What liquor is best for hot toddy?

A hot toddy is a classic winter drink that can help warm you up and relieve cold symptoms. It is typically made with liquor, hot water, honey and lemon. But one of the most important ingredients is the type of liquor used. The liquor provides the baseline flavor and character to the drink. So what liquor makes the best hot toddy?

Table of Contents

Whiskey

Whiskey is a popular choice for hot toddies. Its warm, smooth and slightly spicy notes pair very well with hot water, honey and lemon. Here are some of the best whiskeys to use:

Bourbon: This American whiskey has a sweet and oaky taste that shines through. Bourbon hot toddies are a cold weather staple. Try something like Maker’s Mark or Wild Turkey.
Tennessee whiskey: The most famous is Jack Daniel’s. Its mellow, slightly smoky profile works great in a hot toddy.
Scotch: Single malt Scotch whiskies make excellent toddies, especially those from the Speyside region which have a sweet, smooth taste. The Glenlivet 12 Year is a good option.

Irish: Smooth Irish whiskeys like Jameson, Bushmills or Tullamore Dew are delicious in hot toddies.

For any whiskey hot toddy, it’s best to use an aged 80-100 proof whiskey. Higher proof whiskey will impart more flavor and richness.

Brandy

Brandy is another excellent choice for hot toddies. Its sweet, fruit-forward taste balances nicely with the other ingredients. Here are recommended brandies:

Cognac: This French brandy has flavors like oak, dried fruit and baking spices. Courvoisier VSOP is a great mid-priced Cognac for toddies.
Apple brandy: With its apple cider notes, apple brandy makes a nice fall/winter hot toddy. Try Laird’s Applejack.
Pear brandy: For a more subtle fruit flavor, use a smooth pear brandy like St. George Spirits Pear Brandy.

Stay away from cheaper, bottom-shelf brandies. Splurge on a VSOP or XO Cognac for the best tasting hot toddy.

Rum

For a tropical twist, try rum in your hot toddy! Dark rums work best as they have rich, syrupy sweetness. Recommended rums include:

Dark Jamaican rum: Appleton Estate 12 Year is a premium aged Jamaican rum perfect for toddies.

Blackstrap rum: Blackstrap rum is molasses-heavy with robust dark sugar notes. Cruzan Black Strap is a widely available brand.
Spiced rum: The spices and vanilla in a good spiced rum complement a hot toddy beautifully. Try Captain Morgan Private Stock or Sailor Jerry.

For a really decadent toddy, use a dark rum like Zacapa 23 or Kirk & Sweeney 12 Year. Just go easy on the rum amount, as they are quite strong.

Sherry

Dry sherries like Fino or Manzanilla have a light, yeasty flavor that works nicely in hot toddies. Look for the following types of sherry:

Fino sherry: This very dry sherry has nutty flavors of almond, hay and yeast. Makes a delicate tasting toddy.
Amontillado sherry: With a hint of sweetness balancing the dryness, Amontillado imparts rich dried fruit notes.

Oloroso sherry: The darkest, richest sherry that still complements hot toddy spices.

Stay away from sweet sherries like Pedro Ximénez. The best sherries for hot toddies are those labeled “dry.”

Other Liquor Options

Almost any brown liquor can make a tasty hot toddy. Here are a few more great options:

Applejack: This apple brandy-based liquor has crisp apple flavor.
Drambuie: A Scottish liqueur with honey and herbal notes.
Cointreau: For an orangey twist, this triple sec liqueur adds sweet citrus.

St. Germain: An elderflower liqueur lending floral aromas.
Tuaca: A vanilla-citrus Italian liqueur that excels in winter cocktails.

Feel free to experiment with whatever liquor you have on hand! The key is using a higher proof, flavorful brown liquor.

How to Make a Hot Toddy

Making a basic hot toddy at home is very easy. Here is a simple hot toddy recipe:

2 ounces liquor (bourbon, brandy, rum, etc.)
1 tablespoon honey, maple syrup or brown sugar

4-6 ounces hot water
1 lemon wedge
Cinnamon stick, cloves or lemon slice for garnish (optional)

Add desired liquor, sweetener and any spices to mug or heatproof glass.
Squeeze in lemon wedge, then drop it into drink.
Pour in hot water, stirring to dissolve sweetener.

