Description
Warm whiskey meets winter comfort in this classic Hot Toddy recipe, perfect for soothing cold nights. Whiskey, honey, lemon, and spices blend into a healing elixir that wraps you in cozy Scottish tradition with each comforting sip.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Spirits:
- 1.5 ounces (45 milliliters) whiskey (bourbon or rye)
Sweeteners and Acids:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
- 0.5 ounces (15 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
Liquid and Garnishes:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) hot water
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
- Whole cloves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a kettle with fresh water and bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and let the temperature drop slightly to prevent scorching the other ingredients.
- Select a sturdy ceramic mug and pour in a smooth whiskey, creating a warm base for the comforting beverage.
- Drizzle fragrant honey into the whiskey, allowing its golden sweetness to settle at the bottom of the mug.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly into the mixture, releasing bright citrus notes that will balance the drink’s rich warmth.
- Carefully pour the slightly cooled hot water into the mug, stirring gently with a long spoon to ensure the honey dissolves completely and integrates with the whiskey and lemon.
- Enhance the aromatic profile by dropping a whole cinnamon stick into the liquid or adding a few whole cloves for a subtle, spiced undertone.
- Garnish the rim with a thin, curved lemon slice that will rest elegantly against the mug’s edge, adding both visual appeal and an extra hint of citrus essence.
- Allow the hot toddy to steep for a moment, letting the flavors meld and the drink reach an ideal sipping temperature before enjoying.
Notes
- Selecting the right whiskey makes a significant difference in flavor, with bourbon or scotch offering richer taste profiles.
- Adjust honey amount based on personal sweetness preference, using local raw honey for enhanced health benefits.
- Adding fresh ginger or a small pinch of ground nutmeg creates a warming spice dimension that complements the drink’s soothing qualities.
- Using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled ensures brighter, more vibrant citrus notes and maximum vitamin C content.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktails, Mocktails
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg