Drink up northeast Ohioans: Friday is National Hot Toddy Day

CINCINNATI - While northeast Ohio's wet chill may get you down, warm up with a warm (stiff) drink on National Hot Toddy Day.

Friday, Jan. 11 is National Hot Toddy Day, which celebrates the drink made with honey, lemon, hot water, and the spirit of your choice (usually whiskey, brandy, or rum).

Although the drink’s origin is not clear, it is suggested that the name comes from the toddy drink in India that is produced by fermenting the sap of palm tree. Also, many say the drink was introduced into Scotland in the 18th century.

While the exact details are unknown, historians believe that the recipe was developed to make the taste of Scotch whiskey more appealing.

So, to kick off the weekend and celebrate Hot Toddy Day, here are a few recipes:

Hot toddy from AllRecipes.com :

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon honey
2 fluid ounces boiling water
1 ½ fluid ounces whiskey
3 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 slice lemon
1 pinch ground nutmeg

Pour the honey, boiling water, and whiskey into a mug. Spice it with the cloves and cinnamon, and put in the slice of lemon. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes so the flavors can mingle, then sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg before serving.

Rum Hot Toddy from Cooking Channel :

Ingredients:

4 to 6 ounces hot water (varies on cup size)
1 ounces or 2 tablespoons spice run
1 tablespoon honey
¼ lemon
Cinnamon sugar, to taste

Combine the hot water and rum in a mug. Stir in the honey and squeeze out the juice from the lemon wedge. Finish with a dash on cinnamon sugar and serve warm.