A Hot Toddy is a warm and soothing beverage perfect for chilly evenings or when you're feeling under the weather. This classic drink combines the comforting flavors of honey, lemon, and whiskey, creating a delightful blend that warms you from the inside out.
Most of the ingredients for this Hot Toddy are common household items, but you may need to pick up a few things if your pantry is not well-stocked. Ensure you have fresh lemon for the juice and garnish, and a good quality whiskey to enhance the flavor. A cinnamon stick for garnish might also be something you need to grab from the store.

Ingredients For Hot Toddy Recipe
Water: The base of the drink, used to dilute and blend the flavors.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a soothing quality to the drink.
Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey.
Whiskey: The key spirit in this drink, adding warmth and depth of flavor.
Lemon slice: Used as a garnish to enhance the presentation and add a hint of citrus aroma.
Cinnamon stick: A fragrant garnish that adds a subtle spice to the drink.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your hot toddy, consider using freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more vibrant citrus note that complements the whiskey and honey. Additionally, warming the whiskey slightly before adding it to the mixture can help meld the flavors together more seamlessly.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
water - Substitute with herbal tea: Herbal tea can add additional flavors and warmth to the drink, enhancing the overall experience.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and freshness, though it will impart a slightly different citrus flavor.
whiskey - Substitute with rum: Rum can provide a similar warming effect and depth of flavor, making it a suitable alternative for whiskey.
lemon - Substitute with orange: An orange slice can be used for garnish to provide a different citrus aroma and a touch of sweetness.
cinnamon - Substitute with star anise: Star anise offers a warm, spicy flavor that can complement the other ingredients in a unique way.
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How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the hot toddy to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer the hot toddy into an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When ready to enjoy, reheat the hot toddy gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warm.
- Avoid boiling the reheated hot toddy to preserve the flavors of the whiskey and lemon juice.
- If you prefer to freeze the hot toddy, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw the hot toddy in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, ensuring it is warmed through but not boiled.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a cinnamon stick before serving to enhance the presentation and flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the leftover hot toddy into a small saucepan.
- Gently heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
- Avoid bringing it to a boil, as this can alter the flavors and evaporate the whiskey.
- Once warmed to your desired temperature, pour the hot toddy back into a mug.
- If needed, add a bit more honey or lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a new cinnamon stick for an aromatic touch.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: Used to boil the water.
Mug: Used to hold and serve the hot toddy.
Spoon: Used to stir the honey and lemon juice until the honey is dissolved.
Knife: Used to slice the lemon for garnish.
Cutting board: Used as a surface to slice the lemon.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the water.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the honey and lemon juice.
Jigger: Used to measure the whiskey accurately.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Boil water in advance: Boil water in a kettle while gathering other ingredients.
Use a microwave: Heat water in the microwave to save time.
Pre-squeeze lemon juice: Squeeze lemon juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out honey, whiskey, and lemon juice before starting.
Use a stirrer: Use a small whisk or stirrer to dissolve honey faster.

Hot Toddy Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1.5 oz Whiskey
- 1 slice Lemon for garnish
- 1 stick Cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Boil water in a saucepan.
- 2. Pour hot water into a mug.
- 3. Add honey and lemon juice, and stir until honey is dissolved.
- 4. Add whiskey and stir.
- 5. Garnish with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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