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Classic Hot Toddy – A Favourite Winter Drink

by Jolina 48 Comments [This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.]

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Warm, delicious and boozy, the classic hot toddy is a favourite winter drink. With honey, lemon and whiskey, what’s not to love? It’s proven effective against coughs and colds too.

Classic Hot Toddy

We’ve had one heck of a start to 2018 weather-wise. With the windchill averaging at -30C/-22F, we’ve been hibernating and I’m sure we’re not the only ones!

Happily, we have a short break from all that arctic air – it only feels like -12C/10F as I’m writing this – but the brutal cold is expected to return sooner rather than later (of course it will).

With all that cold comes the sniffles. Which I just always happen to get. And as you guys might remember, I’m allergic to most medicines so I rely on home remedies to get me through.

This classic hot toddy is a favourite. Not only is it quick and easy to make, it’s delicious too.

Oh and did I mention it’s boozy? With a shot of whisky (or bourbon or rum or brandy), a glass (or two, you decide) of hot toddy on a cold winter night won’t only warm you up.

It will also help with those colds and give you a good night’s sleep.

What does a hot toddy cure?

Classic Hot Toddy

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor.

I wish I was some kind of doctor. A famous surgeon maybe. The kind that TV shows are based on. But I’m deathly afraid of blood. And needles. I’m just a girl who’s been allergic to medicine all her life so I’ve tried my fair share of herbal and alternative medicine.

The hot toddy is one of them. While there’s no real cure for the common cold, the whiskey, honey and lemon in a hot toddy offer great relief with the sniffles. Think of it as a bowl of chicken noodle soup. But whiskey.

Not a fan of whiskey? These other alcohol-free drinks work wonders for me too. 

Best Hot Drinks for Winter
Turmeric Golden Milk

How to Make Fresh Lemon Ginger Tea
Fresh Lemon Ginger Tea

How to make a classic hot toddy

Classic Hot Toddy

Like turmeric golden milk and fresh lemon ginger tea, it’s super simple to make and tastes delicious.

If you have tea, whiskey (or booze of choice), honey, lemon, cinnamon (we deserve a little treat when we’re not feeling well!) and 5 short minutes, you can make yourself a nice cup of hot toddy to drive those winter blues away.

Simply pour hot tea into a mug with whiskey. Add lemon juice and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir and you’re done.

Favourite winter drink

Classic Hot Toddy

Not sick? Much better! You can enjoy this lovely little cocktail by the fire (or space heater) while grudgingly lovingly watching the snow fall (try not to think about all the shovelling you’ll need to do tomorrow).

Enjoy and keep warm!

Related: How to Take Stunning Food Photos

Classic Hot Toddy

Classic Hot Toddy

Author: Jolina
Warm, delicious and boozy, the classic hot toddy is a favourite winter drink. With honey, lemon and whiskey, what’s not to love? It’s proven effective against coughs and colds too.
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 mins
Cook Time 3 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine North American
Servings 1 cup
Calories 271 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 tea bag Earl Grey or any tea of your choice see note 1
  • 2 oz whiskey see note 2
  • 2 tbsp honey see note 3
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • Pinch ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Steep your tea in 1 cup hot water for 3-5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, put 2 oz whiskey and 2 tbsp honey in a mug or a cup.
  • Pour the tea into your mug. Add 2 tsp lemon juice and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir and enjoy while warm. 

Video

Notes

  1. Don't have tea? No problem. You can make hot toddy with just hot water.
  2. Apart from whiskey, you can also use bourbon, rum or brandy. You can also adjust the quantity depending on how strong you like your drink.
  3. You may need more (or less) honey; again, it depends on how you sweet you like your drink.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcalCarbohydrates: 35gSodium: 14mgSugar: 34gVitamin C: 3.9mg

Nutritional information are estimates only.

Keyword Classic Recipe, Easy, Winter
Tried this recipe?Tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I'd love to see your creations!

Cheers!

Did you make classic hot toddy? What’s your favourite home remedy for colds and flu? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

Winter blues getting to you? Here are some recipes that’s sure to brighten up your day and make your tummy happy:

Raspberry White Chocolate Overnight Oats
Raspberry White Chocolate Overnight Oats

Light Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Light Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Mango Chia Pudding
Mango Chia Pudding

Cantaloupe Feta Cheese Salad
Cantaloupe Feta Cheese Salad with Fresh Basil

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Filed Under: Drinks, Recipes

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laurie Beth says

    January 16, 2019 at 12:30 am

    5 stars
    My girlfriend is obsessed with these. Now that I am battling these cold Canadian winters (we hit -34C & I almost died), whiskey is basically an obvious staple in the pantry! Thanks for your recipe.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 21, 2019 at 4:58 pm

      Oh yeah winters are brutal. Keep warm!

