I have a horrible cold, and so tonight, I decided to take matters into my own hands, and make my first ever Hot Toddy. It really does taste rather horrid, but I think that if it were made without the Scotch, it would be quite palatable!
In any case, if you are in the same position as I, afflicted with a nasty cold or flu, you may wish to try this one. Make it, get into bed, sip, and then…sleep!
Hot Toddy Recipe
1 cup water
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1 TBSP honey
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 shots Scotch Whisky
Mix the water, cinnamon, cloves, honey and lemon juice in a tall mug. Microwave on high for 1.5 minutes. Remove from microwave, and add 2 shots of Whisky. Sip….Sleep.
According to the show Alton Brown did on hot toddy’s last night (how timely!), English hot toddies can be made with any kind of liquor..it’s American ones that prefer Scotch. Soo… maybe find one that tastes a bit better than Scotch?
Excuse me… “tastes better than Scotch?” Blasphemy!
I make mine with whisky, four cloves stuck in half a slice of lemon, raw sugar and hot water. I know other recipes sometimes call for brandy or rum to be used instead, plus you can choose froman sugar or honey, and tea instead of just boiling water – you’ve actually got quite a selection of flavours to choose from if you experiment enough. 😉
My grandfather swore by Rum for Hot Toddies.
There are many different kinds of Scotch since it’s made all over scotland. A smokey, peaty scotch may be less preferable for this drink compared to a sweeter one, like something aged in a sherry cask. The casks breathe, so ones by the sea have hints of salt. Some have a harsher alcohol taste, while higher quality ones tend to have a lot of complexity. For very high quality scotch though-most advise to not mix it with anything. I’ve used Canadian Club Whiskey in hot toddies and had good results. Glenfiddich Scotch was good too.
1/2 cup water
2 shots (your choice alcohol) Crown Royal for me
1 freshly squeezed lemon
1 tsp brown sugar
I also boil water and keep my glass in the hot water in between sips.
try it for yourselves and enjoy. Don’t be afraid to experiment.