What are hot toddies?
A hot toddy is a classic warm drink typically made with whiskey, honey, lemon juice and hot water or tea. It’s served warm and believed to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. The whiskey, honey and lemon work together to soothe a sore throat while also providing a comforting feeling.
Hot toddies have been consumed for centuries as a remedy for the common cold. The traditional hot toddy recipe contains:
– Whiskey – Usually a Scotch or bourbon. The alcohol dilates blood vessels and creates a warming sensation.
– Honey – Soothes the throat and provides sweetness to balance the sourness of lemon juice. Honey also has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
– Lemon juice – Adds vitamin C and additional throat-soothing acidity. Lemon contains the antioxidant limonoids which boost immunity.
– Hot water or tea – Helps dissolve the honey and dilute the alcohol. Black tea adds compounds like theanine and catechins that may also relieve cold symptoms.
This simple combination of ingredients has led many people to swear by hot toddies as an effective home remedy when they’re feeling under the weather. The ingredients have individual therapeutic effects and work together to provide comfort and relief.
Do hot toddies help treat colds and flu?
There’s no definitive scientific research proving hot toddies can cure colds or flu, but the ingredients do have properties that may help relieve some symptoms:
Whiskey
Whiskey contains ethanol which has slight antimicrobial effects against some viruses. However, the amount of whiskey in a hot toddy is very small and not enough to significantly impact viral infections.
Whiskey causes vasodilation, meaning it dilates blood vessels. This produces a sensation of warmth and may relieve congestion. The larger effect is likely psychological – consuming whiskey provides comfort and relaxation which can help you rest.
Honey
Honey has antioxidant, antimicrobial and cough-suppressing effects. It coats and soothes the throat, easing soreness and coughs. Honey also contains glucose which provides energy.
Studies show honey outperforms common cough suppressants. It can relieve nighttime coughing and improve sleep quality in adults and children. However, honey alone won’t cure the infection causing symptoms.
Lemon
Lemon juice adds vitamin C which supports immune function but doesn’t prevent illness. Lemon’s acidity helps break down mucus which may relieve congestion.
Like honey, lemon provides symptom relief but doesn’t treat the root cause. Lemon also aids salivation which keeps the throat moist.
Hot liquid
Drinking warm liquids helps break up congestion and prevents dehydration from fevers and sweating. Fluids also thin out mucus secretions.
The heat is soothing, providing comfort and mental relief while you’re feeling awful. The physical act of sipping a warm drink forces you to relax and get extra rest.
When should you drink a hot toddy?
A hot toddy can be drank at the first signs of a cold or flu for symptom relief. The recipe can also be modified based on your specific symptoms:
– Sore throat – Extra honey and lemon will further soothe the throat.
– Cough – More honey to coat and calm the throat. Add a teaspoon of oregano honey for added antimicrobial benefits.
– Congestion – Add ginger or black pepper to help break up mucus.
– Aches and pains – Use a spiced whiskey like bourbon with vanilla, cinnamon or cloves. The spices have anti-inflammatory properties.
Many drink a hot toddy right before bed to ease nighttime symptoms and promote restful sleep. However, toddies should be avoided in certain cases:
– Fever – Alcohol may worsen fevers in some individuals. Drink non-alcoholic fluids if running a temperature over 101 ̊F.
– Stomach flu – Alcohol can irritate the stomach and make nausea worse. Wait until stomach symptoms resolve before drinking.
– Children – Toddies should not be given to children due to the alcohol content. Provide hot tea with honey instead.
Pregnant women and anyone on medication should consult their doctor before drinking hot toddies. The amount of alcohol is small but be cautious if you have medical concerns.
Hot toddy recipe
The classic hot toddy recipe contains 4 basic ingredients. Feel free to tweak and personalize based on your tastes and what’s available:
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces (1/4 cup) whiskey, bourbon or Scotch
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 6-8 ounces hot water or black tea
Optional extras:
– Cinnamon stick
– 1-2 cloves
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– Lemon slice
– Star anise
– Black pepper
Instructions:
1. Heat water or tea until steaming but not boiling.
2. Add whiskey, honey and lemon juice to a mug or heatproof glass.
3. Pour in the hot water/tea and stir well to dissolve honey.
4. Add any extras like cinnamon, ginger or lemon slice.
5. Let sit 1-2 minutes before drinking to allow flavors to blend.
Be careful not to make the toddy too strong – it should have a mild whiskey flavor complemented by honey and citrus. Adjust to your preferred ratio of whiskey to liquid.
Sip slowly while hot. Can be reheated as needed if it cools down.
Do hot toddies have side effects?
Most people can enjoy an occasional hot toddy without problems. However, potential side effects include:
– Impaired alertness – Whiskey can make you drowsy, increasing effects of cold medicine or other sedatives. Use caution when driving or operating machinery.
– Dehydration – Alcohol is a diuretic, increasing water loss. Be sure to drink extra non-alcoholic fluids too.
– Blood sugar fluctuations – Honey raises blood sugar. Diabetics should monitor glucose carefully.
– Heartburn – Whiskey and lemon juice may aggravate reflux or peptic ulcers.
– Drug interactions – Alcohol interacts with over 200 medications. Ask your doctor if unsure.
– Addiction – Frequent use can lead to alcohol dependence. Avoid drinking hot toddies daily for prolonged periods.
Pregnant women should not consume any amount of alcohol. Individual alcohol tolerance varies depending on factors like weight, gender and genetics. Drink in moderation and avoid overconsumption.
The bottom line
Hot toddies can definitely provide temporary relief for sore throats, coughs and congestion during a cold or flu. The satisfying warmth and hydration soothe symptoms while the honey coats and protects your throat.
However, hot toddies should not be considered a cure or treatment for colds or influenza. The amounts of whiskey, honey and lemon are too low. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and get lots of rest for your immune system to do its work fighting the virus. Hot toddies are best viewed as an adjunctive remedy to help you stay comfortable until you recover.
While not a solution in themselves, hot toddies remain a timeless comfort drink perfect for a cold winter’s night. Their simple ingredients have a long history of providing soothing relief when you’re feeling under the weather. Follow basic precautions and enjoy a hot toddy responsibly as part of your cold remedy arsenal.