A Hot Toddy

What is a hot toddy? No, it isn't necessarily a striking blonde that does it herself. It is basically a mixed drink that is served hot. Something hot for anything that ails you! I used to have a lot more hot toddies when I lived in Northeastern Ohio. It seemed I was always coming down with a cold or the flu.

Hot toddies are traditionally considered appropriate for relaxing in the evening before retiring, or following exposure to severe weather.

The ingredients can vary but usually include an alcohol to start like brandy, rum or whiskey; hot liquid such as water, cider, tea, coffee, cocoa; sweetener such as honey, syrup, sugar, artificial sweetener; spices like cinnamon sticks or cloves; and something citrus -- either a lemon or orange slice.

I wish I could convey the aroma of this drink as I think smelling it helps to relieve your ails!

They were traditionally believed to have a curative effect on colds or flu, although the American Lung Association now recommends avoiding alcoholic beverages as a remedy for the cold, as they can cause dehydration.

Quick, cast your vote - A bit of Christmas cheer for you? Is a Hot Toddy your 'cup of tea?'

• Well yes as a matter of fact it is!
• Not had one.
• Thinking about it.
• Nope!

A Simple Hot Toddy Recipe
1 teaspoon sugar syrup
1 stick cinnamon
Boiling water
1 jigger whiskey, rum, or brandy
1/2 lemon slice
3 cloves

Place sugar, cinnamon and rum in an 8-ounce mug. Fill mug with very hot water and impale the edge of the mug with lemon slice and stud with cloves. --1st Traveler's Choice Internet Cookbook.

Looking for another recipe for a hot toddy? You might want to check out Scotch Whisky Cocktails where you'll find that recipe and more drink recipes.

Hot Toddy Books:

From the scent of nutmeg-laced hot buttered rum to the fizz of a poinsettia cocktail ... from spiced cider to champagne punch!

Hot Toddies will make any holiday party shine.

A collection of 27 quick and easy recipes!

Not only hot toddies, but cocoas and hot chocolates, mulled wines and ciders, steamed and flavoured milk, wassails, punches, and grogs.


What's your Christmas Cheer? Got a good recipe to share? Let me know!
P.S. Remember to be responsible: Don’t drink and drive. Name a designated driver!

History: A Hot Toddy was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on December 4, 2007. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #984 overall. Lens #180 in the quest for Giant Squid 200 Club.