This Hot Toddy recipe is easy to make at home with simple ingredients: lemon, honey, whiskey, and tea. It’s a warm, comforting cocktail that can help soothe a sore throat, ease congestion, and encourage rest.
This Hot Toddy Will Help You Through Even the Worst Colds
Many families have their own home remedies, and a hot toddy is one I turn to when I’m under the weather. A strong, well-made hot toddy can calm a sore throat and help you sleep when cold symptoms make rest difficult.
There are countless ways to make a toddy, but a few simple tweaks make a big difference in flavor and soothing power.
Note: Do not drink a hot toddy while taking cold medicine.
What is a Hot Toddy?
A hot toddy is a warm alcoholic drink traditionally made to soothe colds and help with sleep. Typical ingredients include hot water (or tea), liquor, lemon, honey, and warming spices. It’s a comforting choice on a chilly night or when battling a cold or flu.
Pin This Recipe For Later
Rebecca’s Recipe Review
Taste: Sweet and citrusy.
Texture: Smooth and soothing.
Ease: Very simple to prepare.
Pros: Customizable—swap teas, spirits, or spices to suit your preferences. Follow the recipe below for exact measurements and a reliable method.
Cons: None worth noting.
Would I Make This Again? Absolutely. A hot mug of whiskey, honey, and lemon is a classic remedy that’s worth keeping on hand during cold season.
Benefits of a Hot Toddy for Colds
The combination of warmth, honey, lemon, and optional spices offers several practical benefits: the heat helps loosen congestion, honey soothes irritated throats, and lemon provides vitamin C and bright flavor. Adding a small amount of liquor can help you relax and rest.
Keep a mug, boiling water, and the ingredients below on hand so you can mix one up as soon as symptoms appear.
Hot Toddy Ingredients
- Tea – A traditional toddy uses hot water, but using tea adds flavor and extra soothing properties. For rest, try herbal teas like chamomile or jasmine; fruit or spiced blends also work well.
- Liquor – Whiskey and brandy are classic, but rum, scotch, or even gin can be used. Irish whiskey and bourbon both pair nicely with tea.
- Honey – A natural cough suppressant and throat soother. Local honey is ideal, but any good-quality honey will work.
- Lemon – Fresh lemon juice brightens the drink and may help reduce congestion. Avoid bottled lemon juice for best flavor.
- Spice – Optional warming spices such as a cinnamon stick or whole cloves add depth and aroma.
- Vinegar (optional) – Some people add 1–2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar for a tangy, potent twist.
Toddy Variations
It’s easy to customize your hot toddy. Try these variations:
- Swap the tea: herbal, black, or fruit blends each create a different profile.
- Change the spirit: bourbon, Irish whiskey, brandy, or rum all work.
- Use different citrus: lime or orange can be used instead of lemon for a new twist.
How to Make a Hot Toddy
There are many ways to make a toddy, but this straightforward method is reliable and delicious:
- Prepare your tea in a mug and steep according to the package directions.
- Remove the tea bag if you prefer, then stir in the honey until it dissolves.
- Add the lemon juice and pour in the liquor. Stir and finish with a cinnamon stick and a lemon slice if desired.
“My husband usually makes my hot toddies, but I tried this version when I had a sore throat. The tea and lemon combination was a revelation—even as someone who wasn’t a hot toddy fan, I loved it.” – Candace
Best Whiskey for a Hot Toddy
Irish whiskey is a favorite here because it blends smoothly with tea, but bourbon also makes a flavorful toddy. Choose a spirit you enjoy sipping neat for the best results.
More Delicious Drink Recipes
- Cranberry Orange Mimosa – A bright, fruity cocktail made with your favorite sparkling wine.
- Maine Maple Lemonade – Quick to make using pure maple syrup for a balanced sweet-tart drink.
- Kahlua Hot Chocolate – Rich spiked hot chocolate topped with chocolate shavings.
- Crockpot Hot Chocolate – An easy way to keep hot chocolate warm for a crowd.
- Jelly Donut Shot – A fun, sweet shot made with Chambord and RumChata.
Hot Toddy for Cough or Cold
Ingredients
- 6 ounces hot water
- 1 tea bag flavor of choice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1½ ounces liquor
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon slice
- 1 cinnamon stick optional
- 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar optional
Instructions
-
In a mug, add the hot water and tea bag. Steep the tea for the recommended time on the package.
-
Remove the tea bag if desired, then stir in the honey until it dissolves.
-
Add the lemon juice and liquor, stir to combine, and garnish with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick if you like.
Video
Notes
- Traditionally a toddy uses hot water, but adding a tea bag enhances flavor and offers extra calming benefits. For sleep, try herbal or white teas like chamomile or jasmine.
- Honey is a long-used natural cough suppressant and soothes the throat. Local honey is preferred, but a quality store-bought honey works fine.
- Choose any liquor you enjoy: whiskey, brandy, rum, scotch, or gin all make tasty toddies. Bourbon or Irish whiskey are especially good choices.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor and to help with congestion.
- Spices like cinnamon sticks or whole cloves can be added for warmth and complexity.
- If you like a tangier drink, 1–2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar can be stirred in.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share your results on Instagram @sugarandsoulco or tag the account on other social platforms to show how your toddy turned out.
Pin Recipe
Share Recipe