Warm alcoholic beverages such as glögg, mulled wine and toddies originated in Northern Europe, where beer, cider, wine, and spirits were mulled (heated) with sugar and spices to add some cheer to cold winter days (before central heating, no less).

Serve a toddy (or one of the related drinks below) instead of egg nog and you’ll save big on calories. A hot toddy is just as festive and is made with mostly water instead of mostly cream and eggs!

Check out the three recipes below: Scotch Toddy, Hot Gin Cider, and Spiced Holly Highball.
 
 
HOT TODDY & ITS RELATIVES

 
While it’s not related to any of the hot drinks above, we’ll add another to the list to clarify the difference:

 
We have more history and recipes for all of these hot cocktails.

RECIPE #1: SCOTCH TODDY

This recipe comes from Laphroaig, using its 10-Year-Old Scotch Whisky. We’re big Laphroaig fans—we love that peaty, smoky taste—but you can use whatever Scotch you have. If you’re not a Scotch drinker, substitute your favorite spirit.

Instead of added spices, this recipe uses ginger liqueur.

Ingredients Per Drink

 
Preparation

1. BUILD drink in a pre-heated coffee mug.

2. GARNISH and serve.
 
 
RECIPE #2: HOT GIN CIDER

This drink, from Tanqueray London Dry Gin, is especially attractive in a tall glass mug, as in the photo below.

Ingredients Per Drink

 
Preparation

1. COMBINE the first five ingredients in a glass. Top with hot apple cider and stir.

2. GARNISH with cinnamon stick and serve.
 
Want a cool, not hot, holiday celebration drink? Here’s an option from Cruzan Rum.

RECIPE #3: SPICED HOLLY HIGHBALL

Ingredients

 
Preparation

1. MUDDLE the cranberries, mint, spice, and agave. Add rum and shake well.

2. STRAIN over ice into a highball glass. Top with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig and three cranberries.