Why Hot Toddy Is The Perfect Winter Drink For Warmth, Immunity And Congestion Relief

Hot toddy is a favourite during the winter months. With winter gripping across North India, hot toddy could just be the perfect beverage. It is a classic which blends together whiskey(or rum), hot water, honey, lemon, and spices like cinnamon or cloves. It can help warm your body, keep you comforted during the colder months, and also prevent seasonal health issues like cold and flu. The ingredients present in it are extremely beneficial during winter. Honey is a natural antibacterial powerhouse, lemon has vitamin C which benefits the immune system. Along with these, alcohol acts as a mild vasodilator, promoting blood flow to extremities, and the spices help with congestion and digestion. All of these together make hot toddy a natural decongestant.

While hot toddy can be beneficial for your health, it is important that you drink it in moderation. A serving or two at night can help with sleep, stress, congestion, sore throat and more. Here, take a look at some of the health benefits of drinking hot toddy during winter.

Benefits Of Drinking Hot Toddy During Winter

1. Soothes Sore Throat and Cough

Hot toddy acts like a warm hug for your throat during the winter months. The steaming hot water mixed with honey helps to coat and calm irritated tissues. It helps reduce inflammation from colds or dry air. The antibacterial properties of honey help to fight off germs, while lemon juice provides vitamin C that helps to boost your immunity. A sip of whiskey or rum adds to the benefits, easing coughs and making swallowing less painful.

2. Boosts Immunity During Winter

Winters tend to give you cold, but hot toddy helps to boost your body's defenses. Lemon's vitamin C helps strengthen white blood cells that fight viruses that are common in cold months. Honey gives antioxidants and enzymes that support your body. The warmth increases blood flow, helping immune cells travel faster. Spices like cinnamon or ginger have anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce infection risks. Drinking this beverage before sleep can help keep away the seasonal problems.

3. Relieves Congestion and Clears Sinuses

Stuffy noses are a major winter concern, which happens due to dry indoor heat and outdoor cold. The hot toddy's steam can be like a personal sauna, loosening mucous in your sinuses and nasal passages. Lemon's citric acid breaks down phlegm, while whiskey's alcohol acts as a decongestant by dilating blood vessels. Breathe deeply as vapours help to open airways, making it easier to rest.

4. Warms You Inside Out

Nothing beats the winter cold like hot toddy's cosy heat. The hot liquid increases your core temperature, sending warmth through your body. Whiskey expands blood vessels, improving circulation to fingers and toes that can feel cold. Ginger or cloves enhance this thermogenic effect, boosting your metabolism for extra heat.

5. Relaxation and Better Sleep

Stress from shorter days and holidays tend to disrupt your sleep. However, a hot toddy helps you unwind. Alcohol in moderation slows your brain, easing racing thoughts like a mild sedative. Honey helps to stabilise your blood sugar for better rest, preventing wake-ups. The warmth signals your body that it's time to relax.

6. Aids Digestion

Holiday feasts include rich foods that can upset the stomach in cold weather. Hot toddy's acidity from lemon helps to stimulate digestive juices, breaking down heavy meals faster. Ginger reduces nausea and bloating, common after you've had an indulgent meal. Honey soothes the gut lining. Hot toddy prevents post-dinner discomfort, while keeping holiday cheer intact.

7. Hydrates and Nourishes

Winters dry out skin and mucous membranes, increasing the risks of illness. The hot water in hot toddy helps to counter this with deep hydration. Lemon and honey replenishes electrolytes and vitamins lost to indoor heating. The warmth from the beverage encourages you to consume more fluid than just plain water.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.