Hot Toddy Recipe

Hot water: The base of the drink, providing warmth and helping to dissolve the other ingredients.

Honey: Adds sweetness and has soothing properties, especially for a sore throat.

Lemon juice: Provides a tangy flavor and a dose of vitamin C.

Whiskey: Adds warmth and depth to the drink, making it more robust.

Lemon: A slice used for garnish, adding a fresh citrus aroma.

Cinnamon stick: Used for garnish, it adds a subtle spice and enhances the drink's presentation.

To enhance the flavor of your hot toddy, consider using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more vibrant taste. Additionally, when selecting your whiskey, opt for a quality brand that you enjoy sipping on its own, as its flavor will be prominent in the drink. For an extra touch, you can lightly toast the cinnamon stick before adding it to the mug, which will release its aromatic oils and deepen the overall flavor profile.

• hot 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 unique flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.

• 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 different but equally warming and comforting flavor, making it a suitable alternative.

• lemon - Substitute with orange: An orange slice can add a sweeter, more aromatic citrus note to the drink.

• cinnamon - Substitute with star anise: Star anise offers a warm, spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients while adding a unique twist.

• Allow the hot toddy to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can dilute the flavors.
• Transfer the cooled mixture into an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work best to preserve the taste and aroma.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The hot toddy can be kept for up to 3 days. Beyond this period, the flavors may start to degrade.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the hot toddy gently on the stove over low heat. Avoid using the microwave as it can unevenly heat the drink and alter the taste.
• If you plan to freeze the hot toddy, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. 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 thaw overnight. Reheat gently on the stove as mentioned earlier.
• For an extra touch of freshness, add a new slice of lemon and a fresh cinnamon stick when serving the reheated hot toddy.

• Pour the leftover hot toddy into a small saucepan.
• Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the honey doesn't settle at the bottom.
• Once the hot toddy is warmed to your desired temperature, pour it back into a mug.
• If the lemon juice has lost its zing, add a fresh squeeze before serving.
• Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a new cinnamon stick for an aromatic touch.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the hot toddy in the microwave. Pour it into a microwave-safe mug and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Be cautious not to overheat, as this can diminish the flavors of the whiskey and lemon juice.

• Kettle: Used to boil the water to the desired temperature.

• Mug: The vessel in which you will combine all the ingredients and serve the hot toddy.

• Spoon: Essential for stirring the mixture to ensure the honey, lemon juice, and whiskey are well combined.

• Knife: Used to slice the lemon for garnish.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to slice the lemon.

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

• Shot glass: Used to measure the whiskey accurately.

Boil water in advance: Boil a larger amount of water and keep it in a thermos to save time when making multiple hot toddies.

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

Use a microwave: Heat the water in the microwave for a quicker option instead of using a kettle.

Batch preparation: Prepare several hot toddies at once by multiplying the ingredients and using a larger container for mixing.

Garnish ahead: Slice the lemon and prepare the cinnamon sticks in advance to streamline the final steps.