Hot Toddy for Cough

This Hot Toddy Recipe is made with boiling water, whiskey, honey, lemon juice, slices of lemon and stirred to perfection.

Hot toddies are a popular winter drink that originated in Scotland in the 18th century. The exact origin of the name "toddy" is unclear, but it is thought to have come from the Hindi word "tari," which refers to a drink made from fermented palm sap.

The original hot toddy recipe consisted of whiskey, hot water, sugar, and spices such as nutmeg or cloves. It was traditionally consumed as a cold remedy, with the warm liquid and whiskey helping to soothe sore throats and alleviate cold symptoms.

Over time, the recipe for hot toddies has evolved to include additional ingredients such as lemon, honey, and tea. In some regions, hot toddies are also made with rum, brandy, or other types of alcohol instead of whiskey.

Today, hot toddies are enjoyed around the world as a comforting winter drink, and many people still believe that they can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms. While there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim, the warm liquid and soothing ingredients can certainly help to provide some relief and comfort when you're feeling under the weather.

If you love this drink, feel free to try my MARGARITA MOCKTAIL or my CRANBERRY WHISKEY SOUR.

Jump to:

• What is a Hot Toddy?
• Why is my Hot Toddy Recipe great for cough?
• What you will need
• How to make this Hot Toddy Recipe
• Substitutions
• Hot Toddy Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store a Hot Toddy
• Hot Toddy Recipe Top tips
• Hot Toddy Recipe

What is a Hot Toddy?

A hot toddy is a warm alcoholic beverage typically consumed during cold weather or when someone is feeling under the weather. The traditional recipe for a hot toddy includes whiskey or another type of spirit, hot water, honey, and lemon juice. Some people also add spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg to the mix for added flavor.

While hot toddies are often consumed as a cold remedy, they can also simply be enjoyed as a cozy winter drink. Keep in mind that the alcohol in a hot toddy can dehydrate you, so it's important to drink them in moderation and to also stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Why is my Hot Toddy Recipe great for cough?

Hot toddies are often believed to be good for coughs due to the soothing properties of the warm liquid, honey, and lemon juice they contain. Here are some reasons why hot toddies may be helpful for coughs:

• Warm liquid: The warmth of the hot toddy can help to soothe a sore throat and ease coughing by reducing irritation and inflammation. The steam from the hot liquid can also help to clear nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
• Honey: Honey is a natural cough suppressant that can help to calm a cough by coating and soothing the throat. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off bacteria that may be causing the cough.
• Lemon: Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which can help to boost the immune system and fight off infections. It can also help to break up mucus and phlegm, making it easier to cough up.
• Whiskey: While the exact reason why whiskey may be helpful for coughs is unclear, it is believed that the warming and relaxing effects of the alcohol can help to ease coughing and promote sleep. However, it's important to note that drinking alcohol in excess can actually make coughing worse by dehydrating the body and irritating the throat. So just have one if you are sick, or omit the whiskey if you prefer.

What you will need

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Boiling water
• Whiskey
• Honey
• Lemon

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make this Hot Toddy Recipe

Hint: Use a tea kettle to boil the water.

Substitutions

There are a few ingredient substitutions you can make when making a hot toddy if you don't have all the traditional ingredients on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Whiskey: While whiskey is the traditional alcohol used in a hot toddy, you can substitute it with other spirits such as brandy, rum, or bourbon, depending on your preference.
• Honey: Honey is often used to sweeten a hot toddy and provide a soothing effect, but you can also use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener instead.
• Lemon: If you don't have fresh lemons on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice or substitute it with orange juice, lime juice, or grapefruit juice for a different flavor.
• Spices: Spices like nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon can add warmth and flavor to a hot toddy, but you can also use other spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice depending on your preference.
• Tea: Some people like to add tea to their hot toddy for extra flavor and warmth. You can use black tea, green tea, or herbal tea depending on your preference.

Hot Toddy Recipe Variations

There are many variations of the hot toddy recipe, and you can adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for hot toddy recipe variations:

• Ginger Hot Toddy: Add a slice of fresh ginger or a teaspoon of ginger syrup to your hot toddy for an extra warming and spicy flavor.
• Apple Cider Hot Toddy: Instead of using hot water as the base, use warm apple cider for a fruity and flavorful twist on the classic hot toddy.
• Herbal Hot Toddy: Add a bag of your favorite herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, to your hot toddy for added relaxation and flavor.
• Maple Bourbon Hot Toddy: Use maple syrup instead of honey as the sweetener and add a splash of bourbon for a rich and flavorful hot toddy.
• Spiced Rum Hot Toddy: Use spiced rum instead of whiskey and add a cinnamon stick and a dash of nutmeg for a warm and cozy spiced flavor.
• Tea-Based Hot Toddy: Replace the hot water with your favorite tea, such as Earl Grey or Darjeeling, and add a splash of honey and lemon for a delicious tea-based hot toddy.

Equipment

You don't need any special equipment to make hot toddies, but having the following items on hand can make the process easier:

1. Tea kettle or pot: You'll need a vessel to heat up the water for your hot toddy. A tea kettle or small pot works well.I use this tea kettle to boil my water.
2. Mug: Choose a mug that can hold at least 8-12 ounces of liquid. It should be microwave-safe if you plan on using the microwave to heat up the water.
3. Spoon: You'll need a spoon to stir the ingredients together in the mug.
4. Knife and cutting board: If you're using fresh lemon, you'll need a knife and cutting board to slice it.
5. Jigger or shot glass: You'll need a jigger or shot glass to measure out the whiskey or other alcohol.

How to store a Hot Toddy

Hot toddies are best enjoyed fresh, so they should be consumed immediately after being made. However, if you have leftover hot toddy, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Here's how to store a hot toddy:

1. Let the hot toddy cool down to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator.
2. Pour the hot toddy into a container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a mason jar or a thermos.
3. Place the container in the refrigerator and allow the hot toddy to chill completely.
4. To reheat the hot toddy, simply pour it into a mug and heat it up in the microwave or on the stove.

Note that the flavor and quality of the hot toddy may change slightly after being refrigerated, as the spices and alcohol may separate or lose some of their potency. It's best to enjoy hot toddies fresh whenever possible.

Hot Toddy Recipe Top tips

Here are some top tips to help you make the perfect hot toddy:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The key to a good hot toddy is using high-quality ingredients. Use a good-quality whiskey, fresh lemon, and pure honey or maple syrup.
• Don't overheat the water: The water for your hot toddy should be hot, but not boiling. Boiling water can burn the whiskey and make the hot toddy taste bitter.
• Use spices and flavorings to your liking: Experiment with different spices and flavorings to find the perfect combination for your taste buds. Some popular options include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking: Some people like their hot toddies on the sweeter side, while others prefer a more tart and tangy flavor. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey or syrup.
• Garnish with a slice of lemon or cinnamon stick: A slice of lemon or a cinnamon stick can add a nice touch to your hot toddy and enhance the flavor.

Remember, making a hot toddy is a simple and flexible process. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredient combinations and flavorings until you find the perfect hot toddy recipe for you.

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