Hot Toddy with Honey and Lemon
A cozy winter drink featuring whiskey, honey, and fresh lemon juice, this Hot Toddy is soothing, comforting, and easy to make. Perfect for cold nights, holiday gatherings, or whenever you need a warm hug in a mug.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drink
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 oz whiskey (bourbon, rye, or Scotch)
- 1–2 tbsp honey
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 6 oz hot water
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick
- Optional: 2-3 whole cloves
- Optional: 1 star anise
- Lemon slice or peel, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil 6 oz of water in a kettle or saucepan. Let it cool for about 1 minute so it’s steaming but not bubbling.
- Drizzle 1-2 tbsp of honey into a heatproof mug.
- Pour 1 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice over the honey.
- Add 2 oz of your favorite whiskey to the mug.
- Pour the hot water over the honey, lemon, and whiskey mixture. Stir until the honey is dissolved and everything is combined.
- Add optional spices: drop in a cinnamon stick, 2-3 whole cloves, or a star anise. Let steep for 2-5 minutes, then remove spices.
- Garnish with a thin slice of lemon or a twist of peel. Serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Adjust honey and lemon to taste for sweetness or tartness. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute whiskey with herbal tea or more hot water. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey for vegan diets. Pre-warm your mug for extra coziness. Steep spices briefly to avoid overpowering the drink.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (about 10 oz)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 22
Keywords: hot toddy, honey lemon drink, winter cocktail, whiskey, cozy drink, easy hot toddy, comfort drink, sore throat remedy, holiday drink