Hot Toddy
A warm whiskey, honey, and lemon mug for cold evenings, for adults 21 and over only.
Updated: Nov 9, 2026
Why you'll like it
- Ready in about 10 min.
- Serves 1 — easy to halve or double.
- Easy level — everyday equipment only.
- Storage, freezing and reheating covered below.
This Hot Toddy recipe takes 10 minutes and makes 1 serving. A hot toddy is a warm whiskey drink with honey and lemon, served through the cold months when a hot mug is what you want.
Helpful guides
Instructions
Fill a heatproof glass or mug with hot tap water and let it stand 1 minute, then empty it. A warmed glass keeps the drink hot longer and reduces the risk of cracking from thermal shock.
Stir the honey and lemon juice into the hot water until the honey fully dissolves, about 30 seconds. Dissolving honey first means it will not sit in a sticky pool at the bottom of the glass.
Let the water drop to just below boiling, around 200 degrees F, before adding the whiskey, because near-boiling water mutes the aroma and makes the drink taste sharp.
Pour in the whiskey and stir once, then add the lemon slice, cinnamon stick, and star anise if using. Serve immediately while it is steaming, since the aroma fades as the mug cools.
Taste and adjust with 1 more teaspoon honey if it is too tart, or 1 tablespoon hot water if it is too strong. Serve with a spoon and keep it to one drink for adults 21 and over.
Troubleshooting — fixes, not repeats
- If the drink tastes sharp, the water was too hot or the whiskey too high in proof; use water just below boiling and a moderate-proof bottle.
- If it is too sweet, drop the honey to 2 teaspoons and add extra lemon juice, because honey sweetness varies by variety and season.
- Never serve this to anyone under 21, and skip the alcohol entirely for anyone pregnant, driving, or taking medication that interacts with alcohol.
- Alcohol is not a treatment for a cold, so choose the non-alcoholic version and drink water alongside it rather than replacing fluids with a toddy.
Make it your way
- Spicier version: For a non-alcoholic hot toddy, use 1/2 cup strong brewed tea or a splash of apple cider in place of the whiskey while keeping the honey, lemon, and spices, since the warm sweet-tart base is the comforting part.
- A rum version swaps in dark rum with a grating of nutmeg.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger for a spicier mug, or use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor.
- Keep any alcoholic version to one serving for adults 21 and over.
Storage & reheating
Cool leftovers within 2 hours, then refrigerate in a covered container and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat only the portion you will eat until steaming hot throughout — poultry and reheated rice should reach 165°F (74°C).
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes, and it is the version to choose for children, designated drivers, and anyone avoiding alcohol. Use strong tea or apple cider in place of the whiskey and keep the honey, lemon, and spices. The alcoholic version is for adults 21 and over only.
Which whiskey should I use?
A moderately priced bourbon or blended whiskey works well, since honey and lemon cover fine detail. Avoid flavored or very high-proof spirits, which overwhelm the honey and lemon.
Does a hot toddy help a cold?
Warm liquid with honey and lemon can soothe a scratchy throat, but alcohol does not shorten a cold and can disrupt sleep and interact with cold medicines. The non-alcoholic version is the better choice when you are sick.