This is sure to be the best Hot Toddy Recipe you'll ever try! It's a great classic cocktail for a cold winter night.
A feel better remedy to help get over that feeling of an achy cold or sore throat.
The perfect blend of fresh lemon, spices, and good old-fashioned whiskey. Feeling good and want something with a little libation to take the edge off and relax on a cool night.
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
- This warm drink with sweet honey is going to bring you some serious comfort! This aromatic warm cocktail is ready in no time and the perfect quick fix for much-needed comfort.
- Tis the Season for cold symptoms with aches, and pains! That means it's Hot Toddy season!
- These are my Mom's cure-all for the common cold or for a great evening dring to warm you up.
Ingredients
- Whiskey or Irish Whiskey are my top choices - adds a zip to the body to warm you up.
- honey: gives a sweetness and soothes the throat.
- lemon juice - adds Vitamin C which is a great addition to the drink.
- lemon wedges - more Vitamin C
- ground cloves - a warm spice that enhances the toddy.
- cinnamon sticks - gives a nice spice to warm flavors.
- fresh ginger slices, if unavailable, use ground ginger - ginger is great for the body.
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Equipment
- Clear Glass Coffee Mugs: I love these mugs! They hold the heat and a nice large mug.
- 100% Pure Unfiltered Honey: This is my go-to honey.
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
Step 1: Add water to a tea kettle or medium saucepan. Bring water to a boil.
Step 2: Pour whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and honey into a mug.
Step 3: Top with hot water.
Step 4: Add a slice of lemon, fresh ginger, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy.
Storage
Best to drink your toddy while it's hot. I've never had leftovers. However, if you made a big batch, keep in the refrigerator in an airtight covered container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Expert Tips
Expert Tip: Be sure to heat your water up to just about boiling so the sweetener will dissolve in the liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
The word Toddy dates back to the British rule of India in the 1600s, which meant beverage made from fermented palm sap.
The term Toddy evolved into a beverage made with liquor, spices, sugar, and hot water in the late 1700s. The rest is history and the hot toddy is a winner.
Does Chicken Soup cure a cold? Can a great cup of tea make your day better? Maybe not, but they sure can help make you feel a bit better. So why not give it a go and see why my Mom is always right! This toddy is my go-to adult to feel better liquid refreshment.
Jameson Irish Whiskey
Makers Mark
Canadian Club Rye
Tullamore Dew Whiskey all make great toddies.
According to Medical News Today, people find having a hot toddy can give a little relief to their symptoms. That said, always check with your doctor when you are on any prescription medication and for making any homemade elixirs.
Variations
Looking to cozy up with a night cap on a cold evening but don't have whiskey, here are some suggestions to substitute:
- Brandy
- Vodka
- Light Rum
- Dark Rum
- Bourbon
- Scotch
For the sweetener feel free to try ½ teaspoon of any of these:
- white sugar
- pure maple syrup
- Low-carb sweeteners such as Stevia or monkfruit
Similar recipes
The regulars here know my Mom, the originator of The Best Bloody Mary, has been making Hot Toddies even longer than Bloody Marys! My friends, this is one epic, feel better drink with a kick from whiskey!
Hot drinks and beverages are a favorite. You should give a try to my family's famous Irish Coffees and Pumpkin Lattes, so delicious!
Another favorite is our Boozy Whiskey Cherries made with Fireball! Wow, they are delish.
I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.
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Thank you for the continued support. I am forever grateful.
Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recipe originally published December 7, 2019, updated November 11, 2021, for user experience.
Hot Toddy Recipe
Equipment Needed:
- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Ingredients
- 8 ounces water
- 1 ounce whiskey Note 1
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 slice fresh ginger Note 2
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves Note 3
- 1 cinnamon stick Note 4
- 1 slice lemon optional garnish
Instructions
- In a tea kettle or saucepan, over medium-high heat, add water. and bring water to a boil.
- Bring water to a boil. Then remove from heat.
- Add to a large mug, the whiskey, lemon juice, and honey.
