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Bardude

Cocktail

Hot Irish

4 ingredientsbuilt3 mineasy

A simple Irish whiskey hot toddy made with whiskey, hot water, a cinnamon stick, and a lemon slice, sweetened to taste with brown sugar. It is a cold-weather drink rooted in the Irish pub tradition of warming toddies. The cinnamon and citrus round out the whiskey without masking it.

Ingredients

Cinnamon
1⁄2Irish Whiskey
1⁄2Lemon
Water

Method

  1. 1Place a cinnamon stick and a half slice of lemon in a heat-proof goblet.
  2. 2Add Irish whiskey.
  3. 3Fill with hot water and stir.
  4. 4Sweeten with brown sugar to taste and serve immediately.

Equipment

  • heat-proof goblet
  • jigger
  • bar spoon

Tips

  • Preheat the goblet with boiling water, pour it out, then build the drink to keep it hot longer.
  • Brown sugar adds a molasses richness that complements Irish whiskey well.
  • Avoid heavily peated styles; they clash with the cinnamon and lemon.

Variations

  • Add two or three whole cloves alongside the cinnamon for more spice.
  • A thin float of heavy cream on top softens the drink considerably.

Good for

  • cold weather
  • nightcap
  • winter evening
  • sick day

Best in season

  • winter
  • fall

Regional notes

Hot toddies are common across Ireland and Scotland; each region uses its local spirit, Irish whiskey in Ireland and Scotch whisky in Scotland.

History

The hot toddy has a long tradition in Ireland and Scotland as a cold-weather drink and home remedy, typically made with local whiskey or whisky, hot water, sugar, and lemon.

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