National Hot Toddy Day

Do you crave festive cocktails?  Do you need to be warmed up?  National Hot Toddy Day is held on January 11^th every year. Warm drinks are created in a kettle with a variety of alcohols (usually rum, brandy or whiskey), plus with honey, lemon, water and a cinnamon stick. It is best to enjoy the fire - preferably, when it's snowing outside.  This delicious drink is even rumored to relieve cold and flu symptoms, but we will leave that part up to you.

History of Hot Toddy Day

The word “toddy” dates back to British colonial times and is derived from the Hindi word tārī, a beverage made from the fermented sap of the palm tree, a tree native to India.  The mixture traditionally includes spirit, sugar, water and spices and is usually served cold.  While this may have been where the drink first got its name, today's version of the drink hardly lives up to its name.

Apparently, the drink has changed dramatically over time.  The modern hot laptops that are recognized today may have traced their roots back to 18th century Scotland.  At this time, the Scots with the aim of helping to cure the common cold or other ailments heated the drink.

It is also thought that the credit for the drink may be due to the Irish-born doctor, Robert Bentley Todd, prescribing him a hot drink consisting of brandy, Canella (white cinnamon), sugar syrup and water. People believed that it was speeded to North America during the Revolutionary War.

As time passed, the popularity of this particular drink continued to spread as more people began to believe in its preventive measures.  In fact, in 1837 it was hailed by a newspaper in Burlington, Vermont as a "cure all".

Today, a type liquor transmission will contain a bit of alcohol (usually whiskey, but can also be brandy or rum), as well as a brewed combination of honey, lemon, water, and cinnamon (usually cinnamon stick).  Some variations may add, anise, fragrance, color, maple syrup, lime juice or bitter flavors.  Some people even like to brew a tea bag in for extra flavor and as an herbal home remedy.

How to Celebrate Hot Toddy Day

It probably goes without saying, but the best way to celebrate Hot Toddy's Day is with this delicious, comforting drink!  It is a great way to add to the festivities by exploring different recipes and variations

While often used as a cure-all, Hot Toddy is not necessarily enjoyed only when a person is feeling uncomfortable.  Today's recipes and variations mean that a Hot Toddy can be appreciated even when healthy.  In fact, it can be fun to bring a few friends and celebrate Hot Toddy Day together.

Hot Toddy Day Recipes

Classic Hot Toddy Recipe

With the standard ingredients of wine, water, lemon and honey, it's easy to mix together into the base form of this delicious hot beverage that stands the test of time.

• Add 1 glass of whiskey to the cup.
• Pour ¾ cup of boiling water into the whiskey.
• Add 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of local honey (more for extra sweetness).
• Stir until combined.
• Garnish with a cinnamon and lemon stick.

AppleJack Hot Toddy Recipe

• Place 2 ounces of apple whiskey and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup in a heat-safe glass.
• Heat 2 ounces of water to near boiling and pour into the same glass;  stir until maple syrup is dissolved.
• Tuck a few cloves into a lemon wedge, squeeze, and place in a glass.
• Garnish with a long cinnamon stick and add a thin apple slice.

Chili Cinnamon Hot Toddy Recipe

Whether clearing a stuffy nose or just enjoying the kick, this hot kids version of cinnamon and chili will knock your socks off.

Start by making a spiced simple syrup with 1 cup of honey, 1 cup of hot water, 1 dried chili pepper, 1 teaspoon of red pepper, and 2 cinnamon sticks.  (Boil, simmer for 5 minutes, soak for about 1 hour, then strain.)

• Add ¾ tsp spiced simple syrup to the glass.
• Add 1 spoon of lemon juice and mix together.
• Add 2 glasses of bourbon, then add just enough hot water to the glass (use more water for a weaker drink or less water for a bolder taste).
• Garnish with a cinnamon and lemon stick.

Choose A Fun Hot Toddy Mug!

A hot baby can be served in just a regular mug found around the house, which is sure to get the job done.

However, many bartenders prefer to use a clear glass cup (sometimes the style used for Irish coffee), which gives the drink a more classy feel. 

But to make it even more fun, change the cup in which hot kids are served!

The forged brass cups traditionally used to serve a Moscow Mule add an interesting twist to the classic Hot Toddy.  Especially if it's served with a slice of lemon instead of lemon!

For a nostalgic feel for the Hot Toddy Day party, go ahead and grab Grandma's collection of old coffee mugs from the attic.  Or let everyone bring their own weird mug to the party – and have a contest to see who has the best mug!

No matter what it is served, hot food will taste great!

If you like the warmth and bitter sweetness of drinks, share this holiday on your favorite social media sites using the hashtag #hottoddyday and let your friends know you like the drink.