A Soothing Tonic of Hot Water, Spices, Whiskey, and Honey.  A favorite winter warmer, the hot toddy is sipped as a soothing tonic before bedtime, or as relief to cold, wet weather. It was named for the toddy drink in India, created from a drink of the toddy palm, then carried to Scotland by the East India Company as a hot whiskey drink of water, honey, herbs, and spices.