Traditional Hot Toddy Recipe

Boiled water: This is the base of the drink and helps to meld all the flavors together.

Whiskey: A good quality whiskey will add depth and warmth to the drink.

Honey: Adds sweetness and a soothing quality to the hot toddy.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the honey and the warmth of the whiskey.

Lemon slice: Used as a garnish, it adds a fresh citrus aroma and visual appeal.

Cinnamon stick: Another garnish that adds a subtle spice and enhances the overall presentation.

To enhance the flavor of your whiskey, consider warming it slightly before adding it to the mug. This can be done by placing the whiskey in a heat-safe container and submerging it in hot water for a few minutes. This step helps to release the aromatic compounds in the whiskey, making your hot toddy even more flavorful.

• boiled water - Substitute with herbal tea: Herbal tea can add additional flavors and aromas to the hot toddy, enhancing its soothing qualities.

• whiskey - Substitute with rum: Rum provides a different but equally warming and rich flavor profile, making it a good alternative to whiskey.

• whiskey - Substitute with brandy: Brandy offers a smooth and slightly sweet taste, which complements the other ingredients in a hot toddy.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a good alternative for those looking for a vegan option, and it has a mild, sweet flavor.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and freshness, though with a slightly different citrus note.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice adds a sweeter and less tart citrus flavor, which can be a pleasant variation.

• lemon slice - Substitute with orange slice: An orange slice offers a sweeter garnish that complements the flavors of the hot toddy.

• lemon slice - Substitute with apple slice: An apple slice adds a mild sweetness and a different texture as a garnish.

• cinnamon stick - Substitute with star anise: Star anise provides a warm, licorice-like flavor that can add an interesting twist to the hot toddy.

• cinnamon stick - Substitute with clove: Clove offers a strong, aromatic spice that enhances the warming qualities of the drink.

• Allow your hot toddy to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain the drink's integrity.
• Pour the cooled hot toddy into an airtight container. Mason jars or glass bottles with tight-fitting lids work best to preserve the flavors.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The hot toddy can be kept for up to 3 days. Beyond this, the flavors may start to degrade.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the hot toddy gently on the stove over low heat. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the taste and evaporate the whiskey.
• If you prefer to freeze your hot toddy, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly.
• Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen hot toddy can be stored for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
• Always garnish with fresh lemon slices and a cinnamon stick after reheating to maintain the traditional presentation and flavor.

• Pour the leftover hot toddy into a small saucepan.
• Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the honey is well mixed and doesn't settle at the bottom.
• Do not let it come to a boil; just warm it until it reaches your desired drinking temperature.
• Alternatively, you can microwave the hot toddy in a microwave-safe mug. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it's warm enough.
• If the lemon slice and cinnamon stick have been removed, you can add fresh ones for garnish after reheating.
• Enjoy your reheated hot toddy warm.

• Kettle: Used to boil the water needed for the hot toddy.

• Mug: The vessel in which you will mix and serve the hot toddy.

• Measuring cup: Ensures you have the correct amount of boiled water.

• Jigger: A bartending tool to measure the whiskey accurately.

• Tablespoon: Used to measure the honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

• Stirring spoon: Helps to mix the ingredients thoroughly in the mug.

• Knife: Used to slice the lemon for garnish.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to slice the lemon.

Boil water in advance: Boil extra water and store it in a thermos to save time when making multiple hot toddies.

Use pre-squeezed lemon juice: Keep a small bottle of freshly squeezed lemon juice in the fridge for quick access.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice ahead of time and store them in small containers.

Garnish prep: Slice lemons and have cinnamon sticks ready in advance to streamline the garnishing process.