It is officially September which, at least in the UK, means that autumn/fall is on the way. When the cold weather bites, few drinks are more comforting than a hot toddy.
The key to a great hot toddy is the whiskey. Bourbon, scotch, or Irish whiskey each brings something different to the glass. In this guide, we look at six whiskeys that work well in a hot toddy.
The Hot Toddy: A Warming Winter Cocktail
A hot toddy is one of the easiest whiskey cocktails to make. All you need is whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon. Many people also add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves.
It has a long history as a winter drink. Some see it as a cure for colds, others as a nightcap. Either way, it is loved because it warms you from the inside out.
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How To Make A Hot Toddy: Classic Hot Toddy Recipe
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 4–5 oz hot water
- Garnish with lemon and a cinnamon stick
The Hot Toddy’s simplicity makes it the perfect canvas for exploring different whiskeys. You can also make a Hot Toddy to help with a nasty cold.
For The Oak Lovers: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Hot Toddy
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a Kentucky bourbon with a rich, dessert-like profile. It starts as classic Woodford Reserve, then matures again in a second barrel that is deeply toasted and lightly charred. This process creates layers of caramel, vanilla, and oak spice.
Expect dark fruit and honey on the nose, with vanilla, hazelnut, and spice on the palate. The finish is long and creamy.
In a hot toddy, its sweetness pairs perfectly with honey while the oak spice balances lemon and clove. For a twist, swap honey for maple syrup to highlight its caramel depth.
For The Smooth & Approachable: Slane Irish Whiskey Triple Casked Hot Toddy
Slane is a smooth Irish whiskey made with a triple-cask process. The blend matures in virgin oak, seasoned American whiskey barrels, and Oloroso sherry casks. The result is a spirit with layers of caramel, vanilla, spice, and dried fruit.
It opens with notes of butterscotch, banana, and toasted oak. The palate is gently spicy, then sweetened by caramel and dried fruit.
Slane’s vanilla and caramel echo the honey in a hot toddy, while the spice adds warmth without overpowering. It is an approachable choice for anyone new to the drink.
For The Honey Seekers: Aberfeldy 12 Year Old Hot Toddy
Aberfeldy 12 is a Highland single malt whisky often called “The Golden Dram.” It is known for its long fermentation, which brings out a natural honeyed richness. The whisky matures for at least 12 years in a mix of ex-bourbon and sherry casks.
The aroma is filled with honey, vanilla, and spiced fruit. On the palate, it is smooth and syrupy, with fudge, citrus, and gentle oak.
In a hot toddy, Aberfeldy’s honeyed character shines. For a twist, try using heather honey or adding a cinnamon stick to highlight its warm spice.
For The Comfort Drinkers: Larceny Small Batch Bourbon Hot Toddy
Larceny is a Kentucky bourbon made with wheat instead of rye in the mash bill. It typically ages six to eight years in new charred oak barrels.
The nose shows warm bread, toffee, and butterscotch. On the palate it is smooth, with caramel, honey, and gentle oak. The finish is long, sweet, and lightly savory.
Larceny’s soft wheat character makes it especially comforting in a hot toddy. For a variation, add a few slices of apple to bring out its baked fruit notes.
For Spice & Fruit Fans: Redbreast 12 Year Old Hot Toddy
Redbreast 12 is a classic single pot still Irish whiskey. It is made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, then triple distilled in copper pot stills. The spirit matures for at least 12 years in a mix of bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks.
It is known for its full, silky body. Expect aromas of dried fruit, toasted wood, and spice. The palate delivers rich sherry notes, nuts, citrus peel, and warm spice, with a long creamy finish.
In a hot toddy, the sherry fruit of the Redbreast 12 complements honey, while the pot still spice enhances lemon and clove. For a festive twist, use an orange slice instead of a lemon.
For The Peat Lovers: Highland Park 12 Year Old Hot Toddy
Highland Park 12 comes from Orkney and is known for its balance of honey sweetness and gentle heather honey peat smoke. The whisky matures in sherry-seasoned European and American oak, which adds rich fruit and spice.
On the nose, you get heather honey, dried fruit, and a wisp of smoke. The palate brings more honey, warm spice, and light peat, finishing with a soft, smoky sweetness.
If you like a little bit of peat, Highland Park 12 works wonderfully in a hot toddy. The honey pairs with the sweetener, while the gentle smoke creates warmth and complexity.
Another great peated option is Lagavulin 8 Year Old, if you would like to dial up the smoke.
Creating Your Own Hot Toddy
Choosing the right whiskey for a hot toddy shapes its character, whether you want honeyed comfort, bold oak, gentle spice, or a touch of smoke.
Do you have a go-to whiskey for a hot toddy? Let us know in the comments below.
