Definition

Noun: A hot toddy is a warm alcoholic beverage, typically a mixed drink. It is made by combining liquor (such as whiskey, rum, or brandy) with hot water, sweetening it with sugar or honey, and flavoring it with spices (like cloves, cinnamon, or nutmeg) and often a slice of lemon.

Usage

A hot toddy is traditionally consumed as a comforting drink, especially in cold weather or when someone feels unwell, as it is believed to soothe a sore throat or alleviate cold symptoms.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To make/fix a hot toddy": This phrase describes the action of preparing the drink.
  • Could you fix me a hot toddy? I'm freezing.
• The term can be used metaphorically to describe something that provides warmth or comfort.
  • That heartfelt compliment was like a hot toddy for my soul.

Variants and Related Words

• Toddy: Can refer to a similar drink served cold or to the fermented sap of certain palm trees. In the context of a "hot toddy," it specifically means the warm, spiced alcoholic drink.
• Mulled wine: A related warm beverage made with heated wine and spices, but without a liquor base.
• Grog: A historical term for a drink of liquor mixed with water, often served warm.

Synonyms

• Warm punch
• Spiced toddy
• Hot buttered rum (a specific, similar type of drink)

Related Phrases

• "A cure in a cup": An informal phrase sometimes used to describe a hot toddy's perceived medicinal qualities.
• "Winter warmer": A general term for any hot alcoholic drink consumed in cold weather, which includes a hot toddy.

Noun

1. a mixed drink made of liquor and water with sugar and spices and served hot