Classic Hot Toddy Recipe - How to Make » The Ultimate Guide! (2024)

FAQs

What was the original hot toddy? ›

Hot toddy originates from the Hindi word taddy, which in 1610s British-occupied India was a drink made with fermented palm sap. By around the mid-18th century taddy had evolved into a 'beverage made of alcoholic liquor with hot water, sugar and spices'.

But for many Americans, the Hot Toddy is primarily a bourbon drink, which makes sense given its generally sweeter character. Yet as with all things whiskey-related, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to which one is best in any given context.

So if you're sick, feeling like you may get sick, or just want a warm nightcap, try one or two hot toddies. Any more and you could risk doing more damage than good to your body. So drink up, enjoy and feel better.

Any good whiskey will do—I've enjoyed hot toddies made with Bulleit Rye, Jameson, and Wiser's. If you prefer, you can make your hot toddy with dark rum or brandy.

A hot toddy, also known as hot whiskey in Ireland, and occasionally called southern cough syrup within the Southern United States, is typically a mixed drink made of liquor and water with honey (or in some recipes, sugar), lemon, herbs (such as tea) and spices, and served hot.

The ingredients in a hot toddy have been shown to have cough-suppressing properties. Alcohol isn't needed in the recipe to experience these benefits. Consuming warm water, lemon, and honey is the key to symptom relief. Additional items can be added to taste, such as tea, clove, and ginger.

The alcohol can help clear mucus by dilating blood vessels in the upper body. The steam from the hot water might also help to clear congestion. Whiskey might also cause drowsiness, helping you to get more rest.

Can Hot Toddies Really Cure Colds? While Hot Toddies have been used for generations as a natural way to combat cold symptoms, there is no definite research to prove that they can replace that bottle of cold medicine once and for all. They do, however, certainly provide comfort.

But fear not, hot cider, hot toddy, and mulled wine lovers: Around 85 percent of your beloved alcohol will survive the heating process. The U.S. Department of Agriculture did a study in 2007 that nailed down the numbers with the magic of the scientific method.

"Hot toddies, as the name implies, are served hot. Heat does wonders for someone when sick. A hot beverage can soothe the throat and can provide someone who has shaking (with) chills the feeling and comfort of a warm hug," Ascher said. The heat also helps to break down and thin out mucus to help clear it from the body.

What tea is best for hot toddy? ›

You can use whatever tea you want for a hot toddy, and any full-bodied, flavorful tea that can stand up well to the strong flavors of spirits and lemon is a good option.

Spirits combined with hot water (or herbal tea) honey and lemon is a beverage that helps clear up your cold symptoms and makes you feel toasty and cozy. According to folklore, by the time you finish the drink you will be breathing better, and the alcohol will start to make you drowsy so you can rest easy.

Buttery, flaky pastries like our Ham, Swiss & Apricot Pinwheels are a nice, light complement to the hot toddy. Our savory ham and swiss provide some much-needed contrast while apricot preserves enhance the sweet notes.

Bad effects on the liver

Neera, also known as palm toddy, is an alcoholic beverage that can damage the liver if consumed excessively. Since palm toddy includes ethanol, it could negatively affect a pregnant woman's lipid metabolism. It causes the liver to store fat, disrupting its normal operation.

The exact origins of hot toddies are unknown, it is believed that they originated in Scotland during the 1700s. The Hot Toddy was especially popular in Scotland due to its ability to warm up cold winter nights. As time passed, hot toddies spread from Scotland throughout the world, becoming an international favorite.

One drink, regularly enjoyed across Scotland, that offers not only a little liquid hug in a glass, but also serves as the perfect antidote to a cold, is the traditional Scottish hot toddy.