      Reply
  2. Kim says

    December 16, 2018 at 8:10 am

    5 stars
    This as alway been the go to medicine in our house, anytime anyone has a cold! i love it.

    Reply
  3. Jasmine says

    February 3, 2018 at 6:15 am

    Gonna try it tonight! Thank you for sharing the recipe! All the ingredients are right in my kitchen.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      February 4, 2018 at 5:47 pm

      Nice! Enjoy 🙂

      Reply
  4. Ashley says

    January 21, 2018 at 1:24 pm

    I don’t know why I always forget to spike my hot beverages! This looks like the perfect thing to combat the cold winter weather (and all those cooties that have been lingering around these days)!

    Reply
  5. Jazmin Williams says

    January 19, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    Whenever I hear of Hot Toddy I think of the LUSH Shower Gel! Thi does sound lovely though. One I need to try!

    Reply
  6. Ray Ruzzo says

    January 18, 2018 at 10:56 pm

    That looks so warm and heavenly right now. I’m so done with winter but this is calling my name.

    Reply
  7. Esperanza Scotto says

    January 18, 2018 at 10:51 pm

    Yumm! My roomate used to make me hot toddy’s in the winter time. I’ll have to try this recipe myself! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  8. Kusum says

    January 18, 2018 at 9:15 pm

    Oh its been so cold here lately and I could use that Hot toddy right about now! Your pictures are perfect to capture the emotion behind the drink.

    Reply
  9. Msddah says

    January 18, 2018 at 8:59 pm

    You got me at Boozy and I am sold. It is also surprisingly easy to make. Cant wait to try this boozy drink. Thank you!

    Reply
  10. Katrina says

    January 18, 2018 at 1:15 pm

    I am not a big whiskey fan but this actually seems delicious and perfect for these cold winter months. I know what I’m drinking this weekend!

    Reply
  11. Jessica Bradshaw says

    January 18, 2018 at 11:26 am

    My husband loves these! I am sending him this recipe. This will probably help his throat/cough.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 21, 2018 at 4:49 pm

      Hope it does! Being sick in the wintertime (or any time) is no fun.

      Reply
  12. MJ says

    January 18, 2018 at 8:17 am

    a tea with whiskey? My first time to have heard of it. I’m into herbs too and tea but with whiskey I think its only good for adults.

    Reply
  13. Kapila says

    January 18, 2018 at 6:17 am

    Amazing recipe to try this winter. Looks super easy. I will try it for sure.

    Reply
  14. Chinedu says

    January 18, 2018 at 5:06 am

    Great post! I find that these herbal/natural drinks work wonders when i’m sick. It’s always nice to get more ideas for natural remedies so thank you for sharing! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Laura Dove says

    January 17, 2018 at 5:42 pm

    Ooh I’ve never tried a hot toddy ever! My dad swears by it when he’s not well, I thought it was just an excuse to drink some whiskey! Haha!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 21, 2018 at 4:51 pm

      LOL it’s possible, hot toddy is delicious! 🙂

      Reply
  16. David Elliott says

    January 17, 2018 at 5:59 am

    I know this drink was used for many different ailments when we used more home medicines and not all the antibiotics of today. Given the flu I suffered through, this does sound like a great thing.

    Reply
  17. Sarmistha Goswami says

    January 17, 2018 at 5:15 am

    I know how -12C feels, experienced it when we were living in Germany few years back. No wonder you are hibernating! A hot cocktail with lemon and honey sounds like a wonderful drink to beat the chill. Enjoy! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Marielle Altenor says

    January 17, 2018 at 3:10 am

    Hot lemon tea in the winter is my jam! I tend to get a sore throat and this is what always helps me.

    Reply
  19. Stephanie says

    January 16, 2018 at 10:33 pm

    I’ve never made one of these, but it sounds great! It’s been unseasonably cold winter in south Texas as well, we had ice and snow today!

    Reply
  20. Marjie Mare says

    January 16, 2018 at 9:55 pm

    I have all the ingredients at home, I am going to try this drink as soon as I am done with the posts. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 21, 2018 at 4:47 pm

      Nice! Hope you enjoy it. Keep warm!

      Reply
  21. April says

    January 16, 2018 at 9:10 pm

    I need this for the bitter cold we’re having! Sounds so warm and cozy.

