Jameson Hot Toddy – The Perfect Winter Warmer

A Jameson Hot Toddy is a warm and cozy drink that will warm you up from the inside out on the coldest of winter evenings.

 

 

Looking for the Perfect Winter Drink

As we head into the cold winter months, we leave behind those delicious Summer drinks (farewell Mojitos, Margaritas, Daiquiris and Tequila Sunrises!), and our thoughts turn towards things warm and cozy. And, while a cup of hot tea or coffee in the morning helps us get going all year round, what are our drink options on a cold winter night?

​When we have a cold night, the temperature is below freezing and the wind is howling, a warm drink seems a bit more inviting than a cool, refreshing Sangria! But, let’s say we are looking for something with a little more bite than a hot chocolate or yet another hot tea. Is there a hot cocktail out there that’s simple to make and delicious to drink?

The answer to that question is a resounding YES! Say hello to hot toddies. This hot whiskey drink is the perfect way to end the day.

The combination of hot water, whiskey, sweetener and lemon is both soothing, yet has a little bite. Basically, it’s a giant warm hug in a large mug! It’s a great comforting cocktail option for this time of year.

What is a Hot Toddy?

At the core of any classic hot toddy recipe you have hot water, lemon and spirits. As for the spirit itself, whiskey is definitely at the heart of many a classic recipe. I happen to prefer Jameson whiskey in my hot toddies, with its smooth texture and great taste, but your own favorite whiskey will certainly do just fine. 

Because it is such a simple recipe, it’s easy to experiment with other spirits. I’ve seen recipes use bourbon, dark rum, rye whiskey, brandy and/or scotch. It’s really based on your taste preference and what you have in your liquor cabinet at the time!

Other hot toddy recipes can also include spices and herbs (see below). I’ve even seen them using a spiced rum to bring a little extra flavor to this hot drink.

The Jameson Hot Toddy

For my hot toddy recipe, I’ve kept it very, very simple. I use a combination of hot water, Jameson whiskey, agave nectar (or honey) and a slice of lemon or two. It’s easy and you likely have these ingredients already in your house (who wants to go out shopping on a cold winter night?!).

But, as I said, feel free to dress it up any way you like. Try maple syrup as the sweetener or add a little apple cider to make it fruitier. Or, add in your favorite spices and herbs.

Frankly, the perfect hot toddy is the one you put together! And the great thing is that this classic cocktail recipe is easy to make that happen and help chase away those Winter blues.

Can You Add Spices and/or Herbs to the Hot Toddy?

There are a number of hot toddy recipes I’ve found that also add in spices and herbs. Whole cloves, spicy ginger or a whole cinnamon stick are a few favorites I’ve seen added into the drink. You can also add more of an herbal element to this cozy cocktail using your favorite herbal tea or black tea.  

Does a Hot Toddy Actually Have Medicinal Purposes?

People often gravitate towards the hot toddy as a home remedy if they have a sore throat or cold symptoms. They claim it makes them feel better. I can tell you from personal experience that when I feel a cold coming on, I definitely ask for a hot toddy before going to bed!

As you think a little bit more about it, some of these claims make sense. For instance, hot water and lemon has long been a remedy for a sore throat. Hot water, lemon and honey have been known to help with a runny nose. 

Lemons are a good source of vitamin C which helps your autoimmune system. If you add in spices like a spicy ginger, it can also help ease congestion.

​Physical health benefits aside, a great hot toddy is simply a comforting drink at the end of the day. It’s the perfect drink to reduce stress and anxiety. The combination of hot water, lemon, honey and whiskey creates a soothing and relaxing drink. The mental health benefits may outweigh the physical health benefits!

​Now, I’m not advocating a hot toddy be in place of actual cold and flu medication! But, a warm beverage at the end of the evening is certainly something additive to consider!

Try a Hot Toddy Today

​There’s no better time than now to try a hot toddy. Start with this simple recipe as a foundation for this classic warm cocktail.

From there, start experimenting with different spirits, spices, herbs, herbal teas, etc. Take a spin through your liquor cabinet for something interesting. Scrounge through your pantry for your favorite spices. You have great options in your home right now.

Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Jameson Hot Toddy

• To release the flavor of the lemon, pour half of the water over the lemon and let it steep for a minute or two before adding the rest of the ingredients.
• Make sure to use a quality whiskey or bourbon because this is a spirit-forward cocktail.
• You can substitute simple syrup for the agave nectar or honey, but you’re going to get more flavor from honey or agave nectar.
• Warm your mug ahead of time with hot water to keep the Hot Toddy warm for a longer time.

Ingredients Needed to Make a Jameson Hot Toddy

Full instructions can be found below in the recipe card

• Lemon – Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended over bottled lemon juice. 
• Honey or agave nectar – Simple syrup could also be used for this cocktail, but I do like the flavor that agave or honey add to the cocktail.
• Jameson or your favorite whiskey or bourbon – Other good choices for whiskey or bourbon would be Woodford Reserve or Maker’s Mark.
• Hot water

How to Craft a Jameson Hot Toddy

• Slice 1 or 2 slices of lemon and place in a large mug.
• Pour about 3 oz of the hot water into that large mug.  
• Let it sit for a couple of minutes to release the lemon flavor.
• Add 1-2 tsp of agave nectar or honey, depending on how sweet you’d like your drink to be.
• Now it’s time for the Jameson Irish Whiskey!
• Pour the Jameson into the mug.
• Fill the mug with remaining water and give it a stir.
• That, my friends, is how you make the perfect winter warmer!

More Winter Warmer Cocktails

• Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate
• Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy
• Salted Caramel Whiskey Cocktail
• Jameson Old Fashioned

 

ENJOY!