The Hot Toddy predates the word cocktail and nabbed its name from India’s tāḍī—yet a great one lives or dies at 170–180°F. Pre‑warm a glass; use Kentucky bourbon (80–100 proof), 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 oz fresh lemon—never boiling water—and skip smoked-glass or tea hacks; this simple home ritual has soothed winters from Edinburgh to Dickens to today.