Hot Toddy — A heartwarming hot drink for a cold day 🍋🔥🥃

A traditional and heartwarming hot drink, the Hot Toddy boasts a rich history, originating in 17th-century Scotland and later becoming a household name in Europe and the United States. This whiskey-based concoction, infused with hot water, lemon juice, honey, and a variety of spices, offers a warming and soothing experience. It's a favorite during the cold winter months and for those struggling with a cold, especially during the chilly winters of Hong Kong, making it an ideal choice for warming your home. I highly recommend this drink for its smooth flavor and soothing properties—it's a winter lifesaver! ❄️✨

Classic ingredients for hot totti

• 40-50ml whiskey (bourbon or rye)

• 120-150 ml hot water

• 15-20 ml honey (or adjust according to personal taste)

• 15-20 ml fresh lemon juice

• lemon slices for garnish

• Common spices (optional): cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, star anise, etc.

Production steps

1. Pour the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice into a heatproof cup and stir to dissolve the honey.

2. Add hot water. It is recommended to cool it down slightly after boiling, about 80-90 degrees is the best, but not too hot.

3. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, or other spices of your choice and let steep for a few minutes to release their aroma.

4. Garnish the rim of the cup with a lemon slice and squeeze the lemon peel to release a refreshing fruity aroma.

Taste and characteristics

The Hot Toddy is sweet and mellow, with the sweet and sour notes of honey and lemon perfectly balancing the richness of the whiskey. The addition of spices adds a rich and heartwarming flavor. One sip is as if the winter chill has been melted away by the warmth, making it perfect for a winter evening drink alone or with friends around the fire. The harmonious blend of subtle spiciness and tart fruit creates a soothing experience.

Editor's Warm Suggestions

• Choose a light-flavored honey to avoid overpowering the wine and lemon flavors.

• The spices can be adjusted according to your preference. Some people add cinnamon, some like more clove aroma, or you can try cardamom or star anise to add oriental flavor.

• The temperature of hot water should not be too high. Overheating will cause the alcohol to evaporate quickly and affect the aroma of the wine.

• The simple home version is easy to operate and has very good results, making it suitable for easy DIY at home in Hong Kong during the winter.

• When you feel unwell in the early stages of a cold, you can drink a cup of hot toddy to warm yourself up, but you still need to get enough rest and see a doctor on time.

The cultural story of Totti

Legend has it that the hot toddy was originally created to warm soldiers in cold weather, later becoming a traditional winter drink in Britain and the United States. Its various iterations, from simple whiskey and hot water to incorporating honey, spices, tea, and even incendiary alcohol, continue to delight drinkers everywhere. I think the hot toddy is like a warm embrace in winter, warming the heart and making it a comforting drink perfect for chilly nights. 🥃🍯🍋

A hot toddy is a must-try winter cocktail, perfect for enjoying alone or with friends. Whether you're enjoying it alone or sharing it with friends, it's sure to bring a sense of warmth and comfort. Next time the weather turns cooler, try making a hot toddy yourself and experience this exotic winter classic!