Hot Toddy
A comforting and soothing classic, the Hot Toddy is a warm drink made with whiskey (or brandy), hot water, honey, and lemon, often spiced with cinnamon or cloves. It's a popular remedy for colds and a cozy evening warmer.
What is this drink?
The Hot Toddy is a centuries-old warm cocktail combining whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water, traditionally made in a preheated mug with optional warming spices. It's equally at home as a cold-weather comfort drink and a folk remedy for colds and sore throats.
Why you'll love it
There's nothing more soothing — the warmth of the whiskey, the soothing honey, and the brightening lemon create a hug in a mug that eases both the body and mind.
When to serve
Perfect for cold winter evenings, when feeling under the weather, after outdoor activities in cool weather, or as a cozy fireside nightcap.
Pro tip
Preheat your mug with hot water before building the drink — a warm mug keeps the Hot Toddy hotter significantly longer, making each sip more comforting.
Whiskey (Scotch, Bourbon, or Irish)
The soul of the Hot Toddy — each style brings different character. Scotch adds smokiness, bourbon adds sweetness, and Irish whiskey keeps it smooth and gentle.
Honey
The natural sweetener that rounds the whiskey's edges and coats the throat with soothing warmth — raw local honey adds the most complex flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Essential brightness that cuts through the sweetness and adds vitamin C, giving the Hot Toddy its refreshing counterpoint to the rich honey and whiskey.
Swap Options
Brandy or dark rum can replace whiskey entirely for a different style of toddy. Maple syrup can substitute for honey. Add a cinnamon stick, cloves, or fresh ginger for a spiced variation. Green tea can replace hot water for an herbal backdrop.
Prepare glass
Preheat a heatproof mug or an Irish coffee glass by filling it with hot water and letting it sit for a moment. Discard the water.
Tips:
- •Preheating the glass keeps your Toddy warm longer.
Combine primary ingredients
Add 1.5 ounces (45 ml) whiskey, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey, 0.5 ounce (15 ml) fresh lemon juice to the warmed glass.
Tips:
- •Adjust honey and lemon to your taste preferences. Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Add hot water and stir
Pour 4-6 ounces (120-180 ml) of hot water into the glass. Stir well until the honey is fully dissolved.
Tips:
- •Use hot, but not boiling, water to avoid 'cooking' the whiskey.
Garnish and serve
Garnish with 1 lemon slice or wedge. For added spice, you can add 1 cinnamon stick or 3-4 cloves directly to the drink (remove cloves before consuming). Serve immediately.
Tips:
- •The cinnamon stick and cloves infuse warming aromas and flavors.
- Experiment with different types of whiskey to find your favorite base.
- A good quality local honey can add unique flavor notes.
- For a spicier kick, add a thin slice of fresh ginger or a small pinch of ground ginger.
- Can be made ahead in a slow cooker for a crowd (without alcohol, adding it to individual servings).
Different ways to make this drink your own
Spiced Toddy
Add a cinnamon stick, two cloves, a star anise, and a strip of orange peel to the mug before pouring the hot water. Allow to steep for two minutes before adding the whiskey and honey for a deeply warming, aromatic variation.
Green Tea Toddy
Replace the hot water with a freshly brewed cup of green tea for an herbal, slightly grassy backdrop that complements Scotch whisky beautifully. The tannins in the tea balance the sweetness of the honey.
Rum Toddy
Substitute dark or spiced rum for whiskey to create a softer, more tropical hot toddy. Dark rum's natural molasses sweetness pairs particularly well with honey and lemon, making this variation a favourite among those who find Scotch too assertive.
Tools that make this drink come together
Heatproof Glass Mug
A glass mug or toddy glass allows you to see the beautiful amber colour of the drink while being safe for hot liquids. Pre-warm the mug with boiling water before building the cocktail to prevent cracking and keep the drink hotter for longer.
Kettle
Freshly boiled water that has cooled for 30 seconds to around 90°C is ideal — too close to boiling can volatile the delicate aromatic compounds in the whiskey and honey. A kettle with a temperature control function is a useful asset.
Bar Spoon or Teaspoon
Used to stir the honey into the hot water until completely dissolved before adding the whiskey. Cold honey added directly to whiskey won't incorporate well and pools at the bottom of the mug, throwing off the balance.
Can't Find These?
Any heatproof mug or ceramic cup works perfectly. A tablespoon of honey is easily estimated. A kettle is obviously essential but failing that, a small saucepan of gently simmered water works just as well for the hot toddy base.
The right glass makes a real difference
Heatproof Glass Mug or Toddy Glass
A traditional hot toddy glass is a wide-mouthed, heatproof glass mug that shows off the warm amber colour of the drink while safely containing the heat. The handle is essential — it keeps hands safe from the heat of the liquid while retaining warmth within the glass. Pre-warming the vessel before pouring prevents thermal shock and keeps the drink at an ideal temperature considerably longer.
Alternatives
Any heatproof ceramic mug works perfectly well — a standard tea or coffee mug is traditional in home settings. A wide bowl-shaped glass with a handle, such as an Irish coffee glass, is also ideal. Avoid thin glass tumblers, which can crack with hot liquids and lack the handle needed for comfortable holding.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Honey and Oat Biscuits
Buttery oat biscuits with a honey glaze echo the warming sweetness of the toddy and provide a satisfying bite between sips. Simple, comforting, and perfectly matched to the drink's cosy character.
Toast with Marmalade
The bitter citrus notes of a good Seville marmalade on thick-cut toast complement the lemon and honey in the hot toddy beautifully. An ideal pairing for a cold morning or late-night warming drink.
Shortbread Fingers
Plain, buttery Scottish shortbread is a natural partner for Scotch whisky in any form. The biscuit's richness and gentle sweetness won't compete with the toddy's spiced, honeyed complexity.
Roasted Nuts with Rosemary
Warm, herb-roasted almonds or cashews provide a savoury counterpoint to the hot toddy's sweetness. The roasted notes complement whiskey's oak character while the rosemary adds an aromatic dimension.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Pre-Dissolve the Honey Syrup
Combine equal parts honey and hot water in a small jar, shake until dissolved, and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This honey syrup dissolves instantly in any temperature liquid, making toddy preparation much faster when serving multiple guests.
Prepare the Lemon Ahead
Slice lemons and press several to extract juice up to two hours before serving. Store the juice covered in the refrigerator and arrange the lemon slices and wheels on a board for garnishing — quick, organised service for groups.
Assemble Spice Sachets
For a spiced toddy, tie cinnamon, cloves, and star anise into small muslin bags or tea strainers in advance. Drop one into each mug before pouring the hot water — elegant presentation and no loose spices floating in the drink.
Set Out a Toddy Station
Arrange mugs, a kettle, the whiskey bottle, honey jar, and lemon slices within easy reach. For parties, guests can self-serve with guidance — it's a wonderfully interactive way to serve hot toddies at winter gatherings.
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