Dr. Pat's Hot Toddy Cold Remedy Recipe - Food.com (2024)

FAQs

Does a hot toddy actually help a cold? ›

Can Hot Toddies Really Cure Colds? While Hot Toddies have been used for generations as a natural way to combat cold symptoms, there is no definite research to prove that they can replace that bottle of cold medicine once and for all. They do, however, certainly provide comfort.

Irish whiskey, known for its gentle, fruity notes, or wheated bourbons like Maker's Mark, which are milder and sweeter, are ideal choices. These types of whiskey, combined with honey's natural soothing properties and lemon's refreshing tang, create a hot toddy that's both comforting and kind to a sore throat.

In short, yes! Moderate whisky drinking soothes sore throats and coughing. Having a sore throat or a cold is truly uncomfortable and inconvenient. Cold or flu caused by viral infections can make our throat feel irritated, dry, scratchy, or sometimes burning.

For boosted immunity and/or sickness relief, try making lemon-ginger-cinnamon tea or a hot toddy. To make the immune-boosting tea, simply squeeze half a lemon into a mug and add the lemon rind. Add one or two cinnamon sticks and five slices of peeled ginger root.

And it turns out that the core ingredients in a Hot Toddy — whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon — do pretty much the same thing. A great decongestant, the alcohol in whiskey dilates the blood vessels, making it easier for your mucus membranes to deal with the infection.

Whiskey can temporarily widen your blood vessels. In small amounts, this can help clear mucus congestion in your sinuses and chest, which lets your body better deal with sickness and infection. This effect may also relieve other symptoms of a cold or flu, like coughing or wheezing.

Dark liquor: Use brandy, whiskey, dark rum, or bourbon. The best liquor for making hot toddies is one you already enjoy the flavor of. We love using dark rum or bourbon.

As with all the health benefits of whiskey, the key is to consume in moderation. Because of its blood-thinning properties, a daily shot of whiskey can lower a person's risk of ischemic (clot-caused) stroke. You probably grew up hearing that drinking a Hot Toddy is a great palliative for a cold.

From sweet honey to spicy cinnamon and bitters to bourbon, Jim Beam Hot Toddy offers the full flavor of a professionally made hot toddy in one, ready-to-serve bottle. No mixing or special ingredients needed. Jim Beam Hot Toddy is the perfect, pre-mixed hot toddy co*cktail. Just pour, warm and serve.

How many hot toddies should you drink? ›

Furthermore, there's evidence that suggests drinking two hot toddies per day can help relieve cold symptoms such as sore throats and congestion when paired with restful sleep.

You can use whatever tea you want for a hot toddy, and any full-bodied, flavorful tea that can stand up well to the strong flavors of spirits and lemon is a good option.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Whiskey

Whiskey contains ellagic acid, which can potentially reduce bodily inflammation and lower the risk of obesity. Again, it's crucial to remember that these potential benefits do not outweigh the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

To make a hot toddy, you need one cup of hot tea, two ounces of bourbon, one teaspoon of honey, and a lemon slice. Some enjoy adding a bit of ginger and cinnamon, too. The alcohol will relax your blood vessels and the warm honey, lemony-ness will soothe your throat.

Blanco tequilas especially with lemon and salt act as a quick remedy against sore throat and cough. The alcoholic drink helps in clearing sinuses. The agave flavor is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, Blanco tequilas are among the best drinks for sore throat and cough.

Myth: Alcohol's decongestant properties can help treat cold symptoms. Alcohol is rumored to work as a decongestant, but actually, the reverse is true. Small amounts of alcohol can cause vasodilation — a widening of blood vessels — which can worsen a runny nose or congestion.

Hot drinks are a good choice as the hot steam may help relieve nasal congestion. When it comes to warm fluids, consider drinking: Herbal teas. Honey and lemon tea.

But fear not, hot cider, hot toddy, and mulled wine lovers: Around 85 percent of your beloved alcohol will survive the heating process. The U.S. Department of Agriculture did a study in 2007 that nailed down the numbers with the magic of the scientific method.

Still, a hot, spicy drink like the toddy may help if you're sick. The spices stimulate saliva, helping a sore throat, and the lemon and honey will stimulate mucus, she writes, citing Ron Eccles, director of the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University.