- Pour hot water into the mug.
- Add in fresh ginger and cloves, cinnamon stick, and a slice of lemon. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Nutrition
The hubs took me on a much-needed getaway for a few days in Montauk, NY.
The hotel is gorgeous and right on the ocean! We enjoyed hot toddies with the best hot whiskey, fresh lemon slices while we sat by the firepit. Very expensive drinks, but what can you do when you are traveling and in need of pure comfort!
I have to share my family's recipe with you because it's so darn good and after seeing the price of them in Montauk, well, please make your own at home.
You will save a lot of money and with just a few ingredients and enjoy them whenever you want one.
Hannah Lagdameo
Thank you for sharing this recipe. This is very timely cause it's already flu season. All the best!
Eileen xo
I am happy you enjoy the recipe Hannah! It is a great hot toddy and stay healthy!
Loreto Nardelli
That was a beautiful picture you painted of you and your husband sipping hot toddies by the fire over looking the ocean
. Last night I had quite the sore throat, could of used one of these!
Happy New Year!
Cheers!
Eileen xo
Happy New Year to you as well Loreto! We did have a great few days in our winter vacation spot!
Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life
How did you know my husband just came down with a cold and clearly is in need of a hot toddy? I'm sure this would do the trick for that sore throat of his. We're definitely going to have to try this!
Eileen xo
I hope your hubs feels better soon! A hot toddy will definitely give him a little TLC !
Tammy
I've never had a hot toddy before but this looks and sounds so comforting on a cold night especially when one isn't feeling to well. I'd love one right now 🙂
Eileen xo
Tammy, these hot toddys are delicious! You are right, perfect when not feeling well!
Elizabeth Leaver
Just looking at this makes me feel warm and cozy! My boyfriend has (man) flu at the moment and is also partial to a whiskey now and again. I will have to make this for him, it might keep him quiet for a little while at least ?
Eileen xo
Yes, Elizabeth, your boyfriend will love the hot toddy! I know, men get a cold and it lasts quite long,:)
Farwin
This would make a great remedy for the cold !
Eileen xo
It sure would be a great remedy for a cold Farwin!
Ruchi
Hot toddy has been my favorite cold curing medicine for years:) I love the taste, i love the smell of it and i love the whole process too.
Eileen xo
Ruchi, I am with you on this one! A hot toddy is amazing!
Marisa Franca
I don't believe I've ever had a Hot Toddy but the way this winter is going I think I need a gallon of it. This cold and cough has been lingering on -- and this is such an easy recipe! I need to make some. We have wine in the house but no whiskey -- better send Hubby out to get some.
Eileen xo
Oh Marisa, feel better! Have the hubs get some whiskey, this will warm you right up!
Donna
I love a good hot toddy, it always makes me feel instantly better and always reminds me of my grandpa 🙂
Eileen xo
Donna, This hot toddy reminds my clearly of my mom, but also of my Grandpa too! The memories are just as good as the toddy! xo
Dominique | Perchance to Cook
Is it crazy that I've never had a hot toddy before?! I've been sick for about 2 weeks now, so I'm going to make this to feel better. Sounds like it will do the trick, while tasting delish!
Eileen xo
Dominique, I hope you feel better! Make yourself a hot toddy and I hope it helps your cough.
anne lawton
THere's nothing like a hot toddy when it gets cold out. Thank you for sharing your recipe and tips.
Eileen xo
I am glad you like the tips Anne! This hot toddy is my go-to winter feel better drink! Hoping you find it helpful this crazy cold days!
Veena Azmanov
I have not had toddy for so many years. This looks so good and brings memories from years ago. .Love how simple this is. I need to try this..!!
Eileen xo
isn't that what food should do..bring us back to good times! I hope you enjoy the toddy Veena! Your baking always brings me back to my Grandma! I hope this toddy brings you good memories!
Kyra Rodriguez
I cannot sleep properly last night due to my dry cough. ugh! I will try this later, I hope this one will work on me!
Eileen xo
Kyra, I hope the toddy helped your cough, feel better