Hot Toddy Recipes - A Cold Winter Whiskey Warmer

There are some confusions about the origin of a 'toddy' .

Some consider that the term was a facetious name for whisky based on the lines of a 1721 Allan Ramsay Poem- The Morning Interview.

'Scotia does no such costly tribute bring,Only some kettles full of Todian spring.'""The Todian spring, i.e. Tod's Well , which supplies Edinburgh with water"

was given additional clarification by Ramsay. Whisky takes it's name from the Gaelic for water and that is how many make the connection. It has also been put forward that the drink takes it's name from the Indian 'toddy' . Which is produced through fermenting palm tree sap.

A traditional Scottish Whisky Hot Toddy is fairly simple to make from a combination of whisky, boiling water, and sugar or honey. This recipe is strictly for adults only however their is a non alcoholic variation for children further down the page.

• A wee dram of whisky (25 cl) The authors choice for a hot toddy is Auchentoshan Vallinch
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 50 ml Boiled water
• 1 slice fresh lemon/ a dash of lemon squash

To make your Traditional Scottish Hot Toddy put the honey in a heat proof glass or mug and pour in the water. Stir until honey is dissolved into the water then add the lemon. Finally add your chosen amount of whisky. If you like it strong add the full 25 cl (one bar shot) or alternately add a teaspoon of whisky at a time dependant on personal taste.

Alternate variations involve added a pinch of ground nutmeg, a cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon) and a clove before leaving to stand for five minutes prior to removing the cinnamon stick and clove.

Non Alcoholic Hot Toddy Recipe- suitable for children

Simply make the above with the below ingredients

• 1 teaspoon honey or 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 slice fresh lemon or a dash of lemon squash
• Mug/cup of boiled water

Some people find Scotch Whisky a little too overpowering. The Vanilla elements of Bourbon provide a more subtle taste for a toddy as a winter warmer

• 25 ml Bourbon Whisky (i.e. Jack Daniels or Jim Beam)
• 1 tablespoon mild honey
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or a dash of lemon squash
• 1/2 cup boiling-hot water.

Do you like a Hot Toddy?

Please give fedback below- especially if you try these recipes.