Let’s warm up with some hot toddies! They could not be easier to make. For this classic cocktail, you’ll just need hot water, whiskey, honey, and lemon. Unlike your typical mulled wine, wassail or warm cider, hot toddies are light and hydrating rather than overwhelmingly sweet.
Hot toddies are lovely slow sippers or night caps. Mara says they’re perfect for playing cards with the family. You could offer a hot toddy bar at your holiday party this year. I love that idea!
How to Make the Best Hot Toddy
The secret to making the best hot toddy is simple—just tinker with the amount of lemon juice and honey until it suits your taste buds. I’ve provided some guidelines in the recipe below. I think you’ll be surprised by how much an extra teaspoon of lemon juice or honey changes the flavor.
If you order a hot toddy at a bar, you’ll probably receive a whiskey drink. Any good whiskey will do—I’ve enjoyed hot toddies made with Bulleit Rye, Jameson, and Wiser’s.
If you prefer, you can make your hot toddy with dark rum or brandy. You’ll find more ways to change up the drink in my recipe notes.
Watch How to Make Hot Toddies
Hot Toddies for Coughs & Colds
Hot toddies are reported to help reduce cold symptoms, although you really don’t want to overdo it on the whiskey. Your body needs to heal, and the simple combination of warm water, honey and lemon combined can work wonders.
Alcohol doesn’t mix well with over-the-counter and prescription medications. So, no hot toddies for you if you’re taking medicine! Nurse yourself back to health with everything but the whiskey.
More Cocktails to Love
For another warming whiskey drink, make my Irish Coffee recipe! If you’re looking for more holiday-friendly whiskey drinks, don’t miss my Maple New York Sour or Cinnamon-Maple Whiskey Sour.
Here are a few more of my favorite classic cocktails: Moscow Mules, French 75’s, Best Red Sangria, Mimosas, and Fresh Margaritas.
Please let me know how this hot toddy recipe turns out for you in the comments! I really love hearing from you, and your feedback is so important to me.
Classic Hot Toddy
- Author:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: By hand
- Cuisine: Scottish
Warm up with this classic hot toddy cocktail recipe! Hot toddies are so easy to make. You’ll just need hot water, whiskey, honey, and lemon. Recipe yields 1 cocktail.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup water
- 1 ½ ounces whiskey
- 2 to 3 teaspoons honey, to taste
- 2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste
- 1 lemon round
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a teapot or saucepan, bring the water to a simmer. Pour the hot water into a mug.
- Add the whiskey, 2 teaspoons honey and 2 teaspoon lemon juice. Stir until the honey has disappeared into the hot water. Taste, and add 1 teaspoon honey for more sweetness, and/or 1 teaspoon more lemon juice for more zing.
- Garnish with a lemon round and cinnamon stick (if using). Enjoy!
Notes
Make it vegan: Substitute maple syrup for the honey.
Change it up: Instead of whiskey, use brandy or dark/spiced rum. For extra flavor, you could also steep 1 tea bag (green or black tea) in the hot water for 2 to 3 minutes, or add a splash of apple cider. Change up the garnishes by adding a slice of apple or fresh peeled ginger, whole cloves or anise.
Recommended equipment: I love my glass mugs (shown) from Crate and Barrel, and this stainless steel jigger is great for measuring liquor. (Those are affiliate links.)
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Jennifer Cornejo
This sounds great! Might have to try it out! I am hosting Xmas Eve. Any cocktail ideas that can serve a big crowd…? i loved mulled wine but agree sometimes the sweetness can be overwhelmingly too much especially if drinking it ALL. NIGHT. LONG.
Thanks!
Kate
I think it can be great to have a few different options! If you like whiskey (I’m a whiskey girl), I have a few on the blog. Or some great takes on margaritas. Hope this helps!
Gaby Dalkin
Love me a hot boozy drink like this one!
Kate
It’s really good!
4waystoyummy
I have been enjoying a hot toddy the last few nights because I read it can help ease a cold…which I have right now. I decided I would try some grated ginger in tonight’s cocktail. Thanks for the proportions as I have been winging it!
★★★★★
Kate
Welcome! I appreciate the review.
Diane Baert
In Ireland they make their hot whiskey sweetened with a sugar cube and the lemon ring has about 5 full cloves inserted into it.
I like it sweetened with honey instead of the sugar cube.
Kate
Sounds delightful!
Joan thompson
This recipe could not have been more timely. I’m fighting a cold and wrapping Christmas presents and the warm drink (whiskey included) was just perfect!
★★★★
Kate
I’m happy you think so, Joan! Sorry for your cold, but hope you feel better soon.
Ben Myhre
I love me a good hot toddy! This looks nice, simple, and tasty!
Kate
It’s so nice during this season! Enjoy :)
Janet
My favorite winter beverage and perfect in it’s classic concoction.
