Nadia George
February 24, 2024
Hot toddy is a very old drink, with a history that can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent where sometime in the 1600s it was discovered as a mix often crafted out of an alcoholic beverage blended with sugar and spices to combat winters.
Back then, the drink was referred to as the ‘taddy’ or a mixture made from fermented palm sap. Many believe that it was Scottish traders who found the drink to be quite soothing, popularised it, took it to Scotland and eventually, it became popular in Great Britain as the hot toddy we recognise today.
You can choose from a wide range of non-alcoholic options like a substitute for bourbon or whisky sans the alcohol. Other than the boozy kick, the drink retains much of its overall flavour profile and with the addition of mixers like maple syrup, cinnamon syrup, orange juice or orange bitters,.
15 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1-2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 60 ml non-alcoholic whisky/non-alcoholic rum, ½ cup hot water, One cinnamon stick, 2-3 whole cloves, Lemon wheel for garnish
In a heatproof mug, add lemon juice, honey and non-alcoholic whisky. Stir to combine the ingredients. Add cinnamons and cloves and stir well. Pour hot water over the mixture and set aside for a few minutes until the spices steep into the drink.
Strain into a mug and garnish with a lemon wheel. Your soothing hot toddy is now ready to be sipped.