classic hot toddy
My amazing, wonderful, hilarious husband, Elliott, decided to take the blog reigns today for a guest post about cocktails (something he enjoys and I enjoy when, you know, I’m not growing an onion in my belly). In case you’re in need of a classic hot toddy for the holidays, for that nasty cold or because it’s got bourbon in it and that’s all you need to know… well, Elliott can fill you in more on how to make this tasty beverage (P.S. photos are still by me so the artist at work had both hands free to create his cocktails).
It’s 28 degrees and snowing in Minnesota today. I’ve just finished raking and bagging the last of the leaves. After my glasses fog up coming back inside, it’s time for something to warm me up. Because leaves are the bane of my existence.
How about something classic? How about something piping hot, sweet and containing alcohol? YES PLEASE.
Not just something classic, the classic. That would be the hot toddy thankyouverymuch (see what I did there, Stephanie?). There’s endless variations, but I like to start with the traditional: bourbon, lemon juice, honey and hot water. So let’s pretend it’s the 1800s and a hot toddy can cure you of that nagging cold or flu. Or the beginning of a long Minnesota winter.
I made these toddies with some Knob Creek bourbon I had on hand, the flavor was good, but quite strong. So, choose a less intense bourbon if you want a mellower drink. Or you could use Brandy or Cognac if you please. I suggest you use fresh lemon juice instead of that bottled stuff for flavor’s sake. And use good honey, it will make a big difference.
You will not regret making this drink on a chilly winter eve. It’s super easy. And it really will warm you right up. Also, it’s best sipped near a roaring fire with frost on the windows. Watching Christmas Vacation will probably also enhance your drinking pleasure!
P.S. For a non-alcoholic variation, leave out the booze and steep some tea in the water instead.
Classic Hot Toddy
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 1 drink for one thirsty and chilly person 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 to 2 1/2 oz bourbon, brandy or cognac
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey (to taste, I prefer 2)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash Angostura bitters (if desired)
- 4 oz boiling hot water
Instructions
- Stir bourbon, honey, fresh lemon juice and dash of bitters in serving glass.
- Add boiling water.
- Stir once more.
- Garnish with lemon slice.
- Enjoy.
Keywords: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Winter, Holiday, Holidays, Warm
Nice to see the other side of steph! I am big fan of the hot toddy; maybe because I am a secret Irish man at heart.
Definitely appropriate for the US fall, I could use a steamy hot one right now.
True story. I’m not a fan of bourbon/whiskey (long story as to why I’m not), but when I was going to school in Kentucky, after a dance, my date took me back to his place for a night cap (this is not going where you think it is). Anyway, he made me a hot toddy with Kentucky moonshine. Holy in the moly. I think that was just about the best drink I’ve ever had. This actually makes me want to buy a bottle of bourbon and have some on hand for those cold Illinois nights that are coming. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Oh I love a classic Hot Toddy, especially on a cold day.
i’ll have to bookmark this for my first ever minnesota (well… minnesota/northa dakota border…) winter!!!! yayyyy snow!!!
i love this and i’m jealous, i want my man to guest post!!
Great post Elliott! Leaves are the band of my husband’s existence too! Especially since he didn’t rake all of them up before we got some rain and then they started to compost on their own and were super heavy.
First big snow here today in WI! I was feeling down about it but….I think all I need is a hot toddy to pick myself right up. Nice work Elliott! Want to guest post on my blog? 😉
Its been freezing here in the northeast for a couple of days now – this seems like the perfect drink to warm you up!
Nice post Elliot! You may be a trendsetter! Happy Thanksgiving to both of you!
Yum I’d like one of these in my office right now, it would warm me up!
Great post! It’s supposed to snow here in Texas today (so rare!!!), so this is coming at a perfect time!
I will never say no to a glass of bourbon. Love these!!!
Awww I love that your hubs made a guest post! I’ve been trying to convince mine to when I feeling under the weather. I can honestly say I’ve never had a hot toddy before, how criminal! These look just perfect!
Julie — Ha! That’s a great story (and totally didn’t go where I thought it was going ;)). I think a bottle of bourbon is basically a Midwest winter survival staple. Can’t go wrong with one of those.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
Great guest post! I’m always in need of a classic cocktail recipe. Sounds delicious!
Love this! I really wish I was up there in the northern hemisphere right now!