    Reply
  22. Ali Rost says

    January 16, 2018 at 4:45 pm

    Despite living in Iowa, winter isn’t my favorite time of year. But there are many little things that make it bearable and hot toddies are one of them. Because when I’m wrapped up in a blanket and sipping one from a warm mug, the biting wind and brisk temperature outside suddenly seem tolerable. x

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 21, 2018 at 4:52 pm

      Winter isn’t my favourite either…but what you just described, I like that! 🙂

      Reply
  23. Destany says

    January 16, 2018 at 2:59 pm

    I have friends who swear by Hot Toddys! I’ve never actually tried one myself. However, the past 3 weeks I have been so sick with congestion and sinus issues that I’ve been living on hot tea!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 21, 2018 at 4:54 pm

      Sorry to hear you’ve been sick! Fresh lemon ginger tea always helps me, and hot toddy too, especially at night when I want a good night’s sleep. Hope you feel better soon!

      Reply
  24. Liz says

    January 16, 2018 at 2:44 pm

    I have never had a hot toddy! but this sounds super yummy, I do love me some whiskey!

    Reply
  25. Lois Alter Mark says

    January 16, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    I’m lying in bed sick, thinking this would be so good right now. It looks so comforting and could be the perfect medicine!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 21, 2018 at 4:56 pm

      Hope you feel better soon! And do try a hot toddy, it’s made me feel better so many times 🙂

      Reply
  26. Scott says

    January 16, 2018 at 11:49 am

    I don’t think I’ve ever had a hot toddy. My favorite this time of year is old fashioned hot chocolate!

    Reply
  27. Nikki says

    January 16, 2018 at 5:24 am

    I’ve never had a hot toddy before but looking at the ingredients, it looks right up my street. Will be giving it a go at the weekend.

    Reply
  28. Rosey says

    January 16, 2018 at 4:57 am

    Fresh lemon ginger tea sounds so good to me. I have to go light on ginger though, or it will burn my throat.

    Reply
  29. Jhilmil says

    January 16, 2018 at 12:18 am

    So I make another variant of Hot toddy, since I do not take alcohol so I all all the ingredients you’ve mentioned , along with clove and pepper , minus the alcohol and drink this hot love daily in winters. It really keeps me refreshed and helps my nose recover the winter blues.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 21, 2018 at 4:58 pm

      That sounds lovely Jhilmil!

      Reply
  30. Francisca Ramos says

    January 15, 2018 at 10:17 pm

    I do like homemade remedy for cold. I didn’t think of using whisky in the tea. I’ve heard whisky is good for the cold. I will try this idea.

    Reply
  31. Robin says

    January 15, 2018 at 8:46 pm

    This is exactly what we need to battle the flu season. But I’m sure i’ll enjoy this drink even it’s not flu season.

    Reply
  32. Chelsea says

    January 15, 2018 at 4:36 pm

    This sounds delicious! And I’m sure it will be hugely popular at this time of year. There’s something very comforting about these drinks. Will have to try it myself

    Reply
  33. Puneet Kaur Chhabra says

    January 15, 2018 at 1:20 pm

    Even I rely on home remedies and I’m gonna make this classic hot toddy tomorrow. And definitely try this for cough and colds.

    Reply
  34. Tracie says

    January 15, 2018 at 1:18 pm

    My grandmother used to make time these for me when I was younger. This is my go-to remedy for colds and flu.

    Reply
  35. Amalia says

    January 15, 2018 at 12:58 pm

    I love lemon ginger tea, it’s one of my favourite ways to start my day! Loved the way you put your photos as well, really inspiring and go well with the post!

    Reply
  36. Heather Johnson says

    January 15, 2018 at 10:56 am

    I have never tried a hot toddy. However, your recipe looks and sounds super tasty for a cold winter day! Yum!

    Reply
  37. Komal says

    January 15, 2018 at 10:13 am

    This is one of my favorite winter time drinks! It gives me all the feels and a nice kick!

    Reply
  38. Dawn says

    January 15, 2018 at 8:19 am

    5 stars
    This is a good one to keep on hand, with a cold or no cold! It was abnormally warm here yesterday and it was such a trick cause today it’s cold. Ugh.
    Earl grey tea and lemon go so well together so I bet this is one warming and tasty drink! Stay warm, my friend 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Kitchen Remedy Cough Syrup | Homemade & Yummy says:
    December 10, 2019 at 10:41 am

    […] am all about fighting the cough and cold season with food and spices. I remember my dad swore a hot toddy got rid of his […]

    Reply

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This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.

Nutrition values provided on this site are estimates only. See Terms of Use for more information.