Hot Toddy Recipe: The Coziest Drink to Warm You Up

The Hot Toddy is one of those drinks that just gets it. Cold night, long day, feeling run down… this one wraps you up like your favorite hoodie and says, you’re good now.

It’s simple but feels like more. Just whisky, lemon, honey and a little hot water but somehow it’s more than the sum of its parts.

You take that first sip and it’s warm, bright, soothing… kinda like if a candle and a hug teamed up and became a drink.

What makes it special isn’t just the flavor. It’s the whole ritual. The slow pour, the steam rising from the mug, the way everything just slows down for a minute.

Whether you’re winding down after a long day or trying to shake off a chill, the Hot Toddy’s got your back.

What Is a Hot Toddy and Where Did It Come From?

The Hot Toddy is a classic warm cocktail made with whisky, lemon, honey and hot water. It’s smooth, soothing and a little bit spicy, perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.

This comforting drink has roots in 18th-century Scotland and Ireland, where it started as a way to make whisky easier to drink. Some say it was first created as a remedy for colds and sore throats, and it still works for that!

Over time, the Hot Toddy became a go-to winter drink that’s just as good for unwinding as it is for warming up. Today, it’s a staple in pubs, ski lodges and anyone’s kitchen who knows a little whisky can go a long way.

How to Make the Perfect Hot Toddy at Home

Want that Hot Toddy to taste like it just came out of a cozy pub? Here’s how to do it right:

• Garnish with intent: Lemon slice and a cinnamon stick aren’t just for looks… they add that extra warmth and aroma.
• Warm the glass: Fill it with hot water and let it sit for a minute. Dump it out before you make the drink.
• Go heavy on the lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon wedges to get that bright, zesty kick.
• Pick your whisky: Scotch for a smoky vibe or bourbon for something a little sweeter.
• Sweeten to taste: Start with a spoonful of honey but add more if you like it on the sweeter side.
• Hot but not boiling: The water should be hot enough to steam but not so hot it kills the whisky’s flavor.

Best Food Pairings for a Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is warm, spicy and a little sweet, so you want snacks that bring out those cozy, comforting vibes:

Spiced nuts: Warm, toasty and just the right amount of crunch.

Gingerbread cookies: The molasses and spice play off the whisky’s warmth.

Cheddar biscuits: Savory, buttery and perfect for soaking up that last sip.

Apple slices with caramel dip: Sweet, tart and a little sticky… kinda like the toddy itself.

Dark chocolate: Rich, slightly bitter and just sweet enough to balance out the honey.

The Perfect Hot Toddy to Warm Your Heart

This Hot Toddy is a delightful blend of smoky whisky, tangy lemon juice, and soothing honey, creating a harmonious taste that is both sweet and tart. The sweetness from the honey enhances the warmth of the drink, making it a go-to remedy during colder months or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces whisky (Scotch or Irish)
• 1/2 fresh lemon
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 cup hot water
• Lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Zero-Proof Toddy: Replace the whisky with hot ginger tea or a splash of apple juice. Keep the lemon and honey to keep that warm, soothing feel without the booze.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass: Begin by warming your glass by filling it with hot water for a few minutes, then discard the water.
2. Mix Ingredients: In the warm glass, combine the whisky, 1/2 lemon in quarters, honey, and sugar (if using). Mash the lemon wedges to release the juice.
3. Add Hot Water: Carefully pour in the hot water and stir gently to combine all the ingredients and until the sugar and honey dissolves.
4. Garnish: If desired, garnish with a slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick for added flavor.
5. Serve: Sip slowly and enjoy the warm, soothing sensation of your homemade Hot Toddy.

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Total Time: 3 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 mug
• Calories: 197kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 34g

Hot Toddy Cocktail Variations to Try

Wanna put your own spin on the classic Hot Toddy? Here are some easy ways to mix it up:

Spiced Apple Toddy: Swap the water for hot apple cider and add a cinnamon stick.

Maple Toddy: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer, deeper sweetness.

Chamomile Toddy: Brew a cup of chamomile tea instead of using plain hot water for a soothing, floral vibe.

Citrus Toddy: Add a splash of orange juice and a clove-studded orange slice for a zesty, spiced twist.

Fancy some other warm cocktails like the hot toddy? Why not try a toasted coconut hot chocolate, a salted caramel and rum hot chocolate, or a mulled wine?

Pin for later:

Continue to Content

Yield: 1

Hot Toddy Recipe

Print

Warm, soothing, and packed with taste, this classic Hot Toddy recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little TLC. Honey, lemon, and whiskey

Prep Time 3 minutes

Total Time 3 minutes

Ingredients

• 45 ml whisky (Scotch or Irish)
• 1/2 fresh lemon
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 cup hot water
• Lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass: Begin by warming your glass by filling it with hot water for a few minutes, then discard the water.
2. Mix Ingredients: In the warm glass, combine the whisky, 1/2 lemon in quarters, honey, and sugar (if using). Mash the lemon wedges to release the juice.
3. Add Hot Water: Carefully pour in the hot water and stir gently to combine all the ingredients and until the sugar and honey dissolves.
4. Garnish: If desired, garnish with a slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick for added flavor.
5. Serve: Sip slowly and enjoy the warm, soothing sensation of your homemade Hot Toddy.

Notes

Zero-Proof Toddy: Replace the whisky with hot ginger tea or a splash of apple juice. Keep the lemon and honey to keep that warm, soothing feel without the booze.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 197Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 13mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 4gSugar: 25gProtein: 1g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.