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8 Fruity And Festive Variations On The Hot Toddy Recipe

No winter is complete without a sip of a steaming hot toddy to warm you up from the inside out. This lemon, honey and whisky cocktail is a centuries old drink, beloved for its comforting properties. 

Whilst the classic cocktail recipe is nothing short of perfection, there’s no reason why you can’t customise your toddy to your preferred taste. From extra spice to super duper sweet, we’ve put a modern twist on the hot toddy with a selection of soothing recipes.

Here are our favourite hot toddy variations for you to try.

 

 

 

1. Apple Cider Toddy

Hot apple cider is a popular winter warmer – so we thought, what would happen if we combine two of the most popular hot cocktails together? Cosy, comfort in a mug is what. 

Our fruity variation of a hot toddy recipe calls for a generous dash of apple cider for an extra bit of tangy sweetness that mingles perfectly with the sharpness of fresh lemon juice. You’re very welcome.

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
40 ml
Lemon Juice
15 ml
Honey
15 ml
Apple Cider
80 ml
Grated Cinnamon, Cayenne, and Lemon Wheel (for Garnish)

METHOD

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mug.
  2. Serve hot or chilled.
  3. Garnish with grated cinnamon, dusting of cayenne, lemon wheel.

2. Cold Toddy

Toddies are a classic winter cocktail, but there’s no reason to stay away in the warmer months. The flavours of lemon and honey are equally refreshing to sip in the sweltering sunshine. Simply combine your ingredients with ice for a cold toddy; it’s bound to be your new summer drink.

3. Marmalade Hot Toddy

Love a bit of marmalade on your toast in the mornings? Then you’ll love this Scottish twist on the classic hot toddy for extra bittersweet zest. Stir a spoonful of orange marmalade into your hot toddy mixture and top with a generous pile of bitter orange peel. You can even drink it cold in the summer months; just use our Scottish Orange Marmalade cocktail recipe to get shaking.

the glenlivet 15 year old full scottish marmalade whisky cocktail

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 15 Year Old Whisky
50 ml
Lemon Juice
20 ml
White Port or Ruby Port
15 ml
Simple Syrup
5 ml
Orange Marmalade
15 ml

METHOD

  1. Place all ingredients (including the marmalade) in a cocktail shaker and shake hard.
  2. Strain into a whisky tumbler filled with cubed ice.
  3. Garnish with thin strips of orange zest similar to the ones found in marmalade.

4. Ginger Hot Toddy

For a pinch of extra spice, give a ginger hot toddy a whirl. A dash of sweet ginger syrup and Angostura Bitters gives this fiery variation of a classic toddy an extra warming kick that is soothed by the sweet tang of fresh lemon. 

It’s the perfect drink for your autumnal celebrations whether that be Bonfire Night, Thanksgiving or simply sipping in front of the fire with friends.

the glenlivet founders reserve bonfire hot toddy whisky cocktail

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve Whisky
50 ml
Lemon Juice
15 ml
Ginger Syrup
15 ml
Angostura Bitters
2 dashes
Hot Water
Lemon Wedge (for Garnish)

METHOD

  1. Combine ingredients within enamel mug.
  2. Top with hot water.
  3. Garnish Lemon Wedge (studded with cloves if possible).

5. Hot Tea Toddy

If you find yourself stuck between a toddy and a cuppa, this variation is for you. Whisky and tea are a complementary pairing, both rich in smoky, malt flavours and tropical spices. So when you need a brew with an extra kick on a winter’s evening, a hot tea toddy is the ultimate solution. 

Simply swap boiling water for black tea to make this super soothing drink. English breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling or your favourite festive blend; get creative with trying different flavours to find your perfect match.

6. Coffee Kick Toddy

If a cuppa joe is more your bag, then this hot toddy variation is going to transform your winter weekends. It’s a lighter twist on the Irish Coffee; less whipped cream, more spices and sweetness. 

Brew your favourite coffee (or grab some coffee liqueur) and add a dash of The Glenlivet 12 Year Old. Zest it up with lemon juice and a spoonful of honey before garnishing with a cinnamon stick. Coffee cocktails will never be the same again.

7. Hot Honey Old Fashioned

If an Old Fashioned is your signature drink, then why not put on a hot toddy spin for those cooler nights? Keep the combo of whisky, sugar and bitters and top it up with a glug of hot water. You can also add a dash of extra soothing sweetness by basing your hot drink on our Honey Old Fashioned recipe.

the glenlivet 12YO honey old fashioned

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
50 ml
Honey
1 teaspoon
Angostura Bitters
2 dashes
Salt
1 pinch

METHOD

  1. Add ingredients to mixing glass.
  2. Stir down over ice, serve over ice in a rocks glass.
  3. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

8. Hot Chai Toddy

If you haven’t had a chai latte – well, you need to. This calming twist on your childhood hot milk is an autumn staple. But when the nights call for something a little more whisky-esk, you’ll want to follow this winning cocktail recipe.

Boil water (or milk if you’re after a creamier drink) with a couple of chai tea bags, vanilla, cinnamon and cloves for a few minutes and leave to infuse. Then stir in honey, whisky and lemon juice.

Looking for more hot drinks to keep you toasty this winter? Check out our collection of warm whisky cocktails as well as our favourite fall whisky drinks.