Ultra cozy and warming-to-boot, this paleo and keto hot toddy plays homage to this real Scottish gem. Or to put it simply: a tried and true human anti-freeze.

Paleo & Keto Hot Toddy 🍯

Ultra cozy!

‘Twas a cold and wet New York City winter moment, not a single free cab in sight (and Ubers were priced at a million bucks per mile). “I’ve an idea!” declared my ever-so-cool city friend, interlocking her arm around mine in a useless attempt to shield ourselves under our single miniature umbrella. “Trust me, I know a place!” she continued, dragging me around the corner in long strides.

“Two hot toddies please!” she effectively demanded in laughter, as the door flung open into a quintessential (and totally empty) city dive bar.

“Two what?” I inquired softly, twenty six years old and afraid of my apparent un-coolness.

“Wait, how did we go to the same school… for four years… in Scotland… and you never had one?!” she replied genuinely perplexed.

That’s right, my dear peeps. I lived in Scotland for four years and tried my first hot toddy in a NYC dive bar. But to cut straight to the chase, one sip later and I understood why a hot toddy is effectively human anti-freeze.

Or, you know, tea for grownups. 😉

The hot toddy spices

OK, and this might surprise you, but the one traditional spice in a hot toddy is actually just cloves. But I’m definitely going to suggest you go a little extra and throw in an actual cinnamon stick and a star anise. Trust me.

Oh! And also do remember that cloves are mighty little things. And I find that embedding just two in a lemon slice is more than enough.

The ‘honey’

Needless to say, if you’re paleo (or just living la vida loca through the Holidaze) go ahead and use some actual bee elixir, i.e. honey.

And if keto there’s actually a surprisingly legit honey hack: some allulose syrup + honey extract. Or you can just procure the readymade keto “honey” from the same brand, which surprisingly does taste legit… albeit a tad more watery in texture.

(But if none of those are on hand, don’t wait a week for your Amazon delivery, and just use any granular sweetener of your choice really as they all dissolve quite well in hot water… and the honey extract is just going ‘the extra mile’).

The booze

Since we’re talking about a traditionally Scottish drink, I obviously feel obliged to suggest you use actual scotch. But obviously bourbon or any whiskey will work just as well (and ahem, I used some good old Bulleit right here…!).

Just be sure to remember that even though hard liquors are all void of carbs, booze can hit you way harder while in ketosis. Like for real, you’ve been warned!

Looking for more drinks for The Holidaze? Don’t miss out on my keto eggnog!