Hot Toddy Day

Patrick Truby [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]

January 11th is Hot Toddy Day in the United States.

When winter is here in January, a hot toddy could be just what you need to warm yourself up. Traditionally, hot toddies are drunk in wet and cold weather, or when ill, specifically to relieve the symptoms of cold or flu. The word "toddy" itself comes from an Indian drink made by fermenting the sap of palm trees.

Hot toddies are an alcoholic drink. The two most common versions are the Scotch and Irish toddies. The Scottish toddy uses Scotch whisky (of course!), boiling water and either honey or sugar. Spices, such as cinnamon or cloves, and a lemon slice may also be added.

Irish toddies naturally use Irish whisky, brown sugar, cloves, a slice of lemon and hot water. They are also known as a hot whiskey in Ireland.

In Canada, maple syrup may be used instead of honey.