Soothing, flavorful, and simply the best Hot Toddy Recipe. This is an old classic, but it is such a classic for a reason. It is Delicious! Get the recipe here!
We started off with a hot toddy recipe and we are going to finish off with the best hot toddy recipe. We have spent the past several weeks learning about this classic cocktail and today’s recipe is a culmination of all the research and tastings. And believe me, there have been several tastings. So, with our newfound knowledge and appreciation for the hot toddy, today we present our best hot toddy recipe.
This final recipe is not really that much different than the original, but there are some key differences. In our first cocktail, we used whiskey, which is appropriate for a hot toddy. I decided, however, that brandy may be a better choice for our best hot toddy recipe. The more pronounced fruit flavors seem truer to the sweet profile of the drink. Also, the earliest printed mention in hot toddy history had brandy as the alcohol mentioned. So, I decided to switch over from whiskey to brandy.
Also, In my original recipe, I used tea. In my initial research, I found several recipes that used a teabag, some that just used spices, while others had no spices. I decided that teabags were an easy way to add flavor. For our best hot toddy recipe, I am going narrow down our flavor profile to a few, simple, elegant elements. While people sometimes drink hot toddies when they feel under the weather, it is also the sort of drink people drink in front of the fireplace. So, I want to add fireplace flavors. Specifically, two spices that I think will go a long way in this drink, cinnamon, and cloves. Another optional flavor would be nutmeg, but I decided to leave that out in this drink.
📖 Recipe
The Best Hot Toddy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 5 Minutes
- Total Time: 10 Minutes
- Yield: 1 Drink 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: English
Description
This is a simple, elegant, classic Hot Toddy. Perfect drink for sitting in front of the fireplace.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Hot Water
- 5 cloves
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 1.5 ounces Brandy
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 1 Slice of Lemon
Instructions
- While water is heating, add honey, cloves, cinnamon and brandy to Irish coffee mug or other coffee mug
- Once water is heated, pour into mug
- Squeeze lemon slice into water
- Stir with spoon and serve hot
Keywords: best hot toddy recipe
Kathi
I love boozy history lessons! I have always used a tea bag as well....something new to try! Cheers!
Ben
Thanks for visiting! Besides the actual eating and drinking, I think looking into the history of cocktails and dishes is my favorite part of this blog.
Traci The Kitchen Girl
Ok, I can't believe I've never had one of these! I obviously live under a rock...and promise when I climb out I'll try your recipe 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Beth
Yum!! I think the brandy is great substitution to kick it up a notch!!
Meredith Kauffman
I am loving hot beverages now that it is so cold out! I have never had a hot toddy before... can't wait to try it!
Haley D. Williams
I agree, brandy is a much better choice for hot toddies!
Chef Markus Mueller
Being German, I had no idea what a hot toddy was! Great little drink though, i can definitely see myself drinking this in front of the fireplace on a cold evening!
Kim @ Three Olives Branch
I could so go for one of these right now! And love the idea of switching to a brandy!
★★★★★
Pam
Now you gave me an education. I've always thought of a hot toddy as any drink that's served hot and has alcohol. I had no idea it is an actual recipe. This is perfect for the cool, damp weather we're having right now.
Adrianne
Yes, love this recipe. For me it is a fireplace type drink with a storm or snow outside. Ahhh bliss. Great post thanks Ben, also very educational! Cheers
★★★★★
Cindy Gordon
I LOVE hot toddys! I love how simple yours is. I am trying it soon!
★★★★★