lemon twist a squeeze and run it along the rim of the mug for added flavor before dropping it in).
2. Orange You Glad It’s Hot Toddy Season?
My first ever experiment with a new hot toddy recipe. Perfect for those who like it on the sweeter side – and with a little spice!
Ingredients (one serving):
3/4 cup drinking water
1 tsp raw honey
2 oz bourbon or whiskey
1.5 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice (option to replace with 1/2 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice)
2 sticks of cinnamon
4 cloves
Twist or slice of washed, organic orange to garnish
Directions:
In a mug, combine bourbon and orange juice. In a saucepan or tea kettle, simmer water, cinnamon and cloves for 5 minutes. Option to remove cinnamon and cloves, or leave in. Add honey to water mixture and stir until combined. Remove from heat. Pour water mixture into mug. Garnish with a twist or slice of orange. Option to press additional cloves through orange slice as a garnish.
3. Lemon Know When It’s Thyme for Toddies
An herbaceous, kinda up-scale take. You’ll want to lift your pinky when you sip this one.
Ingredients (one serving):
3/4 cup drinking water
1 tsp raw honey
2 oz bourbon or whiskey
1 small bunch of thyme
1/2 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Twist or slice of washed, organic lemon to garnish
Directions:
In a mug, combine bourbon and lemon juice. In a saucepan or tea kettle, simmer water and half of thyme bunch for 1-2 minutes. Remove thyme. Add honey to herb-infused water and stir until combined. Remove from heat. Pour water mixture into mug. Garnish with twist or slice of lemon and remaining thyme.
Do you plan on trying one of these?! Let me know in the Comments section below. Made it and loved it?! Post a photo on Instagram tagging @nattieupnorth!
