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Bars Serving The Best Hot Toddy Drinks In OC

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(credit: Shutterstock)

A hot toddy is a classic cocktail whether you're just looking to warm up or to fight off the first symptoms of a cold. The combination of whiskey, honey and lemon is an irresistible way to warm your insides. Whatever the reason, if you're looking for a hot toddy, try these places for a truly great one.

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(credit: Gary Schwind)

Broadway by Amar Santana
328 Glenneyre St.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 715-8234
www.broadwaybyamarsantana.com

Broadway by Amar Santana is the perfect place to visit if you're just popping in for a cocktail or two. If you happen to pop in on one of the rare cool nights in southern California, try the hot toddy. When you order it, your bartender will ask if you have a whiskey preference. You can't go wrong no matter what whiskey you choose from the good selection here. The recipe is a classic one - garnished with lemon zest - and the ambiance here makes the drink even better. It's sure to warm you up or help you ward off a cold.

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(credit: Gary Schwind)

Three Seventy Common
370 Glenneyre St.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-8686
www.370common.com

Three Seventy Common is a cozy little place right by the Laguna Beach Public Library. When you walk in, you'll see a chalkboard by the bar that is used not only for drink specials but also for buying a drink for someone. The bartenders here put a little twist on the classic hot toddy recipe. Instead of honey, the hot toddy here is made with agave syrup (in addition to lemon juice) that gives the drink a good sweetness and more mellow flavor than honey.

Related: Best Places In Orange County For Whiskey

hopscotch tavern
(credit: Juliann T./Yelp)

Hopscotch Tavern
136 E. Commonwealth Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 871-2222
www.hopscotchtavern.com

Since it takes whiskey to make a hot toddy, it's not surprising that Hopscotch - with its tremendous selection of whiskeys - has a good hot toddy. While the recipe for a hot toddy is pretty standard, you can add different things to vary the flavors. The bartenders at Hopscotch do one thing different when making the hot toddy. In addition to the standard bourbon, lemon and honey, you'll find St. Germain, which adds a nice floral note to the drink.

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(Credit: Haven Gastropub)

Haven Gastropub
190 S. Glassell St.
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 221-0680
www.havengastropub.com

Haven Gastropub in Orange is proof that little variations can make a big difference in a classic cocktail like a hot toddy. At Haven, the hot toddy is made with rye instead of bourbon, but that's not the only difference. Instead of using honey, the bartenders here use Barenjager honey liqueur. However, what really sets this apart from other hot toddys is the apple cider. It's a great complement to both the whiskey and the honey liqueur. If you need something to warm you up, try Haven's hot toddy.

Related: Best Gastropubs in Orange County

k'ya bistro
(credit: K'ya Bistro)

K'ya Bistro
1287 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 376-9718
www.kyabistro.com

Traditionally, a hot toddy is made with either brandy or whiskey. The hot toddy at K'ya in Laguna Beach is a little different. This one is made with unfiltered apple cider, butterscotch schnapps and dark rum. It is served in a glass coffee mug rimmed with cinnamon and sugar, and garnished with a cinnamon stick. Don't worry, it is just as good as it sounds. If this drink doesn't take the chill off, there probably isn't a drink that will.

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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