12 Days Of Christmas Cocktails: The Hot Toddler

A variant of this drink (known as the hot toddy) was used in my home growing up. The mixture of whiskey or rum, honey and lemon juice is a soothing combination when you're under the weather. Kids don't like it much, but with a couple additions it makes a great cold weather drink. 

I've served this drink a few times recently and without fail, it is met with genuine surprise. Seems like most folks either haven't had a hot toddy or haven't had one as an adult when it can actually be appreciated. It's a drink easily adjusted to individual taste — just add more of the flavor you like. Cheers!

1 1/2 oz Rum or Whiskey
1/4 oz Grand Marnier
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 overflowing tablespoon honey
1/4 cup boiling water
Cinnamon stick

In a heat-proof glass, add honey and lemon to boiling water. Stir to dissolve honey. Add rum or whiskey (I used Sailor Jerry Rum with great success) and Grand Marnier and stir. Garnish with cinnamon stick. 

 

Comments

[elizabeth]

I love this series. Thanks.
(I could really use one of those right now but it's only 11:30 AM)

[Katherine]

I've had several of those this week, for medicinal purposes (that's how you get away with drinking before noon). Really good with Calvados (apple brandy).

[Pants]

Katherine, I asked for apple brandy at a liquor store the other day and they had none. I've never tasted it. Look for a drink here featuring it as soon as I find it. Got any other recipes that use it?

[Elizabeth]

I, too, love this series, and so appreciate you continuing this year, Logan.
To be clear, I am a different Elizabeth from #1 above, which simply shows: 1) Elizabeths have good taste in blog reading, and 2) apparently love their cocktails!
Happy Holidays, Everyone!

[Becky]

Is it wrong to admit that my Granny used to make these for me as a kid and I liked them?
And I still do.
Perhaps that explains a few things....

[Yolanda]

Just like momma used to make. Except she used congac and probably twice the honey and steeped the hot water with a lipton tea bag. Why I didn’t make myself one of those last week when I was sick, I have no idea. Better than Nyquil, that’s for sure.

[sarah]

This is making me want nothing but liquor and mixers in my stocking. I love this series & am curious what the alcohol budget for your house is :)

[Heather]

Hot toddies are my go to drink when I have a sore thoat. I do whiskey, hot tea, honey and lemon. I'll have to try your variation...thanks!

[lynne]

I loved hot toddies as a kid also. It always felt special to be allowed to drink something grownup.. not to mention that it was yummy! I'd love to try an apple brandy version too!

[Calee]

I had forgotten all about hot toddies! We shall put the children to bed and indulge. Thanks!

[radiosound]

A nice option on this one is the addition of a green tea bag.

Love this cocktail series. Well done and thanks!

[Heather]

It's been a busy week, as it has for all of us, and I missed a few days of visits. I popped by this morning and what do I see? Little gifts of heaven from you and not a moment too soon. Thank you, Melissa! Because honestly and truly, I could use a drink.

(Is it a bad thing that this year I actually put all kinds of liquor on my Amazon wishlist instead of things like scarves and books? No? Good.)

[JudyO]

I got those as a kid, too, but I remember a pat of butter being part of the drink. Love them!

[mallory]

The Hot Toddler? I have a feeling I'll end up with the cops at my front door if I ever google this recipe.

[melissa]

@mallory just add "Suburbanbliss" to the end of your search and they'll come to my door instead.

[mallory]

Deal! The drink sounds great, btw. Although most of my calories (not just cocktail calories, mind you) between now and New Years come straight from egg-nog. With or without brandy.

[Betsey]

Kt = bully. That series of comments is embarrassing. Shame on you. Go clean your house, play with your kids, volunteer, wash your car, take a walk, do something that will enrich your life. Posting nasty comments on a website is just ugly.

*Betsey, Katie is an 8th grade friend of Logan's who appears to have some troubles. It's best to ignore her. And/or file appropriate police reports when she threatens to show up at your house. She's welcome to her opinions of me, obviously, but I have a right to ask her not to deposit those thoughts on me. She refuses to be appropriate.