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National Hot Toddy Day

Drink · January 11

A warm look at the hot toddy, a mixed drink of whiskey, hot water, honey and lemon, and the cozy ways people make and sip it.

National Hot Toddy Day falls on Monday, January 11, 2027. That is 76 days away.

A hot toddy is a warm mixed drink, usually whiskey stirred into hot water with honey and a squeeze of lemon. Some versions add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves or a slice of ginger. It is simple enough to make in a mug with whatever is already in the kitchen.

The appeal is mostly in the warmth. Steam rises off the cup, the lemon sharpens the smell, and the honey rounds off the edges of the spirit. People tend to drink it slowly, often in the evening, with a blanket nearby and nowhere in particular to be.

Recipes vary from house to house. Bourbon, rye, Scotch, brandy and dark rum all show up in toddies, and each one changes the character of the drink. Black tea sometimes stands in for plain hot water. A nonalcoholic version made with tea, honey, lemon and spices keeps the same comfort and suits anyone who skips the spirit.

The mug matters more than you might think. A thick ceramic cup or a heatproof glass with a handle holds the heat longer and keeps fingers comfortable. Warming the mug first with a splash of hot water, then pouring it out, helps the drink stay warm to the last sip.

Ways to celebrate

• Try making a hot toddy with a spirit you have never used in one.
• Stir up a nonalcoholic toddy with black tea, honey and lemon.
• Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves and notice the difference.
• Warm your mug with hot water before building the drink.
• Share your family's toddy recipe with a friend.

Dates

All national days on January 11

Also on January 11

• National Milk Day
• Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day
• Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day

Categories: Drink days