Classic Hot Toddy
Introduction
A Hot Toddy is a traditional winter drink that is believed to have medicinal properties, often used to soothe sore throats and colds. This version combines the warmth of whiskey or bourbon with the sweetness of honey, the tang of lemon, and the aromatic spices, making it a perfect drink for chilly evenings. This recipe serves 1 person and takes about 5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time.
Ingredients For The Classic Hot Toddy
- 1 1/2 ounces whiskey or bourbon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
- Lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions For The Classic Hot Toddy
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Juice the Lemon: Juice half a lemon to get about 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to the drink.
Step 2: Heat the Water
- Boil the Water: In a kettle or saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Hot water is essential to dissolve the honey and infuse the spices.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add Whiskey or Bourbon: In a mug, pour 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey or bourbon.
- Add Honey and Lemon Juice: Stir in the honey and fresh lemon juice until the honey is fully dissolved.
Step 4: Infuse with Spices
- Add Hot Water: Pour the hot water into the mug, stirring to combine.
- Add Spices: Add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and star anise (if using). Let the spices steep for a few minutes to infuse their flavors into the drink.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon slice and an additional cinnamon stick if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Hot Toddy immediately while it’s still hot.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this Classic Hot Toddy as a soothing nightcap or a comforting drink on a cold winter evening. It’s also great for serving at holiday gatherings or cozy get-togethers.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 18g
Health Benefits
- Whiskey/Bourbon: In moderation, whiskey or bourbon can help improve circulation and has antioxidant properties. It also adds a warming effect to the drink.
- Honey: Honey is known for its soothing properties and can help relieve sore throats. It also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
- Lemon: Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system. It also adds a refreshing, tangy flavor to the drink.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. It’s also rich in antioxidants.
- Cloves: Cloves are known for their antimicrobial properties and can help improve digestion. They also add a warm, spicy flavor to the drink.
- Star Anise: Star anise has antiviral properties and can help improve digestion. It adds a unique, licorice-like flavor to the drink.
Tips and Variations
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to your taste. You can add more or less depending on how sweet you like your drink.
- Add a Kick: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make it Herbal: Add a tea bag (such as chamomile or ginger tea) to the hot water for an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage: While Hot Toddies are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the honey-lemon mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply add hot water and whiskey or bourbon when ready to serve.
Background on Key Ingredients
- Whiskey/Bourbon: Whiskey and bourbon are distilled spirits made from fermented grain mash. They have a rich, complex flavor that pairs well with sweet and spicy ingredients.
- Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees. It has a unique flavor that varies depending on the flowers from which the bees collect nectar.
- Lemon: Lemons are citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. They add a bright, tangy flavor to drinks and dishes.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species. It’s widely used in both sweet and savory dishes for its warm, sweet flavor.
- Cloves: Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae. They are used in cooking for their strong, pungent flavor and aroma.
- Star Anise: Star anise is a spice made from the fruit of the Illicium verum tree. It has a distinct licorice-like flavor and is often used in both sweet and savory dishes.
The Classic Hot Toddy!
The Classic Hot Toddy is a perfect winter drink that combines the warmth of whiskey or bourbon with the soothing sweetness of honey, the tang of lemon, and the aromatic spices. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking to soothe a sore throat, warm up on a cold night, or enjoy a festive holiday drink, this Hot Toddy is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy the comforting taste of winter with every sip!
Also Try: Mexican Coffee Recipe
Or Try: Black and White Milkshake
Classic Hot Toddy: Don’t Mess With A Classic!
A Hot Toddy is a traditional winter drink that is believed to have medicinal properties, often used to soothe sore throats and colds. This version combines the warmth of whiskey or bourbon with the sweetness of honey, the tang of lemon, and the aromatic spices, making it a perfect drink for chilly evenings. This recipe serves 1 person and takes about 5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces whiskey or bourbon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 star anise optional
- Lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Juice the Lemon: Juice half a lemon to get about 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to the drink.
Step 2: Heat the Water
- Boil the Water: In a kettle or saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Hot water is essential to dissolve the honey and infuse the spices.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add Whiskey or Bourbon: In a mug, pour 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey or bourbon.
- Add Honey and Lemon Juice: Stir in the honey and fresh lemon juice until the honey is fully dissolved.
Step 4: Infuse with Spices
- Add Hot Water: Pour the hot water into the mug, stirring to combine.
- Add Spices: Add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and star anise (if using). Let the spices steep for a few minutes to infuse their flavors into the drink.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon slice and an additional cinnamon stick if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Hot Toddy immediately while it’s still hot.
Notes
Classic Hot Toddy: Don’t Mess With A Classic!
Nutrition
Calories: 183.5kcalCarbohydrates: 26.1gProtein: 1gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 15.9mgPotassium: 121.5mgFiber: 3.8gSugar: 18.7gVitamin A: 26.3IUVitamin C: 29.1mgCalcium: 67.7mgIron: 1.1mg
