What is a hot toddy?
A hot toddy is a classic warm drink made with liquor, hot water, honey and spices. It’s served hot and known for its soothing, comforting properties. The combination of heat, booze and spice makes it a popular home remedy for sore throats, colds, coughs and congestion. It’s also enjoyed simply as a warming winter cocktail.
Traditionally, a hot toddy contains:
– Liquor – Usually whiskey, rum, brandy or bourbon.
– Hot water – Boiled to kill any bacteria.
– Honey or maple syrup – To sweeten the drink and coat the throat.
– Lemon juice – Adds fresh citrus flavor.
– Spices like cinnamon, cloves or star anise – For warmth and extra flavor.
The exact ingredients and ratios can vary, allowing you to customize it to your tastes. But a basic guideline for a single serving is:
– 2 ounces liquor
– 4-6 ounces hot water
– 1-2 teaspoons honey
– Squeeze of lemon juice
– 1 cinnamon stick or teaspooon of spices
You prepare it by heating the water and combining all ingredients in a mug or heatproof glass. The end result is a soothing, steaming and aromatic beverage.
Potential health benefits
Hot toddies have long been associated with cold and flu relief. Here are some of the potential benefits attributed to its ingredients:
Hot temperature
Drinking a hot beverage can help break up congestion and mucus. The steam and heat may temporarily relieve sore throat pain and nasal congestion. Warmth also promotes blood flow and circulation.
Honey
Honey is a natural cough suppressant. It coats and soothes an irritated throat. The sweetness may also trigger the release of serotonin in the brain which enhances mood.
Lemon
Lemon provides vitamin C which supports immune function. The juice creates alkalinity helping to neutralize inflammation. It aids hydration and clears congestion.
Spices
Cinnamon, cloves and star anise contain antioxidants with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This may boost immune function and circulation.
Alcohol
High proof liquor contains up to 65% alcohol which has known antibacterial effects. The alcohol releases dopamine improving mood. It also helps induce drowsiness and sleep.
So in theory, the combined effect is temporary relief of upper respiratory symptoms allowing rest and recovery. However, most evidence is anecdotal. Further research is needed on the measurable medicinal effects of hot toddies.
Nutrition facts
The nutritional value of a hot toddy depends on the specific ingredients used.
Assuming a recipe with:
– 2 oz (60ml) whiskey
– 1 tsp (5ml) honey
– 1 oz (30ml) lemon juice
A single serving would provide:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg (13% DV) |
As you can see, a hot toddy is low in protein, fat, carbs and calories. The main nutrients are vitamin C from the lemon juice and sugar from the honey. Alcohol does not provide any nutritional value other than caloric energy.
The drink is not a significant source of vitamins, minerals or nutrients. Its value is more about temporary relief and comfort, rather than nutrition. Drinking it to control symptoms or improve wellbeing may be more important than its low nutritional profile.
Alcohol content
Given a standard 2 ounce liquor serving, a hot toddy provides about the same amount of alcohol as a regular shot or mixed drink.
For comparison:
| Drink | Alcohol Content |
|---|---|
| Hot toddy (2 oz whiskey) | 14 grams alcohol |
| Beer (12 oz, 5% ABV) | 14 grams alcohol |
| Wine (5 oz, 12% ABV) | 15 grams alcohol |
The alcohol content can go up or down depending on how strong you make the drink. Using a lower proof liquor or less of it would reduce the amount of alcohol.
This standard serving gives a buzz equivalent to beer or wine. The effects may feel more pronounced due to drinking it quickly while hot. The carbonation and colder serving temperature of beer slow down alcohol absorption.
Overall the intoxicating effect is moderate, less than a shot of hard liquor straight. The hot water dilutes the drink slightly.
When to avoid
Despite potential temporary benefits, there are some situations when hot toddies should be avoided:
– Pregnancy – Alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. Hot tea or lemon water are better options.
– Breastfeeding – Drinking may transmit alcohol to breastmilk. Have after nursing or pump and discard breastmilk for ~2 hours after drinking.
– Medications – Alcohol interacts with hundreds of prescription drugs. Consult your doctor.
– Liver conditions – Alcohol aggravates liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis.
– Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) – Alcohol can trigger reflux symptoms like heartburn. Spices may also irritate.
– Migraines – Alcohol and dehydration can trigger headaches.
– Sleep issues – Alcohol disrupts sleep cycles and quality.
– Immune deficiency – Those with compromised immunity should avoid alcohol when sick.
– Teetotalers/children – Anyone avoiding alcohol for personal or health reasons.
For those who should not drink, similar benefits may be achieved with non-alcoholic versions using warm tea, apple cider or mocktails. Ultimately, moderation is key if consuming hot toddies when sick.
Recommended maximum
Health experts advise limiting alcohol to:
– No more than 2 drinks per day for men.
– No more than 1 drink per day for women.
The serving size for one alcoholic drink is:
– 12 oz beer at 5% ABV
– 5 oz wine at 12% ABV
– 1.5 oz distilled spirits at 40% ABV
Given a hot toddy contains ~2 oz spirits, it counts as more than one standard drink. Consuming any more than a single hot toddy per day exceeds recommended limits.
To stay within healthy moderation guidelines:
– Limit to only 1 hot toddy in a 24 hour period.
– Do not exceed 2 oz liquor per serving.
– Avoid extra alcohol intake that day from other sources like wine or cocktails.
– Stay well hydrated with water and non-alcoholic drinks when sick.
– Avoid hot toddies if taking any medications that interact with alcohol.
Nursing 1-2 hot toddies max over a short period may provide temporary relief when appropriate. But any more than that offers no additional benefits, poses health risks, and delays recovery.
Safer substitutes
For those looking to minimize alcohol, possible substitutes include:
– Herbal teas with ginger, peppermint, chamomile, etc.
– Decaf chai lattes with honey and lemon.
– Apple cider with lemon, honey and spices.
– Bone broth with garlic, herbs and hot sauce.
– Vegetable or chicken broth with seasonings.
– Virgin hot toddy with no alcohol, just using tea, spices, honey and lemon.
The key is finding alternatives that provide comforting warmth and soothing ingredients without alcohol’s downsides.
The bottom line
In moderation, an occasional hot toddy may provide temporary relief of cold and flu symptoms in healthy adults. The heat, honey, and spices can temporarily soothe sore throats and congestion.
However, frequent or excessive consumption offers no health benefits and poses risks like dehydration, interactions with medications, and impaired immunity. Those who are pregnant, have certain medical conditions, or wish to avoid alcohol should opt for non-alcoholic substitutes.
Enjoying a hot toddy or two sensibly when appropriate may be fine for some people. But relying on them as a cold remedy or consuming too many can be counterproductive. As with any alcoholic beverage, drinking hot toddies should be avoided by anyone who cannot control their consumption.