Even the coldest of winter days will melt into cozy comfort with a Glasgow Hot Toddy (cocktail). This piping hot sipper is great to take the chill off or curl up with if you feel a cold coming on.
With the cold weather settling in I have a fire blazing all day and am craving hot food and drink to warm the insides. I noticed in my Facebook feed the other day, a hot toddy video floating by that instantly conjured my favorite smell and flavor of a Glasgow Hot Toddy, more commonly known in my house as ‘Uncle Wilson’s Hot Toddy’. It’s an original recipe on Boulder Locavore and one that was reprised live in Glasgow Scotland for me this past summer. So excited to share it with you now!
The genesis of this cocktail was originally shared in 2011 when a long-time Scottish friend, ex coworker turned adopted relative, was visiting us in Colorado. I’d befallen an untimely cold and was languishing on the couch in that scratchy sniffly early stage of a cold when Wilson sprang to action in our kitchen.
A shrieking kettle and the aroma of warm Scotch, cloves, and honey wafting in the air was a cozy greeting even before cupping the mug in my hands. It was just what the doctor ordered. Whether taking the edge off a winter cold or taking the edge off a chilly day, a Glasgow Hot Toddy is a what you want to be sipping.
We spent a week in Glasgow this past August with Wilson and his family, and sadly by mid-trip I was coming down with what ended up being pneumonia. One evening while I suffered silently on the couch, Wilson asked what I wanted to drink and though it was still summer (a chilly, wet one in that moment) all I wanted was a Glasgow Hot Toddy; and he obliged! It tasted like what being wrapped in a warm cozy blanket feels.
What is a Hot Toddy?
Believed to be invented in Scotland in the 1700’s, a hot toddy is a warm alcoholic drink using liquor (whisky, rum or brandy usually), honey, spices and hot water. It’s often sipped for a cold or cough believing is relaxes the body when taken at night before bed, help relieve congestion (probably from the hot water) and ease a sore throat.
How do you make a Hot Toddy?
If you look through different recipes you’ll note they all vary. Often there is very little water in addition to the liquor making a strong tonic. Some make it with tea instead of hot water. My preference is the way Wilson serves it up; a good jigger of Scotch Whisky, enough boiling water to dilute the whisky, mixed with honey and a clove-studded lemon slice. Allowed to sit for 5 minutes (you can cup it in your hands and inhale while it’s infusing) the flavors are the ultimate comfort cocktail.
How to make a Glasgow Hot Toddy:
Glasgow Hot Toddy
A Glasgow Hot Toddy warms any chilly day with Scotch whisky, honey, heated with boiling water infused with a clove-studded lemon slice. Normally this would be made 'to suit' allowing flexibility in measurements of the ingredients. This recipe is my favorite combination and one to be enjoyed fireside when ever the mood strikes.
Ingredients
- 1 10-12 ounce heatproof Old Fashioned glass or mug
- 1 1/2 ounces Scotch Whisky
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 6 ounces Boiling Water
- 1 slice Lemon (1/4 inch thick) studded with whole cloves
Instructions
Add the whisky and honey to the glass/mug and pour in the boiling water. Add the clove-studded lemon slice and allow to infuse for 5 minutes before drinking. TIP: To more easily insert the cloves into the lemon slice, pierce the lemon slice with the sharp end of a bamboo skewer first before inseting the clove.
Shannon Gurnee says
November 9, 2017 at 9:33 amI’ve heard of this drink before, but never had it. Definitely sounds like a creative drink. I would definitely give it a try.
Kelly Hutchinson says
November 8, 2017 at 6:42 amI remember when I was a kid, my mom would make hot toddy drinks when it was cold. I had no idea what went into them. This was so interesting to learn!
Crystal says
November 8, 2017 at 1:38 amI can imagine it must smell so lovely as the flavors infuse throughout your home. I must admit that I had heard of of the drink, but had no clue what was involved.
Our Family World says
November 7, 2017 at 10:51 pmThis hot toddy would really warm you up! I should try drinking this again when I have a cold. Sometimes laziness creeps in and instead of going homeopathic, I turn to grabbing a pill. Saving your recipe. Maybe I should have one tonight even if I don’t have a cold. 🙂
Travel Blogger says
November 7, 2017 at 10:38 pmThis sounds amazing! I have got to try this. I have heard about them, but never tried one. That is a bummer that you got sick on your trip to Glasgow!
Brianne says
November 7, 2017 at 8:52 pmHot toddy’s are my favorite in the colder months! This recipe looks yummy and easy!
Diana Elizabeth says
November 7, 2017 at 8:52 pmNow that the weather is getting colder, Glasgow Hot Toddy sounds so great. Very nice recipe.
Theresa says
November 7, 2017 at 7:47 pmI had no idea that it could be beneficial when fighting off a cold. That’s going to make my hubby real happy to hear!
Pam says
November 7, 2017 at 7:20 pmYou know, I have never actually had a hot toddy. I didn’t even know the Glasgow Hot Toddy existed. I want to try it now.
Toni Dash says
November 7, 2017 at 8:18 pmWell if you try to order it at a bar they won’t know what it is Pam. It really is our Scottish friends spin on a hot toddy.
Sara Welch says
November 7, 2017 at 7:16 pmI have never heard of a hot toddy. They sound pretty good though!
Meagan says
November 7, 2017 at 7:13 pmThis sounds so delicious. I bet it smells heavenly.
Carol Cassara says
November 7, 2017 at 7:05 pmI love that it’s served warm, perfect for the cold weather! I don’t think I’ve tried this drink before and I would love to make it just to give it a try.
Claudia Krusch says
November 7, 2017 at 5:56 pmI have always wanted to try a Hot Toddy. I will have to get the ingredients I need to make some for our Holiday party.
Erin F says
November 7, 2017 at 5:22 pmThis drink looks delicious! I love that you used cloves in the rind of the fruit!
Liz Mays says
November 7, 2017 at 4:16 pmThis is a really interesting drink. I think I’d like the warmth and comforting flavors and getting to try out an authentic Scottish drink would be fun.
Maureen says
November 7, 2017 at 3:04 pmWoah this glasgow hot toddy sounds like it would be a great thing for a cool day! Perfect for the upcoming winter season to warm you up 😉
Marcie W. says
November 7, 2017 at 1:45 pmThis cocktail would be amazing for when I feel under the weather. The honey and lemon are soothing, and even the warmth of the scotch going down would be comforting.
robin rue says
November 7, 2017 at 12:50 pmI want one of these RIGHT NOW. I am super excited to make one this week. Yum.
Makeba Giles says
November 7, 2017 at 9:39 amA nice hot toddy is excellent for relief from being under the weather! It’s also great for when you’ve been out in the cold for a period of time! This is a must try recipe!
Vera says
November 7, 2017 at 6:47 amA good hot toddy is one of my favorite drinks. They’re perfect for those super cold New York winter days we have. Sometimes, I love to just curl up in a blanket with a toddy and a good book.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
November 7, 2017 at 6:45 amYES! I LOVE a good hot toddy. It’s perfect for when you’re feeling down with a cold or as a tasty night cap at your holiday party. Great recipe!