But if you find yourself unwell, I suggest that you forgo the cold medicine and just keep the whiskey in. Whiskey has known health benefits (in moderation, of course). If you’re really feeling cruddy, try steeping some fresh grated ginger in the hot water first.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Janet for the review!
Laura
Oh, this looks great! Your cinnamon maple whiskey sour is one of my favorite holiday drinks. This is even easier! I usually put orange and bourbon in my hot toddy, but I love how simple and easy this is- especially for when I’m not feeling well.
★★★★★
Kate
An orange sounds like a nice refreshing twist! I’m glad you like it. Thanks for your review, Laura!
Dani
After staying late at work….then missing my yoga class….I opened up my email to this lovely recipe!
Better than a hot cup of bed time tea – Perfection!
Thanks Kathryn :-)
★★★★★
Kate
Oh no, I hate missing my yoga class! But, I am happy this was able to brighten your day. You are welcome and thanks for your review, Dani.
Kate
You are very welcome!
Borris
You forgot the tea mate, a hot toddy is just tea with lemon, honey, and whiskey, and cloves
Mandy
Delicious and just what I need to relieve my cold!
★★★★★
Kate
A great remedy! Thank you, Mandy for sharing.
Sherri
This was pretty soothing. My husband and I are both down with a cold and it’s been kind of kicking our butts. This was fast and easy to make, very tasty. We used a cinnamon flavored whiskey made by skunk brothers out of Washington state. I used 3 tsp of honey and fresh lemon juice. Thanks for posting!
★★★★★
Kate
Colds are the worst! I’m glad this helped you feel a little better. I appreciate your review, Sherri!
Alex
A year later I stumbled upon this because I also have the cold.
Thanks!
★★★★★
Kate
I hope you enjoyed it!
Ryan
As a Scot, I love a hot toddy. Your recipe is a little sweeter than my standard (35ml whisky, 200-250ml hot water, 1 teaspoon honey, and a slice of lemon) but I’ll definitely try it! I also enjoy it with a dark spiced rum and a slice of orange instead, it’s very festive.
Kate
I like it a little sweeter on this one, but you can for sure adjust to your specific tastes!
Stevi
This was a winner. Not too sweet, not too tart (used 2 tsp each of lemon and honey). The perfect thing for a cool night and to help finish off an old bottle of Jameson. It also complimented my pumpkin pie quite nicely. This is definitely a recipe I can see myself coming back to many times and dressing up differently. Thank you!
★★★★★
Karen
I made it using Catch Fire cinnamon flavored whiskey instead of using the cinnamon stick. My husband got sick and he sips on this saying it makes him feel better. Not sure if it does or if he just likes to drink it, either way he likes it.
★★★★★
Kate
I love that! I’m glad he is feeling better, either way. Thanks for the review, Karen!
Lorena dreyer
I was feeling a bit under the weather and I’m not a drinker but I made this and I’m starting to feel a bit better is very soothing
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad it’s helpful! Thanks for sharing, Lorena.
Gregory E Benoit
What kind of whiskey do you recommend?
Kate
I personally like Bulleit whiskey!
Shrebetty
Your recipe was appealing because it puts the whiskey forward, just by the amount you recommmend compared to the other ingredients. I love whiskeys and don’t want to hide the flavour anymore than necessary. Your recipe is excellent, and really lets the whiskey shine. However, as with all great hinges, I took your suggestion to play with the amounts of ingredients. I modified the recipe a bit to decrease the honey (to only 1/2 tsp) and increase the lemon (to a full 1 Tbsp). I used Dewar’ white label blended scotch and added clove studs around the lemon slice. The cinamon stick and clove really complement the peatiness of the scotch. Overall, this is my new favourite winter warm-up beverage. .
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you like my recipe for this drink, Shrebetty!
Mimi
Sipping this right now. I used honey bourbon instead of the whiskey and the honey. I didn’t realize a hot toddy was so light. I like it. I was feeling rundown after a lot of travel. Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Mimi! So nice to settle in with after a lot of travel.
Celia Tavison Rains
Winter Bronchitis Blues.. my doctor suggested hot toddies before bed, while the whiskey does help ( me personally), this classic toddie did the trick to sooth the cough and open up those bronchiole airways.
This is so easy to make and tastes wonderful. Now, I have a hot toddie with or w/o whiskey anytime. Yum!
★★★★★
Kate
Oh no! That doesn’t sound fun. I’m glad this is helping, though!
Barb
This cold is really kicking my butt. I remember my dad making hot toddies for my mom when she was sick so I decided to see what I could find and came across your recipe. It is very tasteful and hopefully it will ease my cold.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well, Barb! Thanks for your review. I hope this helps you too. :)
Justin Estell
Its pretty good
★★★
Kate
Thank you, Justin!
