Many New Yorkers use the wintertime as an excuse to hide away under the covers, but for the ones who decide to brave the freezing temperatures a warming hot toddy should most definitely be on your radar. Classically made with just three ingredients—a spirit, a sweetener, and boiling water—the hot toddy is the ultimate go-to cold-curing remedy, and a lot of bars like to put their own personal twist on them. Since we’re not yet out of the winter blues, here are 10 of NYC’s hottest hot toddies.
1. The Shanty, Williamsburg
The Apple-Jack Finished Ragtime Rye used in this hot toddy is the distillery’s very own and features a tasty apple flavor. Allspice and cinnamon syrup are added for a delicious nutty flavor, all before being topped with a lemon slice.
Where: 79 Richardson St
When: Wednesday-Friday 5p.m. – 12a.m., Saturday 2p.m. – 12a.m., Sunday 4p.m. – 10p.m.
2. ROKC, Harlem
ROKC, an acronym for ramen, oysters, kitchen, and cocktails prides themselves on two specific things: their ramen, and cocktails. They put a delicious Japanese spin on the classic hot toddy, using Japanese whiskey, kuromitsu (Japanese sugar syrup), yuzu, and hot water.
Where: 3452 Broadway
When: Sunday-Wednesday 5p.m. – 10:30p.m., Thursday-Saturday 5p.m. – 11p.m.
3. Croton Reservoir Tavern, Midtown
The Croton’s hot toddy is very straight and to the point, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. Made with Jack Daniels, honey, and lemon, this warming drink proves that sometimes less is more.
Where: 108 W 40th St
When: Monday-Saturday 11:30a.m. – 10p.m.
4. The Last Word, Astoria
The Last Word in Astoria serves up a deliciously classic Hot Toddy using Monkey Shoulder Scotch. Honey, cinnamon, and lemon are then added giving it a more dynamic flavor before being served with a lemon twist.
Where: 31-30 Ditmars Blvd
When: Tuesday-Thurday 5p.m. – 1a.m., Friday-Saturday 5p.m. – 2a.m., Sunday 5p.m. – 1a.m.
5. The Rum House, Times Square
Where: 228 W 47th St
When: Sunday-Thursday 4p.m. – 1a.m., Friday-Saturday 4p.m. – 2a.m.
6. The Honey Well, Harlem
Sticking to the punny atmosphere at The Honey Well, they admirably refer to their version of the hot toddy as “Hot Thotty.” Served out of a teakettle, the honey bush-infused bourbon pairs deliciously with hibiscus agave, lemon, and cinnamon and orange-infused water.
Where: 3604 Broadway
When: Sunday-Thursday 4p.m. – 12a.m., Friday-Saturday 4p.m. – 2a.m.
7. The Richardson, Williamsburg
The Richardson Toddy really leaves it up to you to customize your drink to your liking. This cocktail is made with honey, cinnamon, clove, lemon, angostura, and hot water and then your choice of 101-proof bourbon, 100-proof apple brandy, or 86-proof Caribbean Demerara rum.
Where: 451 Graham Ave
When: Sunday-Thursday 4p.m. – 1a.m., Friday-Saturday 4p.m. – 2a.m.
8. SERRA by Birreria, Flatiron
SERRA has a new menu of Hot Toddies, all with an Italian twist. Their recipe uses a spearmint-laced Amaro from Northern Italy, and it pairs perfectly with the tea used to make a Hot Toddy.
Where: 200 5th Ave
When: Monday-Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
9. The Whiskey Ward, LES
The Whiskey Ward is serving up everybody’s favorite classic hot toddy. It’s typically served with house whiskey, or for an extra buck you can have it made with Four Roses bourbon.
Where: 121 Essex St
When: Monday-Thursday 5p.m. – 2a.m., Friday-Saturday 5p.m. – 3a.m.
10. The Coupe, Staten Island
The Coupe’s version of the hot toddy is very simple while also being extremely delicious and satisfying. It’s made with spiced bourbon, cinnamon, and honey and is topped with star anise.
Where: 379 Van Duzer St
When: Monday-Sunday 6p.m. – 4a.m.