Hot Toddy with IMPOSTER Whiskey
Honey · lemon · cinnamon
Hot Toddy gives honey and lemon the supporting role in a Whiskey-inspired warm mug. First stir honey and fresh lemon juice together in a warmed mug, then add IMPOSTER Whiskey and top with water just shy of boiling. A clove-studded lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick supply the aromatic garnish without extra sweetness. Serve it right away while it is hot. The recipe uses slightly less lemon than a classic toddy to keep the drink balanced without the burn of alcohol. Measure each ingredient so the honey, lemon, and whiskey stay in proportion.
Quick Recipe Details
- Prep time
- Estimated 5 minutes
- Total time
- Estimated 5 minutes
- Yield / servings
- 1 cocktail
- Glassware
- Heatproof mug
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Ice
- None. Served hot
- Garnish
- Clove-studded lemon wheel and cinnamon stick
- Made with
- IMPOSTER Whiskey
Ingredients
- 2 oz IMPOSTER Whiskey
- 0.75 oz honey
- 0.33 oz (2 tsp) fresh lemon juice
- 4 oz water, just shy of boiling
- Garnish: lemon wheel studded with 3 cloves, plus 1 cinnamon stick
- No ice needed
Instructions
Step 1: Warm the mug.
Fill a heatproof mug with hot water for a minute, then pour it out.
Step 2: Add honey and lemon.
Add 0.75 oz honey and 0.33 oz fresh lemon juice to the warmed mug.
Step 3: Add the whiskey.
Pour in 2 oz IMPOSTER Whiskey.
Step 4: Add hot water and stir.
Top with 4 oz water just shy of boiling. Stir until the honey dissolves.
Step 5: Garnish and serve.
Add the clove-studded lemon wheel and cinnamon stick. Serve promptly.
Why This Works With IMPOSTER Whiskey
IMPOSTER Whiskey supplies deep spice, vanilla, and oak, which suit a warm serve. Honey adds rounded sweetness, lemon adds brightness, and hot water opens up the aroma. The cloves and cinnamon stick echo the spice in the whiskey. The honey is added to the mug first so it dissolves fully into the finished drink.
Serving Notes
Warm the mug before building the drink so it stays hot longer.
Use water that is just shy of boiling rather than a full boil, to keep the oak and cinnamon notes. Use heatproof glassware only.
Variations and Substitutions
Spicier mug
Add a thin slice of fresh ginger or a pinch of ground cinnamon. Keep the original liquid measures.
Honey swap
Use maple syrup or agave in place of honey, in the same measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I heat the whiskey separately?
No. Pour IMPOSTER Whiskey into the mug and add water just shy of boiling. The hot water warms the drink.
Can I make Hot Toddy ahead of time?
Mix the whiskey, honey, and lemon in advance, then add the hot water when serving.
Is Hot Toddy alcohol-free?
Yes. IMPOSTER Whiskey is 0.0% ABV, and the honey, lemon, water, and garnish contain no alcohol.
More Zero-Proof Cocktail Recipes
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