Hot Toddy

A hot toddy is a warm and comforting alcoholic beverage, perfect for cold winter nights or soothing a sore throat. Whiskey, honey, and lemon juice are topped with hot water (or tea) and garnished with a cinnamon stick.

Whether you have a cold, or are looking for a cozy and comforting winter drink, the hot toddy is here for you. A hot toddy is a classic, warm alcoholic beverage.

Made with whiskey, water (or tea), honey, and lemon juice, a hot toddy is surprisingly simple to make. The best part is that there are many variations.

Once you've got this recipe down, you can add your own twist to this classic drink. Plus, you can easily make a hot toddy with any similar ingredients you have on hand.

Does a hot toddy help relieve cold symptoms?

The hot toddy has long been believed to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. But does it really work?

Lemon contains Vitamin C, which is said to reduce the duration of a cold. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties, and will coat and soothe a sore throat.

The whiskey can help you to relax. One of the most important medicines for getting rid of a cold? Sleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, maybe a hot toddy will help.

Hot beverages are steamy and may help clear up your sinuses, as well as soothe a sore throat.

There is no actual medical evidence that this drink will help cure your cold. However, it may help you feel more relaxed, or lull you to sleep.

For more information on the medical benefits (or not), check out this article: Reality check: Can a hot toddy really help relieve cold symptoms?

Ingredients

To make your drink, you'll need hot water, honey, lemon juice, whiskey, and a cinnamon stick (as a garnish).

For exact measurements and directions, view the recipe card below.

Variations

This is an easy drink to customize to suit your tastes. Plus, there are substitutions for every ingredient on the list.

Whiskey can be substituted with bourbon, scotch, or dark rum. I suggest using your favorite dark liquor that you have on hand. While diluted, you'll still be able to taste the alcohol, so why not use one that you enjoy!

If you don't have honey on hand, I suggest using maple syrup instead. If you don't have either on hand, use your favorite sweetener - granulated sugar will work. Or, your drink can go unsweetened.

Lemon juice can be substituted with orange juice. You can also garnish yours with an orange slice instead of a lemon slice.

Try using your favorite hot tea instead of plain hot water. I suggest black, earl grey, or chamomile tea.

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