Hot Toddy Recipe

Boiled water: The base of the drink, providing warmth and dilution.

Whiskey: The main spirit, adding depth and warmth to the drink.

Honey: Adds sweetness and a soothing quality.

Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.

Lemon slice: Used as a garnish, adding a visual appeal and a hint of citrus aroma.

Cinnamon stick: A garnish that adds a subtle spice and enhances the drink's aroma.

When preparing a hot toddy, ensure that the water is freshly boiled to maintain the optimal temperature for dissolving the honey and blending the flavors. Use a whiskey of your choice, but a smooth, high-quality one will enhance the overall taste. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for a bright, zesty flavor, and don't forget to stir well to fully incorporate all the ingredients. For an extra aromatic touch, gently warm the cinnamon stick before adding it as a garnish.

• boiled water - Substitute with herbal tea: Herbal tea can add additional flavors and aromas to your hot toddy, enhancing the overall experience.

• whiskey - Substitute with rum: Rum provides a different but equally warming and comforting flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness with a unique, rich flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and brightness, though with a slightly different citrus note.

• lemon slice - Substitute with orange slice: An orange slice can add a different citrus aroma and a touch of sweetness to the drink.

• cinnamon stick - Substitute with star anise: Star anise offers a warm, licorice-like flavor that can add an interesting twist to the traditional hot toddy.

• Allow your hot toddy to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can dilute the flavors.
• Transfer the cooled hot toddy into an airtight container. Mason jars or glass bottles with tight-fitting lids work best to preserve the taste.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The whiskey and honey will help preserve the drink for up to 3 days.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the hot toddy gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid boiling to maintain the integrity of the lemon juice and honey.
• If you wish to freeze the hot toddy, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly.
• Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen hot toddies can be stored for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Reheat gently before serving.
• Always garnish with a fresh slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick after reheating to maintain the drink's vibrant presentation and flavor.

• pour the leftover hot toddy into a small saucepan.
• gently heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
• avoid bringing it to a boil, as this can diminish the flavors of the whiskey and lemon juice.
• once warmed to your desired temperature, pour it back into a mug.
• if needed, add a fresh slice of lemon and a new cinnamon stick for garnish.
• alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave-safe mug by microwaving on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

• Kettle: Used to boil the water to the desired temperature for the hot toddy.

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

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

• Knife: Used to slice the lemon for garnish.

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

• Measuring cup: Helps measure the exact amount of boiled water needed for the recipe.

• Jigger: A bartending tool used to measure the 1.5 oz of whiskey accurately.

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

Pre-squeeze lemon juice: Squeeze lemon juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick access.

Use honey sticks: Keep honey sticks on hand for easy measuring and less mess.

Batch preparation: Prepare multiple servings of whiskey, honey, and lemon juice in a pitcher, then just add hot water when ready to serve.

Garnish prep: Slice lemons and have cinnamon sticks ready for quick garnishing.