Warm and toasty, this hot toddy recipe, also known as hot whiskey in Ireland, is perfect for the cold winter months. Touted by some as a home cold and flu home remedy, this hot toddy is smooth, warming, and light. People say this drink might soothe a sore throat, reduce congestion, and keep you feeling toasty but I do not profess to be an expert. For another cozy slow sipper, try my Irish Coffee or Homemade Eggnog.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Honey — considered to be a natural cough suppressant, honey makes this cocktail soothing. Local honey is ideal, but store-bought honey is great as well.
Whisky — I use Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky to make this hot cocktail. It has a dry smokiness with hints of chocolate and vanilla sweetness, making it perfect for a toddy.
Lemon juice — always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and not bottled lemon juice. You want a vibrant flavor.
How to Make a Hot Toddy
1. Juice a lemon with a citrus press or over a fine-mesh sieve to catch the seeds.
2. Fill an 8- to 10-ounce mug with hot water to warm it up.
3. Empty the mug and fill it with freshly boiled water. Add the honey and stir until dissolved.
4. Stir in the lemon juice.
5. Stir in the whiskey.
6. Garnish with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- This hot toddy recipe is also great with amber or spiced rum, brandy, or applejack.
- Do not mix over-the-counter and prescription medications with alcohol! Skip the drink if you’re taking cough medicine.
- Agave nectar and maple syrup are great alternatives if you cannot have honey.
- Preheating the glass ensures that your drink says hot longer. You can also simply use a travel mug or a cup sleeve.
- Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter cocktail or more lemon for a brighter taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without alcohol?
You sure can. Feel free to skip the whisky and make this recipe as is. Alternatively, you can steep some tea in hot water as well. Try chamomile, ginger, or black tea.
Does this work when you’re sick?
Hot toddies have been known to help reduce cold symptoms (source), but it’s a home remedy at the end of the day, and this should not be taken as medical advice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best to serve this cocktail warm, so it’s difficult to make it ahead of time. You can always make it and store it in an insulated thermos if you want to transport it but try to enjoy it as soon as you can.
If you love this recipe try these out!
If you’ve tried this Hot Toddy recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Hot Toddy
Equipment
- Mug
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1½ ounces whiskey
- 1½ teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 lemon slice
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Fill an 8- to 10-ounce mug with hot water to warm it up.
- Bring 2/3 cup water to a boil. Empty the mug and fill it with the freshly boiled water. Add the honey and stir until dissolved. Stir in the whiskey and lemon juice. Garnish with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick and serve immediately.
Notes
- This hot toddy recipe is also great with amber or spiced rum, brandy, or applejack.
- Do not mix over-the-counter and prescription medications with alcohol! Skip the drink if you’re taking cough medicine.
- Agave nectar and maple syrup are great alternatives if you cannot have honey.
- Preheating the glass ensures that your drink says hot longer. You can also simply use a travel mug or a cup sleeve.
- Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter cocktail or more lemon for a brighter taste.
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