I love a hot toddy, especially during the colder months. A hot toddy is a classic cocktail with dark liquor like whiskey, hot water, and spices. We love adding lemon and sweetening the hot toddies with honey. It’s so soothing.
Key Ingredients
Dark liquor: Use brandy, whiskey, dark rum, or bourbon. The best liquor for making hot toddies is one you already enjoy the flavor of. We love using dark rum or bourbon. Hot water or hot tea: My favorite hot toddy recipe calls for hot tea. We’ve tried a variety of teas. Like English breakfast, black tea stands up to the liquor, but a calmer, more soothing tea like chamomile works well, too. I also really enjoy ginger tea. Honey or maple syrup: Sweetens up our hot toddy. Add as much as you need. Fresh lemon: Classic in this recipe, and I love it. Orange is also quite delicious. Apple cider vinegar: My secret ingredient for the best hot toddy! A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar brings out all the flavors of the toddy without making it taste too sweet. Adam came up with the idea after ordering a hot toddy at a small bar in Seattle (they mixed in a shrub, which is basically a fruit-and-vinegar syrup added to cocktails and sodas).
How to Make a Hot Toddy
When making hot toddies, I first warm my mug, add hot water, swirl, and then dump it out. Then, I add hot water or brew tea and stir in fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and honey until they dissolve. Add a splash of liquor (I love dark rum or bourbon) and a slice of lemon. So good!
How to Make a Hot Toddy for a Cold?
My grandmother swears by a hot toddy for colds, but we skip the alcohol when we’re sick. We still make our hot toddy recipe, but we leave out the alcohol. A drink made with lemon, honey, hot water, and a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar is soothing and feels amazing on a sore throat. I often swap that hot water for tea, like chamomile. 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon pure honey 1/4 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, optional 1/4 cup hot water or brewed tea Lemon slice 2Add the rum or bourbon, stir then finish with a lemon slice.
