Hot Toddy Recipe

For Taste? For Medicinal Purposes?

Now here's a drink I rarely make. A Hot Toddy has only been ordered three times in over 20 years at the restaurant and I only make one occasionally at home. Why? Because a lot of people simply do not like thid beverage.

I will make one for myself or my husband if either of us feel a cold coming on. But for pure pleasure, I certainly would choose, and most people agree, a different drink.

So why ever make a "Toddy?" Many people believe this beverage will help cure a cold or the flu.

I am not certain, but what I do know is after I have one I am asleep almost before my head hits the pillow.

I also know that it soothes my throat and helps clear my sinuses. It seems to help reduce a need to cough. This concoction will relax you and it will warm you during cold weather. Just be ready for bed before you imbibe.

And this is also another thing to remember if you fix this drink, feeling a cold coming on. Do not take cold medication(s) in combination with the beverage. This could cause some damage to your kidneys or body parts. If you take cold/flu medications, stay away from the alcohol, please.

Why MIGHT this alcoholic beverage help relieve symptoms of a cold? Two possible explanations: warm drinks loosen secretions (allowing you to clear out sinuses and breathing passages); the alcohol assists you to sleep (rest) once your breathing difficulties are alleviated and that extra rest allows your body to fight the cold more vigorously.

Some say a Hot Toddy was invented by the Scots for medicinal reasons. The Irish take issue with this, claiming they invented the drink. Whoever actually did, we probably will never know.

What I can tell you without a doubt is that there are many variations of the recipe. I have two on this page. The first beverage recipe has several options of its own, including what alcohol you wish to use. I prefer brandy. My husband (less discerning than I :-)) likes brandy OR whiskey. (And if he is feeling poorly he says to use both! ) And a few people I know like it with rum, especially Meyers 151.

Where does the name "toddy" come from? In short, no one knows for certain. It may be from the name of the sap of a certain Asian palm tree. I don't know. My husband thinks it was named for some woman referred to as "Hot Toddy" many years ago. I doubt he is correct. (I occasionally ask him if HE knew her. Of course - he denies it.)

And finally, despite its name, don't try drinking a toddy that is too hot. Breathe the fumes, sip slowly and gently. Allow the combination or ingredients to "work."

Hot Toddy Recipe #1
Preparation time: 10 minutes. Serves 1

Measurement Conversion Table

Ingredients: