How a hot whisky can improve your health this Christmas
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With Christmas around the corner, a dram of your finest whisky, honey, lemon and spices is everything you need to ward off that winter cold. It turns out that the science behind the lovely warming drink is on the side of the Scottish – a hot whisky really is medicinal.
With an uptake in whisky consumption across the nation expected across the Christmas season, the experts at Cask 88 have collaborated with NHS GP Hana Patel to reveal the surprising health benefits of enjoying a hot toddy and tips on how to make one at home.
The health benefits of a hot toddy this festive season:
- Whisky:
Hot toddy is traditionally drunk as a nightcap before retiring for the night, in wet or cold weather, or to relieve the symptoms of the cold and flu. In How to Drink, Victoria Moore describes the ingredients as “the vitamin C for health, the honey to soothe, the alcohol to numb.”1 The whisky in a hot toddy contains ellagic acid, a powerful antioxidant that may help combat free radicals and protect the body from oxidative stress. In moderation, the small amount of alcohol in whisky can also promote relaxation, reducing stress levels and fostering a sense of calm.
Dr. Hana Patel, NHS GP and GP Medico-Legal Expert Witness, shares more:
“Whisky has high levels of polyphenols, which are plant-based antioxidants linked with lowering your risk of heart disease. The warm drink soothes the throat, providing comfort and promoting relaxation. Whisky, especially when combined with honey and lemon, offers soothing properties that relieve sore throat discomfort and reduce coughing.
Whisky’s alcohol content promotes relaxation and may aid sleep. There are health benefits from drinking whiskey, although alcohol is a personal choice and I would remind people of the government recommendations regarding max units of alcohol per week for men and women.”
Cask 88 | ‘The Bothy’ by Jonathan Freemantle, a limited-edition whisky collection inspired by the Scottish Highlands.
- Honey:
The honey in a hot toddy offers several potential health benefits that can provide comfort during cold weather or when feeling run down. Its natural antimicrobial properties help combat bacteria and may aid in soothing a sore throat. Rich in antioxidants, honey also supports the immune system, contributing to overall health. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce minor swelling and discomfort in the throat or nasal passages. The natural sweetness of honey can make the hot toddy more palatable and also provide a gentle energy boost, particularly welcome when feeling under the weather or fatigued.
- Lemon:
Lemon juice, often added to a hot toddy, is packed with vitamin C, a nutrient essential for supporting the immune system. Vitamin C can help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms by boosting the production of white blood cells, which fight infections. The citric acid in lemon may also help to break down mucus, easing congestion and promoting clearer airways. Furthermore, lemon is rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Its tangy flavour adds a refreshing contrast to the drink, making it both beneficial and enjoyable to consume.
Dr Hana Patel continues: “While honey adds sweetness and soothes coughs and throats. Fresh lemon juice provides vitamin C to relieve sore throats, and staying hydrated with plenty of fluids is crucial during illnesses. Consider adding ginger for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, mint for respiratory benefits, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for potential decongestive effects.”
- Spices and Aromatics:
Optional spices like cinnamon, cloves, or ginger in a hot toddy bring more than just flavour—they are also known for their potential health benefits. Cinnamon and cloves are packed with antioxidants and have natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may support immune health. Ginger, often used to alleviate nausea and improve digestion, can add a subtle spiciness that complements the other ingredients. Together, these spices may help reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and provide additional comfort during illness or cold weather.
- Warmth and Steam:
The warmth of a hot toddy offers therapeutic benefits, addressing stress or respiratory and sinus discomfort. The comforting heat of the beverage is soothing to the body, making it an effective way to relax and unwind, especially in cold or damp weather. Inhaling the steam from the drink can help to loosen mucus and clear nasal passages, providing temporary relief from congestion. Warm liquids can also promote circulation, which may help to relieve cold-induced chills and muscle tension.
Graham Ewert, Senior Portfolio Manager at Cask 88, has shared their tips on how to make a hot toddy at home:
“For an authentic and smooth flavor that compliments the other ingredients beautifully, we recommend using a good-quality Scotch whisky in your hot toddy. Whether you choose a single malt or a blended variety, the richness of a carefully crafted Scotch can elevate the drink to new heights. This winter, consider the Glenburgie 24 Years Old from Cask 88’s unique collection, created in collaboration with iconic British illustrator Ralph Steadman.
This rare single cask single malt boasts a full-bodied and delightfully sweet profile, with notes of baked bananas, milk chocolate raisins, and wholemeal toast. The warmth of lavender-topped plum tart, hints of ginger beer, and a finish of citrus rind, soft leather, and pecan pie make it a perfect pairing for a hot toddy, enhancing the cozy, spiced flavors of the drink.
Each bottle in the collection is adorned with a stunning Steadman illustration, capturing the drama of the whisky-making process — like the fiery intensity of cask firing, represented on this bottle. With its rich flavors and exceptional craftsmanship, this whisky makes for a soothing treat or a thoughtful gift during the holiday season.”
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