Hot Wiskey: how to make a delicious irish Hot Toddy this Christmas
A super simple recipe to make hot whiskey, a warming and delicious Christmas drink with Irish Whiskey, hot water, honey and spices (alcoholic).
Hot Whiskey, the Irish Hot Toddy, is a warm beverage made of whiskey, hot water, honey, and a touch of spices.
This hot cocktail is the quintessential Irish Christmas drink for the festive season, but people also love it later in winter, especially as a comforting beverage in the case of a cold or just to warm up during the dark and days of winter.
During December, you find hot wiskey served in pubs, as well as private homes, its warming spicy aroma very much an Irish Christmas staple!
How to Make Hot Whiskey
To prepare this warming drink, you’ll need the following tools and ingredients:
Tools:
- Large serving cup or mug: Heat-resistant glass ones are the most traditional
- Jigger, if you want a more professional measurement (most people will just pour to taste!)
- Spoon
- Kettle or anyway a source of hot, boiling water
Ingredients:
- Irish whiskey (one measure)
- Hot water from the kettle (to fill the mug)
- Honey (to taste)
- Lemon
- Cloves for garnish (star anise or a cinnamon stick also work great for presentation)
Instructions:
- Warm your cup or mug by rinsing it with hot water.
- Add a shot of whiskey to the mug.
- Stir in a teaspoon (or more, to taste) of honey.
- Pour in hot water until the mug is nearly full, leaving room for garnishes.
- Squeeze in a little fresh lemon juice, then drop the lemon slice into the drink.
- Garnish with a few cloves stuck into the lemon slice for extra flavor and aroma.
Serve immediately and enjoy its soothing warmth!
Variations on this Irish hot toddy
Hot Whiskey is incredibly versatile, and you can adjust it to your taste or experiment with unique variations. Here are some ideas:
- Swap whiskey for spiced rum for a bolder twist
- Use bourbon to introduce sweet, vanilla undertones.
- Sweeten with maple syrup instead of honey.
- Sprinkle in a touch of nutmeg or ginger for added warmth.
- Use mandarine juice instead of lemon for a lightly smoother taste
What to serve it with
Serve your hot whiskey with seasonal staples such as mince pies or a side of Irish chocolate bonbons for the perfect Christmas treat.
Hot whiskey (Irish hot toddy): pin this!
