Hot Toddy with Cinnamon

Hot Toddy with Cinnamon

Cozy and warming, Hot Toddy with Cinnamon is a different kind of cocktail! Infused with lemon, cinnamon syrup, and a shot of whiskey, this drink warms you right up.

Hot toddies have been around a long time, and like most cocktail origin stories, there are conflicting histories. One story involves an Irish doctor prescribing a sugar-brandy-hot water concoction to his patients to help them feel better. Another tale describes it as a version of the Hindi drink called taddy made from fermented palm sap.

Regardless of exactly where and when it came into being, the hot toddy became very popular in the U.S. as a drink to relieve someone experiencing cold and flu symptoms. As a nightcap, it certainly helps the ailing get some sleep.

But what if you're feeling just fine? You can still enjoy a hot toddy!

This warming drink is comprised of: alcohol + sweetener + citrus + hot water. Many hot toddy recipes include whiskey as the base alcohol, but other spirits such as brandy, gin, or rum can also be used. Honey has traditionally been used as the sweetener, but demerara sugar, maple syrup, and simple syrups are all good alternatives.

And if you're looking for other whiskey-based cocktails, there's the Skeleton Key, Cherry Whiskey Sour, and New York Sour to consider!

Lessons Learned

• Not a fan of whiskey? Sub in an equal amount of another spirit, such as brandy or rum.
• Traditionally, a hot toddy includes honey but in this version, cinnamon syrup stands in as the sweetener to give it a more cinnamon kick.
• This is a loosey-goosey recipe, so feel free to play around with the ratios to get it to taste the way you like.

Hat Tips

There are a lot of hot toddy recipes that I've tried and enjoyed. Thanks to the many doctors, grandmas, and bartenders who have contributed to the history and lore of this classic drink.

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