Hot Toddy Definition
A hot toddy is a warm drink combining a hot beverage and alcohol, usually sweetened to taste. Often other ingredients are added for flavor, spices and citrus being common. The reason the drink is called a "toddy" is disputed, but all agree the drink originated in Scotland sometime in the 1700s. Hot toddies have been traditionally drunk for comfort and to combat cold and flu. Does this Spark an idea?
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Etymology: Version 1
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The word "toddy" could be a variation on the Hindu word "tari," with the "r" pronounced almost like an English "d." The word refers to a drink made from an Indian palm. Some say the word migrated back to the British Isles and was applied to the Scottish drink.
Etymology: Version 2
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A poem from 1721 refers to Todian spring--water from Tod's Well, a water source in Scotland. Since the Gaelic word for whisky derives from water, some think that the word "toddy" is a tongue-in-cheek way of saying that the drink is not fresh water, but stronger stuff.
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The First Hot Toddy
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The original drink would have used Scotch Whisky, a barley-based drink. A traditional hot toddy recipe adds honey, sugar and hot water to the alcohol.
Hot Beverage Component
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Common hot beverages used to make toddies are water, tea, coffee and cider.
The Alcohol Component
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Besides whisky, other liquors commonly used in hot toddies are rum and brandy.
Sugar and Spice
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Sugar can be used to sweeten the drink. Honey and brown sugar are also commonly added. Sometimes more than one kind is used. Frequently used spices include cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Butter also commonly shows up in toddy recipes.
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