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Classic Hot Toddy Recipe

Updated: · Published: by

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Servings 1 serving
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 5 minutes
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. 
 
Don’t forget to shop at the Everyday Eileen store on Amazon.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 99kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are estimates only. Please consult a professional for strict dietary needs.

If you loved this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below — it helps other find it and means the world to me! — Eileen xo 🍀

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.

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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

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.

  1. Heat: Bring water to a boil in a teapot or small saucepan.
  2. Prepare the toddy: Pour whiskey, fresh lemon juice, hot water, and honey into a mug.
  3. Garnish the toddy: Add a slice of lemon, fresh ginger, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
  4. 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

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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.

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

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! 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Drink
Cuisine: English
Calories: 99
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Optional, serve with 1 slice lemon and 2 whole cloves.
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.
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. 
 
Don’t forget to shop at the Everyday Eileen store on Amazon.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 99kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are estimates only. Please consult a professional for strict dietary needs.

If you loved this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below — it helps other find it and means the world to me! — Eileen xo 🍀

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  1. Hannah Lagdameo

    5 stars
    Thank you for sharing this recipe. This is very timely cause it's already flu season. All the best!

    Reply

    • Eileen xo

      I am happy you enjoy the recipe Hannah! It is a great hot toddy and stay healthy!

      Reply

  2. Loreto Nardelli

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply

    • Eileen xo

      Happy New Year to you as well Loreto! We did have a great few days in our winter vacation spot!

      Reply

  3. 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!

    Reply

    • Eileen xo

      I hope your hubs feels better soon! A hot toddy will definitely give him a little TLC !

      Reply

  4. Tammy

    5 stars
    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 🙂

    Reply

    • Eileen xo

      Tammy, these hot toddys are delicious! You are right, perfect when not feeling well!

      Reply

  5. Elizabeth Leaver

    5 stars
    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 ?

    Reply

    • Eileen xo

      Yes, Elizabeth, your boyfriend will love the hot toddy! I know, men get a cold and it lasts quite long,:)

      Reply

  6. Farwin

    This would make a great remedy for the cold !

    Reply

    • Eileen xo

      It sure would be a great remedy for a cold Farwin!

      Reply

  7. Ruchi

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply

    • Eileen xo

      Ruchi, I am with you on this one! A hot toddy is amazing!

      Reply

  8. Marisa Franca

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply

    • Eileen xo

      Oh Marisa, feel better! Have the hubs get some whiskey, this will warm you right up!

      Reply

  9. Donna

    5 stars
    I love a good hot toddy, it always makes me feel instantly better and always reminds me of my grandpa 🙂

    Reply

    • 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

      Reply

  10. 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!

    Reply

    • Eileen xo

      Dominique, I hope you feel better! Make yourself a hot toddy and I hope it helps your cough.

      Reply

  11. anne lawton

    5 stars
    THere's nothing like a hot toddy when it gets cold out. Thank you for sharing your recipe and tips.

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  12. Veena Azmanov

    5 stars
    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..!!

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  13. Kyra Rodriguez

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply

    • Eileen xo

      Kyra, I hope the toddy helped your cough, feel better

      Reply