Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy has never been, well, hotter. The push toward year-round outdoor dining since the pandemic has fueled a resurgence of this warming cocktail, making it a wintertime favorite on bar menus around the country. In New York City, you can’t walk through Manhattan's West Village in the winter where buzzy bars line cobblestone streets without finding joyful bar goers sipping hot toddies out of sturdy glass mugs. 

Made with hot water, sweeteners like honey or sugar, whiskey (we prefer bourbon), and a stick or two of cinnamon, you likely already have everything you need to make a Hot Toddy in your pantry at home. In fact, one of the best things about the drink is how simple staples come together and transform with a change in temperature –– the sweetener melts into the bourbon, and the aroma of the cinnamon is amplified with the heat of the cocktail. Bourbon’s rich mouthfeel and inherent sweetness naturally lends itself to the soft flavors of this cozy cocktail. When it comes to choosing a garnish, whole dried spices like a cinnamon stick or a few clove buds will become even more expressive after a few minutes of soaking in the hot cocktail. Using citrus peels like lemon or orange can help brighten the drink and provide a gorgeous floral aroma. Looking for a bit of spice? Try adding crystalized ginger on top for a sweet and spicy snack that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the drink. 

While it might not change the flavor of the cocktail, a glass mug is the classic Hot Toddy vessel that should not be missed. When it comes to choosing the right one to invest in, it’s important to choose one that withstands high temperatures, and of course, looks fabulous as you drink it. We love a double-walled glass mug for its form and function –– the two walls of glass help insulate the liquid inside and protect your hands from any too-hot contents.