In the world of winter cocktails, the Hot Toddy stands above the rest—especially when you’re feeling under the weather. Once prescribed as a remedy, this warm mix of whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon soothes like nothing else on a cold day.
But what whisk(e)y you choose to use as its base is important. If you prefer a sweeter, mellower Hot Toddy, you’ll opt for a corn-based bourbon whiskey. If you prefer a little peppery spice, perhaps you’ll make yours with a nice, balanced rye whiskey. In my years of drinking alcohol for work (and pleasure), I’ve found that no whisk(e)y style works better in this drink than a classic, balanced blended Scotch whisky.
Why blended Scotch whisky?
You might be wondering why I prefer blended Scotch whisky above all other styles. It’s really fairly simple. For those unaware, blended Scotch whisky is a (you guessed it) blend of single malt whiskies with one or more single grain whiskies. They are married together to create the perfect combination of aromas and flavors. As a bonus, many blended Scotch whiskies are less expensive than their single malt counterparts, making them a great choice for mixing.
The best blended Scotch whiskies for a Hot Toddy
Now that you know why blended Scotch appeals, here are our favorite balanced options to stock for winter. Keep reading for our top picks.
Johnnie Walker Black Label
One of the most underrated expressions from Johnnie Walker, Black Label is a blend of malt and grain whiskies that have been matured for a minimum of 12 full years. It all begins with a nose of leather, candied orange peels, butterscotch, dried fruits, and gentle smoke. The palate is filled with flavors of toasted vanilla beans, honey, cocoa, raisins, toffee, and light campfire smoke. The finish is a mix of wintry spices, oak, fruit, and just a whisp of peat smoke. This whisky will add a nice smoky, sweet presence to your seasonal Hot Toddy.
$25.99
Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder isn’t your usual blended Scotch. Instead of marrying a few single malts with a few grain whiskies, this blend is made entirely of single malts. It features three Speyside malts from William Grant and Sons: The Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Kininvie. All the whiskies included in this small batch “vatted” blend were matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. This results in a multi-layered expression that begins with a nose of toasted vanilla beans, candied orange peels, and wintry spices. Sipping it reveals notes of honey, orchard fruits, oak, candied almonds, and toffee. The finish is warm and lingering, ending with a mix of caramelized sugar, wood, and spice. This whisky will add a great balance to your winter Hot Toddy.
$26.99
Compass Box Peat Monster
Fans of peated Scotch whiskies will love using Compass Box Peat Monster for the base of their Hot Toddy. This blended Scotch whisky is made from well-known peated single malts, including Laphroaig, Caol Ila, and others. The result is a complex, smoky whisky that starts with scents of ocean brine, iodine, orchard fruits, toasted vanilla beans, and campfire smoke. The palate is centered in salted caramel, iodine, dried fruit, vanilla, oak, and robust peat smoke. The finish is peaty and smoky, ending with a mix of baking spices and light caramel. Peat Monster is sure to add an extra smoky, peaty kick to your Hot Toddy.
$64.99
Dewar’s 12 Year
There aren’t many blended whisky brands more well-known than Dewar’s. And if you’re going to pick one for your Hot Toddy, make it Dewar’s 12 Year. This is a blend of more than 40 malt and grain whiskies with its heart in Aberfeldy. Each whisky included was matured for at least 12 full years. This results in a surprisingly balanced, value blend that begins with a nose of orchard fruits, honey, toasted vanilla beans, dried orange peels, and oak. The palate features flavors of clover honey, candied orange peels, oaky wood, creamy caramel, vanilla, and gentle wintry spices. The finish is long, warm, and lingers with flavors like baking spices, sticky toffee pudding, and oak.
$25.49
Chivas Regal 12 Year
No list of blended Scotch whiskies for Hot Toddies is complete with at least one expression from Chivas Regal. While you can’t go wrong with any of its expressions, a great choice is Chivas Regal 12 Year. This blend of single malt and grain whiskies has Strathisla single malt and Strathclyde single grain whiskies as its core. All whiskies included matured for at least 12 years. It’s known for its nose of honey, heather, toasted vanilla beans, crisp apples, and candied orange peels. Sipping it brings notes of sticky toffee, sweet treacle, orchard fruits, candied nuts, and vanilla beans. The finish is warm, long-lasting, and ends with a mix of sweetness and spice.
$25.99
