How to make a Hot Toddy

When it comes to warm winter beverages, nothing beats the almighty hot toddy. The citrusy, cinnamony, and whiskey-y goodness of this classic cocktail is perfect for warming your cockles on a cold winter night (or day, or morning). Some say the hot toddy is the best existing remedy for the common cold — just send one of these warm bastards down the hatch, go into a brief coma, and you’ll wake up with a new zest for life.

Lately we’ve been scouring the globe in search of the best hot toddy recipe in all the land, and now, after months of searching, we’re pretty sure we’ve found it. To get one, you’ll need to head to a spot called Moloko in Portland, OR — or just check out this video and make it yourself. Our bartender Frank was kind enough to break down the mixing process for us in gross detail. Here’s how it’s done:

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Woodford Reserve bourbon
1/2 oz honey syrup
1/2 oz orange juice
1 oz lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick
1 orange slice w/ whole clove
4 oz hot water

MIXING PROCEDURE

First, you’re going to pour hot water into a glass to temper it to ensure that the glass doesn’t cool your drink. It’s a hot toddy, not a lukewarm toddy, so this is an important and commonly-overlooked step. Next, squeeze your lemon and orange juice using your method of choice, cut off an orange slice, and slip pieces of clove into the orange. Pour out the hot water you used for tempering the glass, then add your bourbon. Splash in your lemon juice, orange juice, and honey simple syrup. Next, you’re going to add your cinnamon stick and be-cloved orange slice (and straw, if you like). Pour in about 4oz of hot water, stir, and enjoy!