This classic hot toddy recipe is a great way to warm up on a cold night! This soothing drink is easy to make with hot water, whiskey, honey, and lemon.

fall / winter — Jump to recipe

Learn how to make a hot toddy! Made with hot water, whiskey, honey, and lemon juice, this classic drink is a famous home remedy for a cough or a cold. When Jack has a sore throat, he always makes this hot toddy recipe to soothe it.

But you don’t have to be under the weather to enjoy this simple cocktail. Though I’m typically not a whiskey drinker, I love a hot toddy on a cold fall or winter night. Garnished with a cinnamon stick and a slice of lemon, it’s such a cozy way to warm up. Cheers!

What’s in a hot toddy?

You’ll need 5 simple ingredients to make this classic hot toddy recipe:

Hot water – Heat water in the microwave until it steams, or boil it in an electric tea kettle or on the stove. Let the boiling water cool for 2 minutes before stirring together your drink.
Whiskey – Bourbon, rye, and Irish whiskey are all great. We like Bulleit, Koval, and Black Box. Though it’s not traditional, dark rum is another tasty option.
Fresh lemon – You’ll add lemon juice to the cocktail (freshly squeezed is best!). I also like to garnish it with a lemon slice or a strip of lemon zest.
Honey – For sweetness. Maple syrup is nice here too.
And spices – Optional, but delicious! Garnish your cocktail with a cinnamon stick or whole cloves for warming, aromatic flavor. You could even use star anise for a licorice-like taste.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to Make a Hot Toddy

Hot toddies are one of the simplest cocktails to make. The only special equipment you need is a mug!

Add the hot water, whiskey, lemon juice, and honey to the mug, and stir until the honey dissolves.

Then, taste and adjust. As with any homemade cocktail, the best hot toddy will be one that you make to your liking. If you want your cocktail to be brighter, add more lemon. For more sweetness, add more honey. For a stronger drink, stir in an extra splash of liquor. Have fun finding a balance of flavors you love.

Garnish your mug with a lemon wheel and spices, and enjoy!

Variation: How to Make a Hot Toddy for a Cold

Though hot toddies are known as cold remedies, I like to avoid alcohol when I’m under the weather. If you do too, you may want to adapt this hot toddy recipe into an non-alcoholic drink to soothe a sore throat or relieve other cold symptoms.

Simply omit the whiskey from the recipe.
If you like, replace the hot water with hot tea. I love ginger or chamomile tea here.

More Cocktail Recipes to Try

If you love this recipe, try one of these classic cocktails next:

Hot Toddy

rate this recipe:

5 from 15 votes

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Serves 1

Save Recipe Print Recipe

A hot toddy cocktail is a warming whiskey drink made with hot water, honey, and lemon. Though hot toddies are known as cold remedies, we love to make this recipe throughout the fall and winter. It's so cozy on a cold night!

Equipment

Ingredients

¾ cup hot water
1½ ounces whiskey, such as Bulleit, Koval, or Black Box
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons honey
1 lemon round, or 1 (3-inch) piece lemon peel
1 cinnamon stick, or 3 whole cloves, optional, for garnish

Instructions

In a mug, stir together the hot water, whiskey, lemon juice, and honey until the honey dissolves. Taste and adjust as desired.
Garnish with the lemon round and cinnamon stick, if using.

15 comments

5 from 15 votes (10 ratings without comment)

Hot Toddy

What’s in a hot toddy?

How to Make a Hot Toddy

Variation: How to Make a Hot Toddy for a Cold

More Cocktail Recipes to Try