The Hot Toddy: the cocktail that warms the heart and spirit
On a rainy autumn evening, warm yourself up with a Hot Toddy. This hot cocktail is made with whiskey, honey, and lemon. It is a real institution in Ireland and Scotland.
It is also known as a “miracle cure” for colds and winter blues.
The legend of the Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy has its origins in 18th-century Scottish taverns. At the time, hot water, whiskey, and sugar were mixed together to sweeten the long winter evenings.
The Irish then added honey, lemon, and spices for an even more fragrant and convivial mixture.
It was the remedy of Celtic grandmothers: “A Hot Toddy before bed, and tomorrow you'll be singing again!”
The traditional recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cl Irish whiskey (Jameson, Bushmills, or Teeling Small Batch)
- 1 tablespoon Irish honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 15 cl hot water
- 1 slice of lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- A few cloves
Preparation
- Heat the water without boiling it.
- In a heat-resistant mug, mix the whiskey, honey, and lemon.
- Pour in the hot water, then stir gently.
- Add the lemon slice studded with cloves and the cinnamon stick.
- Let steep for 2 to 3 minutes before enjoying.
©BBCFood
Variations
Cider Hot Toddy: Replace the water with hot Irish cider for a fruity version.
Pear Hot Toddy: Add a dash of pear or spiced liqueur.
Non-alcoholic Hot Toddy: Replace the whiskey with Assam black tea and a spoonful of ginger syrup.
