Hot Toddy Recipe

Boiled water: The base of the drink, providing warmth and dilution.

Honey: Adds natural sweetness and soothing properties.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Provides a tangy, refreshing flavor and a boost of vitamin C.

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

Cinnamon stick: Optional, but adds a lovely spice and aromatic quality.

Lemon slice: Used for garnish, adding a touch of elegance and extra citrus aroma.

To enhance the flavor of your hot toddy, consider using a whiskey that has a rich, smoky profile. This will add depth to the drink. Additionally, when adding the honey and lemon juice to the mug, make sure to stir them together thoroughly before adding the whiskey and hot water. This ensures that the honey dissolves completely and the flavors meld together seamlessly. For an extra touch, lightly muddle the cinnamon stick in the mug before adding the other ingredients to release more of its aromatic oils.

• boiled 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 slightly different flavor profile that can complement the other ingredients well.

• 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 similar warmth and depth of flavor, though it will add a different character to the drink.

• cinnamon stick - Substitute with star anise: Star anise offers a different but complementary spice note that can add complexity to the drink.

• lemon - Substitute with orange: An orange slice can provide a similar citrus garnish with a slightly sweeter and less tart flavor.

• Allow the hot toddy to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and maintains the integrity of the flavors.
• Transfer the cooled hot toddy into an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This helps to preserve the whiskey and lemon juice flavors.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The hot toddy can be kept in the fridge 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 or in the microwave. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the taste of the whiskey and honey.
• If you plan to freeze the hot toddy, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. This prevents the container from cracking.
• Label the container with the date before placing it in the freezer. The hot toddy can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To thaw, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Reheat gently as mentioned above.
• For an added touch, you can freeze the lemon slices separately and add them to the reheated hot toddy for a fresh burst of citrus flavor.
• Avoid freezing the cinnamon stick as it can lose its potency. Instead, add a fresh stick when reheating the hot toddy.

• Pour the leftover Hot Toddy into a small saucepan.
• Gently reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the honey and lemon juice are well mixed.
• Avoid bringing the mixture to a boil, as this can diminish the flavors of the whiskey and lemon.
• Once warmed to your desired temperature, pour the Hot Toddy back into a mug.
• Optionally, add a fresh cinnamon stick and a new slice of lemon for garnish to refresh the flavors.

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

• Mug: The vessel where all the ingredients will be combined and served.

• Spoon: Essential for stirring the mixture to ensure the honey dissolves properly.

• Knife: Used to slice the lemon for the freshly squeezed juice and garnish.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the lemon.

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

• Jigger: Used to measure the whiskey accurately.

• Cinnamon stick: Optional garnish that adds a warm, spicy aroma and flavor.

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 for quick access.

Use honey sticks: Keep honey sticks on hand for easy measuring and less mess.

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