Traditional Hot Toddy Recipe

Hot water: The base of the drink, providing warmth and helping to dissolve the other ingredients.

Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a soothing quality to the drink.

Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey.

Whiskey: The main spirit in the drink, adding depth and warmth.

Lemon: Used as a garnish, adding a touch of citrus aroma and flavor.

Cinnamon stick: Adds a warm, spicy note and serves as a decorative garnish.

To enhance the flavor of your hot toddy, consider using freshly boiled water rather than water that has been sitting in the kettle for a while. Freshly boiled water ensures that the honey dissolves more easily and that the lemon juice and whiskey blend seamlessly. Additionally, warming your mug with hot water before preparing the drink can help maintain the temperature of your hot toddy for a longer period.

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

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness with a unique, rich flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though it will impart a slightly different taste.

• whiskey - Substitute with rum: Rum can provide a different but equally warming and comforting flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative.

• lemon - Substitute with orange: An orange slice can add a slightly sweeter and more aromatic citrus note to the drink.

• cinnamon - Substitute with star anise: Star anise offers a warm, licorice-like flavor that can add a unique twist to the traditional hot toddy.

• Allow the hot toddy to cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps the flavors intact.
• Transfer the cooled hot toddy into an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This helps in preserving the aroma and taste.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. The cold environment will keep the lemon juice and whiskey fresh.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Pour the hot toddy into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. This method allows you to thaw only the amount you need.
• Once frozen, transfer the hot toddy cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• To reheat, place the desired amount of hot toddy in a saucepan and warm over low heat. Avoid boiling to maintain the delicate balance of honey and lemon juice.
• Alternatively, you can microwave the hot toddy in a microwave-safe mug. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your preferred temperature.
• Always garnish with a fresh slice of lemon and a new cinnamon stick before serving to enhance the presentation and flavor.

• Pour the leftover hot toddy into a small saucepan.
• Warm it over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Avoid bringing it to a boil, as this can diminish the flavors of the whiskey and lemon juice.
• Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave. Pour the hot toddy into a microwave-safe mug.
• Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, then stir.
• Continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature.
• If the honey has settled, give it a good stir to redistribute the sweetness.
• Garnish with a fresh slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick before serving.

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

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

• Spoon: Used to stir the ingredients together until the honey is dissolved.

• Knife: Needed to slice the lemon for garnish.

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

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of honey and lemon juice.

• Jigger: Used to measure the whiskey accurately.

• Cinnamon stick: Used as a garnish to enhance the flavor and presentation of the hot toddy.

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

Pre-squeeze lemon juice: Squeeze lemon juice ahead of time and keep it in the fridge to quickly add to your hot toddy.

Use a honey dispenser: Keep honey in a squeeze bottle for easy and quick measuring.

Batch prep garnishes: Slice lemons and prepare cinnamon sticks in advance, storing them in an airtight container.

Measure whiskey ahead: Pre-measure whiskey into small containers for quick assembly.