Gentle at first, then quietly subversive. Warm water, citrus, and honey soften the edges, while Krampus brings depth and a slow-building heat that lingers long after the sip. Add brandy if you want extra weight, or let Krampus stand on its own—either way, this is comfort with intent, a fireside classic that behaves just well enough to earn its name.
The hot toddy is the classic cold-night and sniffle-season drink: spirits, honey, citrus and hot water. The Naughty Toddy builds it on Krampus Herbal Liqueur, with an optional splash of brandy.
It's gentle, warming and ready in three minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Krampus Herbal Liqueur
- ½ oz brandy (optional)
- ¼ oz honey
- ½ oz fresh orange or lemon juice
- 6–8 oz hot water
- 1 cinnamon stick, to garnish
Directions
- Add the Krampus, brandy (if using), honey and juice to a glass mug.
- Top with hot water and stir until the honey dissolves.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Glass: Glass mug · Garnish: Cinnamon stick
Tip
Use water just off the boil rather than boiling. Very hot water tastes harsh and burns off the aromatics you want to smell as you sip.
Variations
Lemon makes it brighter and more classic; orange makes it softer and rounder. For an oakier toddy, try the Krampus Fireside Toddy with Barrel-Aged Krampus.
A Brief History of the Hot Toddy
The word "toddy" traces back to 1600s India, where British traders drank a fermented palm-sap drink called taddy. By the 1700s, a toddy in Britain and Scotland meant spirits mixed with hot water, sugar and spice.
It has long been a folk remedy for colds, and in the American colonies a toddy was as common at a winter tavern as a mug of cider.
Why Make It With Krampus
A classic toddy needs both a spirit and a sweetener, and the honey is often the best part. Krampus Herbal Liqueur is made with raw honey and roasted hazelnut, so it supplies the sweetness and the spirit in one pour, with warming spice built in. You need only a touch of extra honey, and the drink tastes fuller than whiskey and water.
FAQ
What is the best alcohol for a hot toddy?
Whiskey, brandy and dark rum are classic. Honeyed liqueurs like Krampus make a softer, sweeter toddy.
Does a hot toddy help a cold?
It's a long-standing folk remedy. The warm liquid, honey and lemon can be soothing, but it isn't a cure.