Hot Toddy
Made with whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and hot water, this classic drink has been a cold-weather staple for centuries. Ready in under five minutes with no special equipment, it delivers a deeply comforting combination of warming whiskey, sweet honey, and bright citrus.
Equipment
- Heat-resistant glass mug or toddy glass - 8-10 oz capacity recommended
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Small saucepan or electric kettle
- Measuring jigger or cocktail jigger
- Long-handled spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Kitchen thermometer - optional, to check water temperature
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz bourbon or Irish whiskey - 45 ml
- 1 tablespoon raw honey - 15 ml
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 15 ml, about half a lemon
- 6 oz hot water - 180 ml, just below boiling, around 200°F / 93°C
- 1 slice lemon - for garnish
- whole cloves - 2-3, optional, pressed into the lemon slice
- 1 stick cinnamon - optional, for garnish and subtle flavor
Instructions
- Heat water in a kettle or saucepan until just below boiling, around 200°F (93°C). If using boiling water, let it sit for 30 seconds before using.
- Pour a small splash of hot water into your mug, swirl for 15-20 seconds, then discard to pre-warm the glass.
- Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey directly into the warm mug. If the honey is thick, add a small splash of hot water and stir briefly to loosen it.
- Squeeze half a fresh lemon over the mug and add about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice directly on top of the honey.
- Measure and pour 1.5 oz (45 ml) of bourbon or Irish whiskey into the mug with the honey and lemon juice.
- Pour 6 oz (180 ml) of hot (not boiling) water into the mug and stir gently for 20-30 seconds until the honey is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness or citrus to your liking.
- Garnish with a lemon slice pressed with 2-3 cloves, and add a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice only. Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness and depth of fresh, and the difference is unmistakable in such a simple recipe.
- Don't use boiling water. Water that's too hot will diminish the honey's flavor and make the drink harsh. Aim for around 200°F (93°C), or water that's been off the boil for 30 seconds.
- Choose your whiskey intentionally. Bourbon offers sweetness and vanilla notes, Irish whiskey is smooth and light, and Scotch adds smokiness. Each creates a noticeably different drink.
- Start with less honey and adjust. Some honeys are stronger and sweeter than others. Add a little at first, taste, and add more as needed.
- Add cloves to the lemon slice, not directly to the drink. Floating loose cloves in your mug makes them difficult to avoid while drinking. Pressing them into the lemon garnish delivers the same aromatic benefit without the annoyance.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the whiskey and replace it with a strong herbal tea like chamomile, ginger, or peppermint. Increase the honey and lemon juice slightly to compensate for the depth of flavor.
- Do not store a mixed hot toddy. The citrus, honey, and hot water combination changes in flavor as it cools and sits. Make each serving fresh when needed.
- If you're making toddies for a group, combine the honey and lemon juice in a small jar ahead of time and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready, add whiskey and freshly heated water.
- If your drink has gone cold, warm it gently in a microwave for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Stir before drinking and check the temperature before sipping.
- Serve alongside a slice of warm banana bread, a bowl of chicken tortilla soup, or with a plate of shortbread cookies for a deeply satisfying cold-weather treat.