Our hot toddy recipe is the cure to take away the chill on a cold evening. This classic cocktail combines smooth whiskey, hot water, and fresh lemon for a cozy drink that will warm you from the inside out.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting nightcap or a natural remedy for sniffles, this simple yet flavorful recipe is the perfect go-to drink. Try some other favorite warm drinks: Detox Lemon Ginger Green Tea, Irish Coffee, Cranberry Tea, and Slow Cooker Pumpkin Hot Chocolate.
Grab a mug and make a hot toddy that’ll keep you toasty all season long.
For specifics on the recipe use the table of contents to click on sections of the recipe.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- This hot whiskey drink with sweet honey will bring you some serious comfort.
- This aromatic warm cocktail is easy to prepare 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 and this is a cure-all.
- It's so easy to learn how to make a hot toddy at home, any time.
Ingredient List
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- Whiskey or Irish Whiskey are my top choices, it adds a zip to the body to warm you up.
- Honey: gives a sweetness and soothes the throat.
- lemon juice - a great addition to the drink.
- lemon wedges
- ground cloves - a warm spice that enhances the toddy.
- cinnamon stick - gives a nice spice to warm flavors.
- fresh ginger slices, if unavailable, use ground ginger.
Equipment
- 7" small saucepan
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- jigger
How to Make a Hot Toddy
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- Heat: Bring water to a boil in a teapot or small saucepan.
- Prepare the toddy: Pour whiskey, fresh lemon juice, hot water, and honey into a mug.
- Garnish the toddy: Add a slice of lemon, fresh ginger, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
- Serve and enjoy.
Eileen's Tips for Success
- Be sure to heat the water to just about boiling so the sweetener will dissolve in the liquid.
Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe? Here are some ways to change the flavor of this dish.
- I love an extra shot of lemon and ginger added to the saucepan when the water is boiling.
- Citrus: try orange slices, or apple slices in this warm cocktail.
- Vegan options: use pure maple syrup instead of honey
- Add black tea to your cocktail for an extra boost of flavor.
- Sweetener: If you prefer a bit of sweetness, try ½ teaspoon of either: white sugar, pure maple syrup, stevia, or monkfruit.
- Looking to cozy up with a nightcap on a cold evening but don't have whiskey, here are some suggestions to substitute:
- Brandy
- Vodka
- Light Rum
- Dark Rum
- Bourbon
- Scotch Whiskey
Make ahead, storage, and freezer tips
Storage - It's best to drink the toddy while it's hot.
However, if you make a big batch, keep it in the refrigerator in a covered airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
The word Toddy dates back to the British rule of India in the 1600s and means a 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.
Any of these will work great: Jameson Irish Whiskey
Makers Mark
Canadian Club Rye
Tullamore Dew Whiskey
According to Medical News Today, having a hot toddy can relieve some symptoms. That said, always check with your doctor when you are on any prescription medication and for making any homemade elixirs
Similar recipes
Check out all our beverages.
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Thank you for your 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.
📖 Recipe
Hot Toddy Recipe
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Equipment Needed:
Ingredients
- 8 ounces water
- 1 ounce whiskey Note 1
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon Note 2
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves optional Note 3
- 1 slice fresh ginger about ⅓ inch slice
- 1 slice lemon optional garnish
- 2 whole cloves optional garnish
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Instructions
- In a tea kettle or saucepan, over medium-high heat, add 8 ounces water and bring water to a boil. Remove the pan from the hea
- Pour the hot water into a large mug, add 1 ounce whiskey, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cloves , and 1 slice fresh ginger.
- Optional, serve with 1 slice lemon and 2 whole cloves.
NOTES
- I love an extra shot of lemon and ginger added to the saucepan when the water is boiling.
- Vegan options: use pure maple syrup instead of honey
- Citrus: try orange slices, or apple slices in this warm cocktail.
- Add black tea to your cocktail for an extra boost of flavor.
- Sweetener: If you prefer a bit of sweetness, try ½ teaspoon of either: white sugar, pure maple syrup, stevia, or monkfruit.
