There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, soothing drink on a chilly evening, and the classic Hot Toddy is the perfect choice.
This cozy cocktail combines the warmth of whiskey, the sweetness of honey, and the tang of fresh lemon, creating a drink that feels like a hug in a mug.
Ideal for cold nights, relaxing after a long day, or even soothing a scratchy throat, the Hot Toddy is a timeless remedy that’s as delicious as it is comforting.
Simple to make, this drink is versatile and easy to customize.
Add a cinnamon stick or a touch of spice for an extra layer of flavor, or tailor it to your preferences with different types of whiskey or sweeteners. Let’s dive into how to make this classic winter favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4-6 ounces hot water
- Lemon slice (for garnish)
- Cinnamon stick or star anise (optional, for garnish)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mug: Preheat your mug by filling it with hot water. Let it sit for a minute, then discard the water to ensure your Hot Toddy stays warm longer.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the whiskey, honey, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the mug.
- Add Hot Water: Pour in 4-6 ounces of hot water, depending on your taste preference and how strong you’d like your drink. Stir gently to dissolve the honey and combine the flavors.
- Garnish: Garnish with a slice of lemon for a fresh, zesty aroma. For an extra touch of warmth, add a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a pinch of nutmeg.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this classic cocktail.
Notes:
- This recipe makes 1 serving, perfect for relaxing on a cold evening or enjoying a cozy moment.
- You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, or swap honey for maple syrup for a unique twist.
- If you’re not a fan of whiskey, you can substitute it with rum or brandy for a slightly different flavor profile.
- To make it non-alcoholic, omit the whiskey and enjoy a soothing lemon-honey tea instead.
Cozy Up This Winter with the Ultimate Hot Toddy

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, soothing drink on a chilly evening, and the classic Hot Toddy is the perfect choice.
This cozy cocktail combines the warmth of whiskey, the sweetness of honey, and the tang of fresh lemon, creating a drink that feels like a hug in a mug.
Ideal for cold nights, relaxing after a long day, or even soothing a scratchy throat, the Hot Toddy is a timeless remedy that’s as delicious as it is comforting.
Simple to make, this drink is versatile and easy to customize.
Add a cinnamon stick or a touch of spice for an extra layer of flavor, or tailor it to your preferences with different types of whiskey or sweeteners. Let’s dive into how to make this classic winter favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4-6 ounces hot water
- Lemon slice (for garnish)
- Cinnamon stick or star anise (optional, for garnish)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mug: Preheat your mug by filling it with hot water. Let it sit for a minute, then discard the water to ensure your Hot Toddy stays warm longer.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the whiskey, honey, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the mug.
- Add Hot Water: Pour in 4-6 ounces of hot water, depending on your taste preference and how strong you’d like your drink. Stir gently to dissolve the honey and combine the flavors.
- Garnish: Garnish with a slice of lemon for a fresh, zesty aroma. For an extra touch of warmth, add a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a pinch of nutmeg.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this classic cocktail.
Notes
- This recipe makes 1 serving, perfect for relaxing on a cold evening or enjoying a cozy moment.
- You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, or swap honey for maple syrup for a unique twist.
- If you’re not a fan of whiskey, you can substitute it with rum or brandy for a slightly different flavor profile.
- To make it non-alcoholic, omit the whiskey and enjoy a soothing lemon-honey tea instead.
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Wrapping Up Hot Toddy
The classic Hot Toddy is the ultimate winter drink, combining whiskey, honey, and lemon into a warm, comforting cocktail that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Whether you’re sipping it to relax, warming up after a day outdoors, or soothing a sore throat, this simple recipe is both timeless and versatile.
With a balance of sweetness, tanginess, and warmth, the Hot Toddy is a drink that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Customize it with your favorite garnishes like cinnamon or nutmeg, and let it become your go-to cozy drink this season. One mug is all it takes to feel the comfort and relaxation this drink brings!