Looking for the ultimate guide for a perfect Hot Toddy?
Well you’re in luck! Today I will give you a few of the best Hot Toddy recipes and some whiskeys to try next time you make one.
The Hot Toddy is a classic Fall/Winter cocktail. Whether you’re getting together with family or friends for a holiday party. Or kicking back under the stars. The Hot Toddy is the “soul food” of the cocktail world. It’s home. Kick your feet up, grab a book, watch a movie, chat by the fire. This is the cocktail for that!
It’s really quite simple. Bottom line? The Hot Toddy brings your favorite whiskey to the playground. It meets up with its buddies: water and honey, as well as some citrus and spices. Since it’s a hot cocktail, it really shines on those chilly, rainy fall days or cold winter nights.
Aside from all that hype, though… The Hot Toddy can heal your heart and body. Water, lemon, and honey are amazing for coughs and cold symptoms. And with the whiskey, you’ll relax and rest easy. If you are looking for relief, don’t overdo it on the whiskey, though. It’s tasty, but hydration is key.
Sometimes you save the best for last. This isn’t one of those times, we have saved the best for first! Seriously. When we asked for one of their favorite Hot Toddy recipes, @whiskeymoments came back with this beauty. Hello, warmth and relaxation! Your favorite tea, with whiskey, honey, and spices–they are hitting us with the sweet and the heat. You’ll see. Here’s their go-to recipe:
@whiskeymoments Recipe:
2-3 oz. Water Pour hot water, and let tea (recommended: mint tea) steep for 2-3 mins. Remove bag, and stir in honey till dissolved. Stir in whiskey and add a squeeze of lemon. Then add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Stir, and let it sit for 1-2 minutes before serving. |
So yeah, normally the whiskey of your choice goes into the ol’ Hot Toddy. As always, we Kentucky-based folk are going to bring you a bourbon option. It’s just how we roll. This one comes from a blog we dig: the Minimalist Baker, who has a great idea.
With this one, you’ll get maple syrup, red chili, and red pepper flakes. Yes, ma’am. Here it goes:
Spiced Cinnamon Bourbon Recipe:
Half medium lemon (juiced) For a single, add half a lemon’s juice to a mug with 3-4 tablespoons of the Chili Cinnamon Maple Simple Syrup, 2 ounces of bourbon, and hot water to top it all off. Use less water if you desire a stronger drink, of course. The longer you let it steep, the bolder the flavors become. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and lemon wedges. |
This one comes from the blog Teaspoon of Spice. They’re all about the health factors and what a Hot Toddy recipe can really do for the body–not just the soul. We’ll take it either way. Cheers for a drink that’s good for us pretty much any way you look at it.
Apple Ginger Pomegranate Recipe:
1 Tbsp Grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp dried ginger) Add the ginger to your mug. Pour in 6 ounces boiling water, and steep for 3-4 minutes. Then add bourbon, apple cider, honey, and pomegranate seeds. Stir. Garnish with apple slices. |
This one is from Azuñia Tequila and features their expertly aged tequila, if you're a tequila fan give this one a try! Here’s their go-to Hot Toddy recipe:
Azuñia Hot Toddy Recipe:
Combine Azuñia Añejo and rich demerara in a cup. Add very hot water (tea or hot coffee temperature) to the mixture and stir lightly. Express the oil from an orange peel over the surface of the drink and discard. ENJOY! |
When you’re making a Hot Toddy you need the best whiskey, and here’s why. This may just be the official comforting, feel-better cocktail. It will warm you from the inside out.
Next time you’re grabbing whiskey, keep your eyes open for these three bottles. They’ll help get you through the shorter days. They’ll soothe you when your team misses a last-second field goal. Whiskey is the best medicine, y’all. Our Kentucky mamas taught us that long ago. And we’re sticking to it.
We’re a Louisville based crew here at Prestige Decanters, so, you already knew we were going to suggest bourbon for your Hot Toddy recipe. And here it is, our number one selection. There’s something about that vanilla goodness that marches right in line with honey and lemon. Then that cinnamon and alcohol kick? Top-notch.
You might choose to kick back with Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey, Four Roses, etc. We respect your decision. For our pick, we’re giving a nod to Woodford Reserve. It’s bringing some mighty citrus and cinnamon notes and it makes sense here. We like it. Definitely a solid option.
A buddy of ours swore by this rye Hot Toddy for years. We finally tried it, and we’ve been spreading the rye gospel ever since. This Hot Toddy is special. In the recipe you make, instead of cinnamon sticks, try fresh ginger. The spicy rye and spicy ginger are an amazing match.
Old Overholt is easy on the wallet. That’s its charm. That nose is crazy for twenty bucks! And there’s something about breathing a Toddy in on a chilly night. The rye dabbles in cinnamon and citrus elements itself, which we like. Plus, it’s readily available in most liquor stores.
Rittenhouse Rye Bottled-in-Bond is also excellent. It’ll take things to another level on the palate. And we love it for $24.99.
What’s more toasty and cozy than a little smoky Scotch? If you’re a Scotch lover, maybe you’re already aware of this fine mix. If you’ve never tried Scotch, this could be a great intro for you. Want to learn more about Granddaddy Scotch? Check out Best Scotch for Beginners right here on our blog!
This one is a no-brainer for us. It’s a Glenmorangie Original every time. Why? We like the sweet and floral palate paired with all that drippy honey. And this Scotch even gives us a hint of lemon. It’s agreed. This warm cocktail is happening soon.
We think you’ll enjoy all three of the recipes above. So, boil your water, break out your beloved whiskey, and savor the warmth. It’s perfect as you head out to face the cold or as a nightcap. Best of all, you can experiment with this cold/wet-weather staple. Add your own favorite spices and fruits.
In your opinion, what’s the best whiskey for Hot Toddy cocktails? We’d like to know your thoughts on the matter. Are we missing a delicious recipe? Share your signature recipe in the comments below. Our community loves to check out what others are up to in their drinking game.