What is a Hot Toddy?

Whether we like it or not, it seems summer has passed us by for another year and there is a definite chill in the air on an evening.  The dark nights are coming up fast and the prospect of frost and snow has to be considered, though hopefully not for a while.  But as the weather turns against us, we often come home looking for something to warm us through and one idea (though not for the kids particularly!) is the hot toddy.  But what exactly is this?

Hot toddy basics

For most people, the hot toddy involves whiskey and this has been at the heart of the drink.  But modern versions have come along that explore other alcoholic components and, apparently, some of them are quite tasty.

The phrase ‘hot toddy’ is said to have connections to a drink that was brought to Scotland by those working for the East India Company as the word toddy is a drink in India made from fermenting the sap of palm trees (doubt there were many of them in Scotland at the time).  Another possible idea for the name comes from the freshwater spring at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh and the drinks made with it – whiskey being one of them!

When it comes to choose an alcohol for the job, go for something that has the strength to stand up to the other ingredients.  A good whiskey is something like a Talisker or an Islay Malt – Chivas regal, Glenlivet and other famous brands are a little too delicate.  Bourbon works well as an after-dinner toddy with its vanilla flavours while spicy drinks also work.

The hot bit

The other main ingredient in a hot toddy is the hot element and hot water is most common.  But there are other ideas for those looking for the more exotic – these include using a spice-infused tea for a chai rum toddy while another mixed apple juice and Drambuie.  The latter is said to be a lot like mulled wine.  Sugar, sugar syrup or honey can all be added to the hot element to enhance the flavours used.

The final element is what makes the drink – the spices.  The chai toddy mention makes use of some really exotic spices such as star anise, cardamom and peppercorns though some may find them too powerful.  Traditional spices used as cloves and a cinnamon stick for a subtle heat.  Ginger is another option to add as it is also warming while ground nutmeg brings a slightly peppery taste.

Cinnamon sticks and a twist of lemon peel are often used as garnish but the great thing about this drink is there is no need to stand on show – you don’t need a fancy glass and elaborate finishing as your favourite mug that the kids got you for Christmas will do the job perfectly.  The point is to wrap the hands around the mug, inhale the warming aroma and enjoy feeling the heat of the drink warm you all the way to your toes – that’s the whole point of the hot toddy!