This classic hot toddy recipe is a great way to warm up on a cold night! This calming drink is easy to make with hot water, whiskey, honey, and lemon.
Learn how to make hot toddy! Made with hot water, whiskey, honey and lemon juice, this classic drink is a famous home remedy for a cough or cold. When Jack has a sore throat, he always makes this hot toddy recipe to soothe it.
But you don’t have to be sick to enjoy this simple cocktail. Although I don’t normally drink whiskey, I love a hot toddy on a cold fall or winter night. Garnished with a cinnamon stick and lemon wedge, it’s a very cozy way to warm up. Health!
What’s in a hot toddy?
You’ll need 5 simple ingredients to make this classic hot toddy recipe:
- Hot water – Heat water in the microwave until it is smoking, or boil it in an electric kettle or on the stove. Let the boiling water cool for 2 minutes before mixing your drink.
- Whiskey – Bourbon, rye, and Irish whiskey are great. We like Bulleit, Koval and Black Box. Although not traditional, dark rum is another tasty option.
- fresh lemon – You will add lemon juice to the cocktail (better freshly squeezed!). I also like to garnish it with a lemon wedge or a strip of lemon zest.
- Honey – For sweetness. Maple syrup is good here too.
- and spices – Optional, but delicious! Garnish your cocktail with a cinnamon stick or whole cloves for a warm, aromatic flavor. You could even use star anise for a licorice flavor.
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
How to make hot toddy
Hot toddies are one of the easiest cocktails to make. The only special equipment you need is a mug!
Add the hot water, whiskey, lemon juice and honey to the cup and stir until the honey dissolves.
Then test and adjust. As with any homemade cocktail, the best hot toddy will be the one you make to your liking. If you want your cocktail to be brighter, add more lemon. For more sweetness, add more honey. For a stronger drink, add an extra splash of liquor. Have fun finding a balance of flavors that you like.
Garnish your mug with a lemon wedge and spices, and enjoy!
Variation: How to Make a Hot Toddy for a Cold
Although hot toddies are known as cold remedies, I like to avoid alcohol when I’m sick. If you do it too, You may want to adapt this hot toddy recipe to a non-alcoholic drink to soothe a sore throat or relieve other cold symptoms.
- Simply omit the whiskey from the recipe.
- If you wish, replace the hot water with hot tea. I love ginger or chamomile tea.
More cocktail recipes to try
If you love this recipe, try one of these classic cocktails below:
hot toddy
serves 1
A hot toddy cocktail is a hot whiskey drink made with hot water, honey, and lemon. Although hot toddies are known as cold remedies, we love making this recipe during the fall and winter. It’s so cozy on a cold night!
- ¾ cup hot water
- 1½ ounces whiskey, like Bulleit, Koval or Black Box
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Honey
- 1 lemon round, or 1 piece (3 inches) lemon peel
- 1 cinnamon stick, or 3 whole cloves, optional, to decorate
Prevent your screen from going dark
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In a cup, whisk together hot water, whiskey, lemon juice, and honey until honey dissolves. Taste and adjust to taste.
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Garnish with lemon wedge and cinnamon stick, if using.
