Feeling cold or under the weather? Warm up with an Apple Cider Hot Toddy! Made with bourbon, honey, spices, and a little bit of apple cider, it might not cure your cold, but it sure will make you feel better.
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It’s not often that you drink alcohol and claim it’s good for you, but in the case of the Hot Toddy, you can (maybe). The combination of whiskey, honey, lemon, and spices is sure to warm you up on a cold day and may even help ease your symptoms when you’re feeling a little groggy.
The story of the hot toddy
It’s generally accepted that the Hot Toddy has been around for a long time, although no one knows exactly how long. Speaking to The Telegraph in 2001, whiskey expert Charlie MacLean traced the hot toddy’s origins back to 18th-century Scotland, where honey and spices were added to mask the harsh taste of bad scotch.
Since then, the hot toddy has been popular as both a winter warmer and an intoxicating DIY cold medicine. But is it really good for you?
Is a Hot Toddy a Healthy Drink?
According to a 2008 study, drinking hot beverages can help relieve symptoms of cold and flu. Spices can stimulate saliva production, soothe a sore throat, and honey is good for a cough.
But the jury is out on the alcohol’s benefits; While moderate amounts of alcohol can act as a sedative and help you fall asleep, if you’re really ill it’s probably better not to drink too much.
What liquor to use for a hot toddy
Although most commonly made with whiskey, you can make a toddy with just about anything, even tequila or gin. I prefer bourbon here; its warm-sweet note goes particularly well with cider.
A good mid-range bourbon, like Knob Creek or Four Roses, will do well here. (Super-premium bourbons are best saved for drinks where the flavor comes through a bit more.)
Scale it up for a party!
Want a warm cocktail for a party? Scale this to serve the number of guests, combine everything on the stovetop and keep warm over the lowest heat. Have guests serve themselves with a ladle.
You can also serve the bourbon separately and let guests add a spritz to their mugs at will.
The emergency toddy, or a non-alcoholic hot toddy
Don’t feel like drinking? I’m a big fan of what I call Non-Toddy, a hot toddy without the booze. It’s just as tasty and suitable for kids, teetotalers and nights when you just don’t feel like drinking. In this case, you’re basically making a spiced cider, but what’s not to like about it?
More winter drinks to enjoy:
- honey mulled wine
- Hot mulled wine
- Traditional eggnog
- Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog)
- Hot rum with orange and vanilla
Cider Hot Toddy
To make a non-alcoholic hot toddy (or emergency toddy), simply omit the bourbon.
ingredients
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1 1/2 ounces bourbon (or any other type of whiskey)
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1 teaspoon of honey
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5 whole cloves
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1 cinnamon stick
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1 anise star (optional)
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1/2 cup apple cider
method
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Combine bourbon and honey in a heatproof mug or snifter
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Simmer the cider with spices:
Place apple cider and spices in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat and bring to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
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Pour cider into the mug:
Strain the cider into the mug and stir. Or if you like, leave a few spices in the cup for extra flavor while you sip!
