Traditional Hot Toddy Recipe

Water: The base of the drink, used to dilute and blend the other flavors.

Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and soothing quality to the drink.

Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey.

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

Lemon slice: Used as a garnish to enhance the presentation and add a hint of citrus aroma.

Cinnamon stick: A fragrant garnish that adds a subtle spice to the drink.

When preparing a hot toddy, ensure that the water is boiled but not left to cool before mixing. This helps the honey dissolve more efficiently and melds the flavors of the lemon juice and whiskey seamlessly. Additionally, using freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the drink's brightness and balances the sweetness of the honey.

• water - Substitute with herbal tea: Herbal tea can add additional flavors and warmth to the drink, enhancing the overall experience.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, adding a refreshing twist to the drink.

• whiskey - Substitute with rum: Rum can provide a different but equally warming and comforting flavor, making it a suitable alternative for whiskey.

• lemon - Substitute with orange: An orange slice can offer a sweeter and slightly different citrus note, which pairs well with the other ingredients.

• cinnamon - Substitute with star anise: Star anise adds a unique, aromatic flavor that complements the warm, spiced nature of the drink.

• Allow the hot toddy to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the hot toddy into an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the hot toddy gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
• Avoid boiling to preserve the flavors of the whiskey and lemon juice.
• If you prefer, you can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
• For freezing, pour the cooled hot toddy into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Seal the container tightly and label it with the date.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw the frozen hot toddy in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat gently as described above before serving.
• Always garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a new cinnamon stick after reheating for the best presentation and flavor.

• Pour the leftover hot toddy into a small saucepan.
• Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can affect the flavor of the whiskey.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the hot toddy in the microwave. Pour it into a microwave-safe mug and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
• If the honey has settled or crystallized, give it a good stir to ensure it’s well mixed.
• Once reheated, you can refresh the drink by adding a little more lemon juice or honey to taste.
• Garnish with a fresh slice of lemon and a new cinnamon stick for an added touch of flavor and presentation.

• Saucepan: Used to boil the water.

• Mug: Used to hold and serve the hot toddy.

• Spoon: Used to stir the honey, lemon juice, and whiskey into the hot water.

• Knife: Used to slice the lemon for garnish.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to slice the lemon.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the water.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the honey and lemon juice.

• Cinnamon stick: Used as a garnish for the hot toddy.

Boil water in advance: Boil extra water and store it in a thermos to save time when making multiple hot toddies.

Use pre-squeezed lemon juice: Keep a small bottle of freshly squeezed lemon juice in the fridge to skip the squeezing step.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice ahead of time and store them in small containers.

Microwave method: Heat the water in the microwave instead of boiling it on the stove to save a few minutes.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of the hot toddy mixture and store it in the fridge, then just heat and serve when needed.