Classic Hot Toddy Recipe

Published: Dec 3, 2022 · Modified: Feb 2, 2025 by Eileen Murphy Kelly

Recipes written for Everyday Eileen are for information purposes. Eileen Kelly is not a registered dietician or nutritionist. Any nutritional data we provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

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Nutrition

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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.

Hot toddy cloves, whiskey, lemon slices on a board.

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.

Jump to:

Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredient List
Equipment
How to Make a Hot Toddy
Eileen's Tips for Success
Variations
Make ahead, storage, and freezer tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar recipes
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

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

A small jar of honey, lemon wedges, whole cloves, and cinnamon on a wooden plank are the ingredients for a hot toddy.

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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.

A Hot Toddy in a mason jar with honey being dripped into the mug.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the Hot Toddy recipe originate?

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.

What type of whiskey is best to use for this drink?

Any of these will work great: Jameson Irish Whiskey
Makers Mark
Canadian Club Rye
Tullamore Dew Whiskey

Do Hot Toddys work to make you feel better?

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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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

Delicious hot toddy in a mason jar with a honey stick over the jar dripping honey into the glass.

Hot Toddy Recipe

A delicious and comforting Hot Toddy! This is a is make you feel better with a little whiskey, lemons, ginger, and some spices. For our over 21 friends!

5 from 10 votes

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Course: Drink

Cuisine: English

Keyword: hot toddy, hot toddy recipe, hot tottie

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 10

Servings: serving

Calories: 99kcal

Author: Eileen Kelly

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

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

US Customary - Metric

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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

Be sure to check Expert Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe.

Note 1: A good Irish whiskey such as Jamison Irish Whiskey is my first choice for a classic Hot Toddy. Bourbon, Rum, Brandy, or Scotch can be used.

Note 2: A cinnamon stick can be used instead of ground cinnamon.

Note 3: Ginger is a favorite addition to the toddy. A slice of fresh ginger is awesome or add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger.

Variations:

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.