Becky
This is the best recipe! Tastes great and really helps when you have a cold/sinus problems. I don’t like whiskey, but I like these.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy you liked it, Becky!
D Ohme
I replace the hot water with hot camomile tea. Mmm mmm
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks for sharing!
Gigi
I love using Fireball Whiskey for my Hot Toddy in lieu of cinnamon sticks!
Kate
Thanks for sharing, Gigi!
Nolan
Switched out the honey for a little Canadian maple syrup. Mmm. This is really helping me thru a miserable head cold on a work night. Thank you Kate!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome! Feel better!
shaunessy Gatch
I made this for the first time tonight. I dont know what an ounce of whiskey is. So I used Tablespoons. 2T pumpkin spice rum 2 T peach brandy and 1T vanilla whiskey. I added a peach-mango tea bag to the boiling water and 1/2 cup cranberry mango juice. OMG this has zing. May be better with ginger n cinnamon. Thank you for your recipe. Helped my cold.
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks for sharing! You can get liquid measuring that has ounces on it.
Amy Smith
It’s so funny the name being toddy haha great post
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks, Amy!
Erik
1 cinnamon stick (otional, for garnish)
-> You misspelled ‘optional’
Just FYI.
★★★★★
Kate
Great catch! Thanks, Erik.
Sara Hayward
Never had a Hot Toddy before, thought I’d try it. This recipe is super simple and easy, yet so perfect. Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Sara!
Maria Fortson
I was feeling really bad today-chills, sore throat and nauseated-missing both of my exercise classes so I remembered you had a hot toddy recipe which I’ve never had but had all the ingredients so I made it-
tastes so good and very soothing. Whatever I was getting didn’t get me. Now I am feeling so much better!! Thank you!!
★★★★★
Kate
Feel better, Maria!
Barbara
This is really good! I liked it because the flavors all blend well, and the whiskey doesn’t bite back! Right now my husband is also declaring this to be, “Nice drink! Hits the spot. Insides nice and warm!” LOL
★★★★★
Ashley
Amazing flavor with Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey and a cap of apple cider vinegar! It hit the spot on a cold and rainy Friday night.
★★★★★
Kate
Perfect for a cold evening, Ashley!
Katt
I woke up this morning with a cold and was searching for hot toddy recipes and came upon yours. I am enjoying it right now! Thanks for a great recipe!
★★★★★
Kate
I hope you feel better soon, Katt!
Cindy Burns
Thank you,I’ve been looking for a hot toddy recipe,for year’s. When my gr
andmother past, hers was in her head. Sometimes I wish I could throw my phone away. From Hubbard, Texas.
★★★★★
Anissa
I’ve been sick. Today I lost my voice and have a pretty nast cough. I’m not a drinker but my Doc suggested a hot toddy. I’m so glad he did. Don’t know if it will medically help, but sure has made me feel better. Also it’s very yummy!
★★★★★
Thom
Great recipe but why is substituting honey with maple syrup vegan?
Is honey not vegan? Both come from plants. Maple syrup is made by humans and honey is made by honeybees. Please explain.
Lyndsey
Some vegans avoid food not only directly from animals, such as meat, but also food that is made by animals. Maple syrup is not made by animals, but as we know, honey is. Honey-avoiding vegans believe that exploiting the labour of bees and harvesting their energy source is immoral. Also large-scale beekeeping operations can harm or kill bees, hence some vegans boycotting honey.
★★★★★
Lynsey
Saved me in my hour of need! I’ve been unable to sleep with my cold and remembered my Grandad swearing by his ‘hot toddy’. I remember having a sip as a teenager and liking the flavour but not the whiskey taste… Used JD instead of whiskey and I was straight off to sleep haha. Thanks!
★★★★★
Jenni
Absolutely what I needed to get through the learning curve of my new job. Thank you for sharing this great recipe
★★★★★
Nicole
Hey used your receipe and the whiskey I used was forty creek. It’s my favourite! Such a yummy night cap. I will definitely be making these again!!
★★★★★
Kimberly
came in from spring chores looking for a way to celebrate getting lots done- and to warm up, it’s 36 degrees! Your hot toddy was the perfect thing. Easy to make and love the flavor. Good job!
Yolanda
May 30, 2020. 8:06am. Praise to Yahweh-Roi who sees all. Growing up our family knew about hot toddies and drunk it. Lately I’ve been having this lagging sniffling and I am on meds and you said Not to take the hot toddy. I have taken it and it hasn’t had any bad side affects on me. HELP!
★★★★★
Anna
I’m going to try this out tonight I’ve got a head cold from Haiti’s ugh lol
Bev
Try making it with ginger ale rather than water. So much nicer!!!
