The hot toddy is winter’s best drink. Perfect for when it is cold and wet outside. Make this classic hot drink and curl up with a book or serve it at the end of a dinner. It is another great way to enjoy your favourite tipple.

The classic hot toddy is a simple drink of whisky, hot water, honey and lemon. Woody spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg can be added, but are optional.

The hot toddy’s popularity rose in Scotland in the 18th century. Its exact origin is often debated. It is said that bartenders in Edinburgh would add a splash of hot water to Scotch to make it more palatable. The name toddy is fitting, as the water they used to make these was drawn from Tod’s Well. They later on started adding spices such as cinnamon, cloves and lemon.

The drink itself comes from ancient India, from a drink referred to as Tari. Tari was produced by fermenting the sap of palm trees. In 1786, toddy from tari was officially defined as a beverage made of alcoholic liquor with hot water, sugar, and spices and was known for its medicinal properties. The British colonisers in their exploration of India then adapted this drink by using whisky. This winter warmer was celebrated in the 19^th century as the cure for the common cold.

Learn how to make Jamie Oliver’s hot toddy below:

Ingredients

·1 1/2 parts Dewar's White Label Whisky

·1/3 part honey

·3 parts hot water

·3 dried cloves , per glass

·freshly squeezed lemon juice , plus a slice of lemon to garnish each glass

·cinnamon sticks , to garnish each glass

Method

1.Combine the whisky, honey syrup, hot water and cloves in a toddy glass and stir gently until completely combined.

2. Squeeze in lemon juice, to taste. Remove the cloves, then garnish with a slice of lemon and cinnamon stick.