This weekend has Chicagoland facing down our first real winter weather of this season, and it’s looking like a whopper! A one-two punch, with a winter maelstrom followed by Arctic chills. So, it’s time to plan out the hot cocktails that will keep you cozy & warm as the Arctic winds howl outside. Enter Hot Toddy, the traditional hot cocktail; made to chase away the winter chills, and soothe whatever may ail you. The classic recipe uses whiskey, lemon, honey & hot water, but there are almost endless possible variations on this theme. Check out some of our favorites below:
Classic Hot Toddy
The original winter drink, both warm and soothing, bright and cozy. Usually made with whiskey, but choose your favorite spirit!
2 oz Malt Whiskey (or Twisted Citrus Vodka, Gin No. 6, American Whiskey, Aquavit — Private Reserve, or Third Coast Rum)
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1½ oz Honey Simple
Hot Water
Add first 3 ingredients to a mug and top with hot water. Garnish with a wheel of lemon, and a cinnamon stick if you have one on hand.
(all recipes based on a 12 oz mug — adjust to size of mug used)
Spice Time Toddy
Adding depth and layers of spice with cardamom & ginger.
2 oz Gin No. 6 (or kick up the spice even more with Aquavit — Private Reserve)
1¼ oz Cardamom-Ginger Simple Syrup
¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Hot Water
One Cinnamon Stick
Add to mug & top with very hot water. Stir well & garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Holiday Hot Toddy
Bring back the holiday spirit with this fruity, festive drink.
2 oz North Shore Spirit of Choice (we’ve tried Twisted Citrus Vodka, Gin No. 6, Gin No. 11, and American Whiskey)
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1½ oz Cranberry Simple
Hot Water
Add ingredients to mug, then top with hot water. Stir & garnish with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick.
The Firelight
The cold has no chance when faced with this warm sipper full of spice & winter citrus.
1½ oz NS American Whiskey
½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
½ oz Chai Simple
¼ oz Spiced Orange Simple
Hot Water
Add first four ingredients to a 12 oz mug and top with hot water. Stir & garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Hot G&T
Technically this one isn’t a Hot Toddy, but if you can get your hands on a bottle of this uniquely flavored syrup, make the hot version of another classic!
2 oz Gin No. 11
1 oz Tomr’s Tonic Syrup
4½ oz Hot Water
Lemon Wedge
Add gin and tonic syrup to a mug, add hot water. Stir well, and garnish with lemon wedge. (We recommend squeezing it in, but you do what you want!)
