A Proper Hot Toddy for Cold Weeks
The hot toddy is one of those drinks that has been overly rusticated — made to seem like it belongs only in ski lodges or to people recovering from colds, when in fact it is one of the most civilized and warming drinks available to anyone sitting in their kitchen on a cold February night.
The formula is simple and flexible: spirit, sweetener, citrus, hot water, spice. Within those parameters, there is room for a great deal of personal taste. I use a blended Scotch — something smoky and smooth — but a good bourbon works beautifully and is sweeter. Irish whiskey makes a gentler, more approachable version. Brandy is a fine substitute if you prefer not to drink whiskey.
Buckwheat honey is worth seeking out for this — its almost molasses-like depth makes the drink more complex than it has any right to be. The water should be hot but not boiling; boiling water bruises the spirit and flattens the flavor.
On variations: a slice of fresh ginger steeped in the hot water makes it more herbaceous. Star anise instead of cloves makes it more exotic. Black tea steeped in the hot water before adding everything else makes it more robust and less spirit-forward — a good option if you want something lighter.
Serves 1 · 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1½ oz whiskey (blended Scotch, bourbon, or Irish)
1 tablespoon dark honey, preferably buckwheat
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
6 oz hot water, just below boiling
1 cinnamon stick
2–3 whole cloves
Optional: thin slice of fresh ginger
METHOD
1. Warm your ceramic mug by filling it with hot water and letting it sit for a minute, then discard. A warm mug keeps the drink hot longer — this matters more than it sounds.
2. Add the honey and lemon juice to the mug. Pour over the hot water and stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Add the whiskey. Stir once more.
4. Drop in the cinnamon stick, the cloves, and the ginger slice if using. Let them steep in the drink as you sip — they'll continue to infuse and deepen the flavor.
5. Drink slowly, somewhere quiet. This is not a drink for standing over the sink.
