a hot toddy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hot toddy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a warm alcoholic drink typically made with whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon, often consumed for its soothing properties, especially during cold weather or when feeling unwell. Example: "On a chilly evening, I like to curl up with a good book and enjoy a hot toddy by the fireplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Dave Robinson, Newstead, Tasmania, Australia A hot toddy and a day in bed.

The Guardian

Or a hot toddy.

The New York Times - Food

"It's a hot toddy without the toddy".

The New York Times

The husband orders a hot toddy.

The New Yorker

Add rum and you have a hot toddy.

The New York Times

She knelt at his feet and offered to get him a hot toddy or something.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"The Como personality might be compared to a marvelous hot toddy on a cold and blustery evening," the television critic John J. O'Connor wrote in The New York Times in 1976, reviewing one of Mr. Como's popular Christmas specials.

The New York Times

Even if sprawl does come, skiers can take heart: A Four Seasons hot toddy won't ever make a two-story drop feel shorter.

Forbes

The tousle-haired Sussex wuss with a voice as warm and boozy as a heady hot toddy has been writing songs like this for centuries - big, boomy tearjerkers that would get your mum sobbing into her soup if Radio 2 would bloody play it.

The Guardian - Music

It also built its own cars there from 1915 to 1925, which were immortalized in Cole Porter's song, "You're the Top," which has these lines: "You're the top, you're a Ritz hot toddy, you're the top, you're a Brewster body".

The New York Times

The cookie-cutter feeling was in full effect recently when I bellied up to Drybar and ordered up a poufy Hot Toddy (the only style on the menu for shorter hair like mine).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hot toddy" as a cultural reference point in lifestyle or travel writing to evoke a sense of warmth and tradition.

Common error

Avoid assuming all hot toddies are made with whiskey; variations using brandy or rum are also common.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a hot toddy" is as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it frequently appears in contexts related to ordering drinks or describing comforting beverages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

12%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig confirms that the phrase "a hot toddy" is grammatically sound and widely recognized as a warm alcoholic beverage, often consumed for its soothing properties. With numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it's clear that this phrase is a common and culturally relevant descriptor. The phrase's purpose often revolves around suggesting comfort, relaxation, or a remedy for cold symptoms. While the register is generally neutral to informal, its frequent appearance in news and lifestyle content makes it a versatile term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hot whiskey drink

Specifies the primary alcoholic component.

hot lemon and honey with whiskey

Describes the drink's ingredients explicitly.

spiced whiskey warmer

Highlights the warming and spiced characteristics.

warm alcoholic beverage

General term for a hot toddy.

winter warmer cocktail

Positions it within the category of winter cocktails.

soothing winter drink

Focuses on the comforting aspect and seasonal relevance.

bedtime cold remedy

Focuses on its use as a home remedy.

medicinal whiskey concoction

Emphasizes the historical use for cold relief.

fireside drink

Implies a cozy setting for enjoying the beverage.

hot spiced cider with liquor

A similar beverage with a different base.

FAQs

What is "a hot toddy"?

"A hot toddy" is a warm alcoholic drink traditionally made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water, often used as a remedy for colds or for relaxation.

What are some variations of "a hot toddy"?

While whiskey is traditional, "a hot toddy" can also be made with brandy or rum. Spices like cinnamon or cloves are sometimes added for extra flavor. You can use alternatives like "warm alcoholic beverage" or "soothing winter drink".

When is it appropriate to drink "a hot toddy"?

"A hot toddy" is often enjoyed during cold weather, when feeling under the weather, or as a relaxing drink before bed.

Are there non-alcoholic versions of "a hot toddy"?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the whiskey and using tea as a base, still incorporating lemon, honey, and spices. Some alternatives include "hot tea" with honey or "warm lemon drink".