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    Home » Recipes » Christmas

    Hot Toddy

    Published: Oct 22, 2019 · Modified: Aug 9, 2021 by Heather · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 583 words. · About 3 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe
    Hot toddy drink recipe.
    Hot toddy drink recipe.
    Hot toddy drink recipe.

    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.

    Glass mug filled with hot toddy.

    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

    Ingredients for a hot toddy.

    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.

    Glass mug with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick.

    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.

    Glass mug filled with hot toddy.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 reviews

    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.
    Prep Time5 minutes
    Total Time5 minutes
    Servings: 1 drink
    Calories: 160kcal
    Author: Heather

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ oz whiskey, or dark rum
    • 6 oz hot water, or hot tea
    • 2 tsp honey
    • 2 tsp lemon juice
    • 1 cinnamon stick

    Instructions

    • In a mug, add whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon juice. Stir until honey is dissolved. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
    • Serve hot.

    Equipment Recommendations

    • Glass Mugs
    • Cinnamon Sticks
    • Lemon Juicer
    • Measuring Spoons

    Notes

    • Water can be substituted with tea. Black, early grey, or chamomile are great options.
    • Whiskey can be substituted with your favorite bourbon, dark rum, or scotch. 
    • Honey can be substituted with maple syrup. 
    • More great additions: lemon slice, orange slice, cloves, ginger.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American

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    Heather of The Toasty Kitchen

    Hi, I'm Heather of The Toasty Kitchen. I love cooking with real, unfussy ingredients, and I want to help you make homemade meals with ease.

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