National Hot Toddy Day celebrates a beloved warm alcoholic beverage traditionally made with whiskey, honey, lemon, hot water, and spices. This comforting drink is known both as a winter warmer and a folk remedy for cold symptoms.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: January 11
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Alcoholic Beverages
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalHotToddyDay
- When was founded?: Unknown
- Who founded it?: Origin unclear
History of National Hot Toddy Day
The hot toddy’s origins trace back to British colonial India, where the word “toddy” derives from the Hindi word “tārī,” referring to a fermented palm sap drink. The modern version evolved in 18th-century Scotland, where it gained popularity as both a pleasurable drink and a cold remedy.
Timeline
- 1700s: Original toddy drinks appear in India
- 1800s: Scottish doctors develop hot toddy as a medical treatment
- 1837: Burlington Free Press declares hot toddy a “cure-all” drink
- 1862: First recorded hot toddy recipe appears in “The Bartender’s Guide”
- 1900s: Hot toddy becomes a popular winter cocktail worldwide
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Jan 11 | Saturday |
| 2026 | Jan 11 | Sunday |
| 2027 | Jan 11 | Monday |
| 2028 | Jan 11 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | Jan 11 | Thursday |
Observed
Celebrated annually on January 11th in many countries, particularly in regions with cold winters.
Fun Facts About Hot Toddies
- The drink was originally used as medicine
- Scottish pubs used water from Tod’s Well in Edinburgh
- Different regions use different base spirits
- Can be made alcohol-free using herbal tea
- Maple syrup is often used instead of honey in Canada
Quiz
- What’s the traditional base spirit for a hot toddy?
- Where did the word “toddy” originate?
- What year was the hot toddy declared a “cure-all”?
(Answers: 1. Whiskey 2. Hindi word “tārī” 3. 1837)
FAQs
- Can hot toddies really cure a cold? While not a cure, ingredients may help relieve symptoms
- Is there a non-alcoholic version? Yes, made with herbal tea
- What’s the best spirit to use? Traditionally whiskey, but rum and brandy work well
Importance of Hot Toddy Day
This celebration highlights a drink that has warmed generations and bridges cultural traditions from India to Scotland to modern-day craft cocktail bars.
Related
- National Whiskey Day
- Hot Buttered Rum Day
- Winter Warmers Week
- National Honey Month
- International Tea Day