Hot Toddy

Historically consumed as a warming mechanism on cold nights, hot toddies developed a reputation as a remedy for cold. This mixture may ease congestion, soothe your throat, and help you sleep. Limit yourself to one if taking as a cold remedy -- too much alcohol can keep you awake.

The hot toddy most likely dates back to the 17th century, according to the Washington Post, taking on different formulas in different countries along the way. But the basic template of the drink is constant around the globe: liquor (typically bourbon, whiskey, or brandy); hot liquid (typically water), sweetener (typically honey), and often spices (any mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice). This recipe on Imbibe Magazine shows you how to make a "classic" toddy with bourbon, honey, lemon juice, and boiling water, garnished with a lemon wedge and cinnamon stick.

Once you've had a hot toddy or two, you'll soon discover how easy it would be to play around with the ingredients and make variations on the cocktail. And it is easy! Here are 5 variations on the classic hot toddy that each only call for one simple substitution:

1. Pick a nice heavy-duty spirit. If you’re sticking to a traditional Scottish whisky, make sure you go for a richer single malt (Jerry Thomas is reputed to have used the smoky Caol Isla, which goes a long way to clearing your head on its own). If you’re using other spirits, darker are generally better, or in the case of gin, use a stronger brand that is made by steeping the botanicals rather than using vapour (for example Beefeater or Tanqueray). Heavier flavours will stand up to the hot water better, and make the texture of the drink smoother.
2. Use apple cider instead of honey and water. My personal favorite "toddy" is not a true toddy but a delicious variation. In this version, the honey and water are replaced with apple cider—use real cider from the farm if you can find it. Bring to a boil with a cinnamon stick and one or two cloves, then mix with bourbon and a squeeze of lemon juice. Finish off with a garnish of a lemon wedge and cinnamon stick.
3. Kick up the heat and spice with ginger. Fresh ginger rarely hurts a cocktail, and this is no exception. When boiling your liquid of choice, add a few long slices of thinly sliced ginger to the mix so you make a ginger infusion. The longer you simmer your ginger and liquid together, the stronger the ginger flavor will develop. Add liquor and spices to taste as usual.
4. Use tea as your mixer liquid. Instead of juice or water as your base toddy mixer, use green, black, or chai tea and enjoy the lightly herbal zing. Simply brew a strong cup of tea in hot water then use in your toddy as usual.
5. Replace the spirits with vodka. Vodka is rarely used in toddies, but it's a natural pair for both lemon and honey, so this combination works quite nicely. Use a high-quality plain vodka to keep the toddy clean and minimalistic, or go with an organic flavored vodka to get your mixology on.
6. Go ultra-cinnamon. If you're a fan of cinnamon—and chances are, if you're into toddies and wintry drinks, you are—then you'll love this variation. Imbibe Magazine features a recipe for homemade cinnamon syrup that you can use in place of honey to make your classic toddy wonderfully spiced.

Hot Toddy, 19th century recipe

Variations:

A cinnamon stick or whole cloves are also nice additions.

To change this up a bit, use apple brandy, such as Calvados, instead of the other liquors. This drink is called an Apple Brandy Hot Toddy.