Cocktail of the Month: The Hot Toddy
When the temperatures drop and the first frost clings to the fields, there’s no better way to thaw out than with a classic Hot Toddy. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels like a warm blanket — simple, soothing, and steeped in centuries of tradition.
A Toast to History
The Hot Toddy’s roots stretch back to 18th-century Scotland, where it was originally crafted as a comforting mix of whisky, hot water, honey, and spices — a warming remedy for cold nights and sore throats. The name itself is thought to come from “Tod’s Well,” a spring in Edinburgh that supplied the city with fresh water. Over time, “Tod’s Well Water” became “Toddy Water,” and eventually, just “Toddy.”
Others trace the drink’s lineage even further — to the Indian “taddy,” a fermented palm sap enjoyed by British colonials and adapted into a warm cocktail once it reached the cool, damp British Isles. However it arrived, it quickly became the go-to cure for winter chills and weary spirits.
A Farm Take on a Timeless Tradition
At Eight Oaks, we like to think of the Hot Toddy as the ultimate “from-the-farm” comfort drink. It’s warm, aromatic, and deeply satisfying — the perfect pairing for a slow November evening, after raking leaves, tending livestock, or hosting friends by the fire.
Our version starts with Eight Oaks Rye Whiskey, a spirit that brings just the right amount of spice and character to this classic. Its peppery backbone balances beautifully with local honey and bright lemon, while a dash of cinnamon or cloves adds a layer of cozy, fragrant warmth.
Eight Oaks Hot Toddy Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Eight Oaks Rye Whiskey
- ¾ oz honey (or honey syrup)
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- Hot water to fill
- Optional: cinnamon stick, star anise, or cloves
Directions:
- Combine whiskey, honey, and lemon juice in a mug.
- Fill with hot water and stir gently until the honey dissolves.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a twist of lemon.
- Take a deep breath, and let the steam remind you to slow down.
This month, you can bring home that same warmth and tradition — with $5 off Eight Oaks Rye Whiskey all November long when you shop online or visit the distillery.
The Hot Toddy has survived centuries because it doesn’t try too hard. It’s honest, elemental, and exactly what you need when the nights grow long — a little warmth, a little spice, and a reminder that some traditions are worth keeping.
Warm up your November. Sip history, one cozy cup at a time.
Cheers!
