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January 11th is National Hot Toddy Day, coming at a good time in what is traditionally cold and flu season.
Medical professionals agree that a hot toddy can be good for colds and mild respiratory congestion.
Both the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University in the U.K. and the Mayo Clinic in the U.S. have cited the spices, which stimulate saliva to help ease a sore throat, and the combination of lemon and honey stimulate mucus drainage.
Plus, warm liquids ease congestion and prevent dehydration.
Neither institution suggests large doses of whiskey but agrees that a small amount can ease the stress that comes with being ill from a cold.
But a hot toddy is also a warm and comforting drink in chilly weather, and lets you use your favorite spirit—bourbon, brandy, gin, scotch, tequila, etc.
There are even beer toddies and wine toddies (mulled wine, recipes below).
> Hot Buttered Rum Day, January 17th, celebrates almost the same drink. The difference: A hot toddy can be made with any spirit, whereas hot buttered rum is made with rum.
THANKS TO INDIA FOR THE FIRST RECIPE
The toddy first appeared in the early 16th century in India. It was named tārī (a Hindi word pronounced taddy), and was a popular folk remedy for congestion. (Punch also came from India: the scoop.)
The mixture, originally served cold, included alcohol, sugar, water, and spices (very similar to today’s basic recipe).
Adding hot water, and later hot tea, turned it into a remedy for colds and respiratory congestion.
As with much from India, toddy made its way to Britain, and then to the American colonies.
> More hot toddy history
> Hot Toddy relatives (Glögg, Mulled Wine, etc.)
MORE HOT TODDY RECIPES
Apple Ginger Hot Toddy
Apple Hot Toddy With Calvados & Sherry
Beer Hot Toddy
Black Tea Toddy & Green Tea Toddy
Caramel Hot Buttered Rum
Chocolate Hot Buttered Rum
Classic Hot Buttered Rum
Glögg
Hot Apple Cider Toddy
Hot Gin Cider
Mezcal Hot Toddy
Mulled Wine
Saké Hot Toddy
Scotch Toddy
Spiced Cider
Witch’s Brew For Halloween
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[1] You can make an Apple Hot Toddy with your spirit of choice. This one is garnished with a cinnamon stick and star anise. Note that if your cinnamon sticks have been around for a while and no longer are strong, a toddy is a great way to use them (photo © L’Adresse | NYC).
[2] This toddy is garnished with a slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick (photo © Hella Cocktail Co.).
[3] We like adding a few cloves to our toddies. They’re aromatic and flavorful (photo © Ruths Chris Steak House).
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