Hot Toddy

Hot Toddy is a classic warm cocktail. It’s a blend of hot water, whiskey, honey and lemon juice. The perfect combination to soothe a cough, cold or sore throat if you are feeling under the weather. It’s the best cold remedy and tastes way better than cough syrup. It’s also a great night cap and lovely for slow sipping anytime through the winter.

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We all need warm drinks during the winter and – not gonna lie! – I love one with a little booze! Sure, hot tea is nice, but how about a warm Hot Toddy instead? It’s a classic cocktail made with whiskey and I’m here to tell you it will chase those winter blues away!

What I love about it is that it serves so many purposes – you can make a single serving if you’re craving a little warmth at night, it’s a great hot cocktail to serve at holiday parties, and it’s a go-to drink if you’re feeling a little under the weather. The combination of hot water, lemon juice, honey and whiskey will soothe a sore throat or cough.

I love a hot drink when it’s cold. Irish Coffees and Hot Buttered Rum are other great hot drinks for parties, too, but if you’re wanting something that won’t amp you up with caffeine a Hot Toddy drink is a great choice. It’s often served as a nightcap because the warm whiskey has a tendency to make you a little sleepy.

Let me show you how to make a delicious Hot Toddy! Like a lot of classic cocktails, it’s super easy to make – it’s almost as easy as brewing a cup of tea. If you’ve been looking for a comforting and cozy cocktail to try I think you’re going to love it!

What’s it made of?

• Hot water
• Whiskey – We recommend Jameson, but any good whiskey will do!
• Lemon juice and honey – These two ingredients can be changed. I recommend playing around with them a little until you find the perfect combination to suite your taste buds. An extra teaspoon of either of these will really change the flavor profile of the drink!
• Cinnamon sticks and lemon slices, for garnish

Two Easy Steps!

Process photo shots above!

• Warm water – first, heat your water on the stovetop or in the microwave. You don’t need it boiling hot, just steaming hot.
• Mix Ingredients – pour the hot water into a mug. Add the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice. I like to garnish my Hot Toddy with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice, but this is optional.

Got Questions about this Hot Toddy?

In general, it is a hot drink made with liquor, water and honey. There are lots of different kinds of Hot Toddy’s made with different kinds of liquor, but the most popular variation is made with whiskey and includes lemon juice. Sometimes different spices are added, like cinnamon. The drink is served hot and many use it as a way to ward of winter sniffles and coughs, but it’s really just a great cold-weather cocktail you can enjoy!

• If you think about it, all of the ingredients in a Hot Toddy – hot water, whiskey, lemon juice, and honey – are pretty much a great thing to enjoy if you’re experiencing cold symptoms. The honey can soothe a scratchy cough, the lemon provides some healthy vitamin C, and the whiskey relaxes and numbs a sore throat. You might think of it as a DIY cough syrup – a homemade cough syrup for adults, that is!  Of course, I’m not a doctor but do a quick google search and you’ll find a ton of information about this warming drink that soothes a cough!
• If you prefer Scotch you can switch out the whiskey for Scotch in a Hot Toddy.
• Sometimes you might enjoy it without the whiskey and that’s ok! If you take out the whiskey you still have a pretty soothing drink! This makes it child-friendly, too, so if your kid has a sore throat this is a great option.

If you’re ready to get cozy you have to try this recipe! Of course, I have quite a few cocktails and hot drinks for you to browse, so if you’re looking for more ideas be sure to check them out!

More Cocktail recipes

Cocktails are always fun to whip up when entertaining. Here are a few of our favorites that are easy to make and always crowd-pleasers.

• Irish Whiskey -Quick and easy hot cocktail recipe that is perfect for the fall and winter months when you want to warm up.
• Amaretto Sour – Classic cocktail that’s a go-to. Easy to make and always a hit with a crowd.
• Aperol Spritz – Fun, bright orange color and super easy to make with only three ingredients!
• Grasshopper – this festive minty drink is delicious served after dinner with a dollop of whipped cream.
• White Russian – this creamy coffee drink is so easy to make and great for entertaining!
• Old Fashioned Cocktail – this is an easy and timeless drink made with whiskey!

Try it and love it? Rate it, please!!! ? Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day! If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your drink!!

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

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5 from 7 votes

Hot Toddy

Classic warm cocktail that is a mix of lemon juice, hot water and honey. Known to sooth a cough, cold or sore throat.

Prep:5 minutes mins

Total:5 minutes mins

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Ingredients

• ▢ ¾ c. water
• ▢ 1 ½ oz whiskey
• ▢ 2 tsp honey to taste
• ▢ 2 tsp lemon juice to taste
• ▢ cinnamon stick optional
• ▢ Lemon round garnish

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Instructions

• Heat up water in saucepan or microwave. Pour into mug
• Then add the whiskey, honey and lemon juice. Stir until honey is dissolved.
• Taste and adjust sweetness (honey) or zing (lemon juice) to your preference
• Garnish with lemon round and cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

Tips

• If you prefer Scotch you can switch out the whiskey for Scotch in a Hot Toddy.
• Sometimes you might enjoy it without the whiskey and that's ok! If you take out the whiskey you still have a pretty soothing drink! This makes it child friendly to so if your kid has a sore throat this is a great option.
• If you prefer more or less honey or lemon adjust it to your taste buds. 

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Nutrition Information

Calories: 151.07kcal (8%), Carbohydrates: 12.27g (4%), Protein: 0.08g, Fat: 0.02g, Sodium: 0.66mg, Sugar: 11.79g (13%), Vitamin C: 3.87mg (5%)

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We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.