Do you crave festive cocktails? Do you need to be warmed up? Then you’ll want to celebrate National Hot Toddy Day on January 11. The warm drink is created in a kettle with various kinds of alcohol (usually rum, brandy, or whiskey), along with honey, lemon, water, and a cinnamon stick. It’s best enjoyed by the fire — preferably with snow falling outside. This toasty drink is even rumored to relieve cold and flu symptoms, but we’ll leave that part up to you.
National Hot Toddy Day timeline
Scottish doctors create this warm drink as a treatment for a sore throat and congestion.
American soldiers fighting in the Revolutionary War put their own twist on the hot toddy, using rum and brandy instead of whiskey.
"The Burlington Free Press" publishes an article calling the hot toddy a cure-all drink.
The earliest known record of a hot toddy recipe is said to appear in "The Bartender's Guide", written by Jerry Thomas.
National Hot Toddy Day Activities
Try out a new recipe
There are all kinds of twists on the classic recipe, from tea and coffee, to butter and apple cider.
Share it with a friend
Use hot toddies as an excuse to bond with an old friend or a new one. If they don't drink, whip up a virgin version.
Share your festive photos
Snap a pic of your hot toddy to share on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Remind your friends that #NationalHotToddyDay is meant to be celebrated.
5 Types Of Hot Toddies
Hot Scotch Toddy
Switch out the traditional liquors with Scotch, but be warned — it's strong!
Hot Apple Toddy
Mix the alcohol of your choice with some apple cider — we recommend whiskey.
Hot Ginger Toddy
Mix the typical ingredients with some ginger-flavored liquor like Domane de Canton.
Hot Cinnamon Apple Toddy
This just says cozy. Combine cinnamon schnapps with hot apple cider and cuddle up.
Hot Buttered Toddy
For one of the most lavish versions of the hot toddy, combine the usual ingredients with a few tablespoons of butter. That's smooth.
Why We Love National Hot Toddy Day
It's warm
Winter brings all kinds of dark and chilly factors into your life. Thankfully, hot toddies are here to fend them off.
It's boozy
Hot toddies are largely alcohol. But the other ingredients aren't going to induce a hangover. You've got water and lemon juice, and the only sugar is from the honey.
It's festive
Cinnamon and dark liquor? Sounds like the makings of a midwinter tradition.
National Hot Toddy Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 11 | Saturday |
| 2026 | January 11 | Sunday |
| 2027 | January 11 | Monday |
| 2028 | January 11 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | January 11 | Thursday |
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