Garnish if desired. Serve immediately.

Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste. Add more or less sweetener, spices or lemon. For an extra soothing toddy, stir in a teaspoon of throat coat tea.

Tips for the Best Hot Toddy

Always use boiling hot water, not just warm. This helps the flavors blend.

Stir the drink well before drinking to evenly dissolve sweetener.
Add whiskey stones to cool down without diluting if it’s too hot.
Garnish with cinnamon sticks, lemon slices or whole cloves.

Try different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, brown sugar or molasses.
Splash in lemon juice at the end for brightness.

Medicinal Uses for Hot Toddies

Hot toddies have long been used for their comforting and curative properties. Sipping a steaming hot toddy can help:

Warm you up from the inside out.
Soothe a sore throat.
Relieve congestion by opening up nasal passages.

Settle an upset stomach.
Ease body aches and pains.
Induce sleep and relaxation.

The lemon, honey and spices in a hot toddy each serve a therapeutic purpose. The lemon provides vitamin C. Honey is antibacterial and soothing for sore throats. Spices like cinnamon and cloves contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. And the liquor eases aches and pains while inducing drowsiness.

Hot Toddies While Sick

Hot toddies can be a helpful part of treating cold and flu symptoms. The steam clears congestion. Toddies help loosen phlegm so it can be coughed up more easily. The honey and liquor anesthetize the throat, easing soreness and coughs. Always check with your doctor about consuming alcohol if on medication.

Non-Alcoholic Hot Toddies

You don’t have to use liquor to make a tasty hot toddy. Try one of these non-alcoholic versions:

Apple cider toddy – Substitute apple cider for the liquor and add fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
Chai tea toddy – Use strongly brewed chai tea instead of liquor for a cozy, caffeine-free toddy.
London Fog toddy – Earl Grey tea, honey and lemon make a soothing Earl Grey take on the hot toddy.

Golden milk toddy – Swap in warm turmeric golden milk for an anti-inflammatory spin.

Kids and non-drinkers can still enjoy the comforting benefits of hot toddies. Simply omit the liquor and use a flavorful non-alcoholic substitute.

History of Hot Toddies

Hot toddies have been around for centuries and originated in Scotland. Here is a brief history:

1700s – Toddies became popular in Scotland as a way to warm up in cold weather.
1800s – Their use spread to England and Ireland.
1900s – Hot toddies made their way to America and became a wintertime staple drink.

Mid 1900s – Adding curative herbs and spices became popular.
Today – Hot toddies are still beloved for warming cold bodies and easing ailments.

While recipes have evolved over the years, the basic formula of liquor, lemon, honey/sugar and spices has remained largely unchanged. Hot toddies are still revered for their warming, comforting and curative abilities after all these centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What alcohol goes best in a hot toddy?

The most popular liquors for hot toddies are bourbon, brandy, rum, Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, rye whiskey and sherry.

Is whiskey or brandy better for a hot toddy?

This depends on personal taste preference. Bourbon makes a very classic, spicy hot toddy. But brandy works excellently too with its sweeter, fruitier notes. Try both to decide which you enjoy more!

What’s the difference between a hot toddy and an Irish coffee?

An Irish coffee contains coffee, whiskey and whipped cream. A hot toddy contains liquor, lemon, honey/sugar and spices but no coffee or cream.

Will whiskey help a sore throat?

Yes, the alcohol in whiskey can temporarily numb and soothe an irritated sore throat when consumed in moderation. Honey and lemon also help ease sore throat discomfort.

Can I make a hot toddy with tea?

Absolutely. Substitute strongly brewed black tea or herbal tea for the water and liquor. Chai, Earl Grey and throat coat teas work very well in toddies.

Conclusion

While any liquor can be used, the best hot toddy is generally made with aged whiskey, brandy or rum. The liquor’s flavor profile should complement the honey, lemon and spices. Light, crisp spirits like gin or vodka are less ideal. For the perfect winter warmer, choose a rich, robust liquor like bourbon, Scotch or Cognac. Adjust the proportions and spices to your taste. Add more honey and lemon if you have a sore throat or cold. Sit back and sip slowly – the hot toddy’s curative powers will soon have you feeling soothed from head to toe.