Angel Wiles Bianconi
Loved it!!!y husband hates whiskey but had a bit of a cold. I convinced him to try this with a splash of apple cider as mentioned above! (I’ve even used apple juice as a sub when needed) and it was divine!! Can’t wait to try your other recipes!
★★★★★
Kayla
Thank you for sharing this recipe my mom always made mine with tea, whiskey, honey and lemon. I like your change up ideas.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Kayla!
Megan
This made my husband very happy today. Thank you.
★★★★★
Tim
Three mile hike with my puppy in the New England woods after first snowfall and home to a warm bath and this hot toddy! Made mine with Meyers Dark Rum and it was perfect. Thanks Cookie and Kate!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for your review!
Joan Comer
I tried your hot toddy recipe this evening and it was awesome. The cinnamon stick added so much flavor as well. I used Irish Whisky Thank you, it was soooooo yummy!!!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m excited you liked it, Joan! Thank you for your review.
Dorian
This was fabulous! I substituted Myers dark rum and agave syrup for the whiskey and Honey. I’ll be taking your suggestion and serving these in the form of a hot toddy bar at Thanksgiving. Thanks for this great recipe!
★★★★★
Ana
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing this. Up until now I was making apple cider hot toddies, but always found them to sweet. This is perfect a cold NYC December night! I can’t wait to try your recipe for Irish coffee. I haven’t had it since I tried it for the first time in San Francisco year and i absolutely fell in love with it.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad it’s perfect for you, Ana! Thank you for your review.
May
Easy to make & versatile ingredients.
Enjoyed the drink on a cold, rainy night.
Thanks
★★★★★
KATHY
Made Hot Toddy. So happy to see your recipe online. Had Spinal fusion done middle if November still having issues with congestion. Hot Toddy has calmed me down. So enjoyedit.
Not a fan of whiskey but what my son had on sheld is wonderful. Nice & smooth. Had blk tea honey Lemon whiskey so nice!! Helps soothe sore throat from couphing spells. Keep it up & i greatly appreciate. your time & help.
Merry Christmas & a wonderful New Year.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you enjoyed this one, Kathy! I appreciate your review.
lizzie
Delicious and just the right thing to snuggle up with in bed on a cold night and watch a movie.
★★★★★
Joy
This classic hot toddy is really delicious! I didn’t think I’d like it because I don’t like whiskey, but I LOVED it! It’s so good, very light, and just makes you feel warm and cozy. Definitely going to make another one!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy to hear that, Joy! Thank you for your review.
Marilou
Our daughter has been making this for a few nights now and we really love it!
Very good for cold nights and is addicting.
Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Marilou! I appreciate your review.
Nina Stebbins
I like brandy hot toddy. I’ve drank them for years.
★★★★★
Louise
This is just what the doctor ordered.. I also put some grated ginger in a a tea strainer and let it soak with the hot water and lemon for 10 minutes or so. Ginger is a good anti-inflammatory and has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties so great for colds and flu! I adore your book Kate
★★★★★
Barbara Grisley Monsour
I don’t have any lemon juice so I used lime juice, and it is delicious! I’m sipping right now as I ice my foot (athletic injury). The warmth of the Toddy balances out the ice pack on my foot!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing! I’m glad it’s helping. Feel better soon!
Alex Pirogovski
A very delicious drink on a cold winter evening! And the ease of making! Almost no mess (except for some drops of honey). Loved it!
★★★★★
Kate
Great to hear, Alex! I appreciate your review.
Fay
Too much whiskey and sugar for me – Had the opposite effect I was looking for: Woke up cold and couldn’t fall back to sleep. Got an alcohol and sugar rush that gave me the heebee geebees and sent my stomach into chaos. Guess I have to tweak the alcohol and honey amounts – especially since I was using Jack Daniels Honey and I’m not a drinker – especially not hard liquor.
★
Kate
I’m sorry you didn’t love this one, Fay.
Elijah A Lippert
I added a pinch of ginger, and used ground cinnamon, also I’ve always mixed everything together and brought it all to boil together rather then water separate and add other things. Works wonders though and I hope it will again because in bety congested and have a cough. Also only had 1 oz of lemon this time so also added 1 oz of lime as well.
Thanks
Meredith Gregory
Made this for hubby as it was fairly cool ouout, gusty winds made it feel a bit cooler than it was, (low – mid 60’s), in
N. CA. He’s a Brandy drinker so I used Brandy. He said it was great. Thank you.
★★★★★
Louise
Myimmune system is out of whack so I’ve picked up a cold i remember my good old dad always gave me a hot toddy when i was sick (he passed 20 yrs ago)I don’t think there was alcohol in it mainly because i was a child but i loved it. Found your recipe its so devine and i put whiskey in it! Feeling so much better already looking forward to another mug tomorrow night and bringing back those wonderful memories.
★★★★★