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.
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?
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: turmeric golden milk, fresh lemon ginger tea and hot apple cider.
How to make a 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
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).
A fan of whiskey? Try this Irish coffee recipe. It’s also warm and boozy and only needs 4 ingredients!
Enjoy and keep warm!
Related: Best Hot Drinks for Winter You’ll Love
Classic Hot Toddy
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
- Don’t have tea? No problem. You can make hot toddy with just hot water.
- 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.
- You may need more (or less) honey; again, it depends on how you sweet you like your drink.
Nutrition
Nutritional information are estimates only.
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.
Liz
I have never had a hot toddy! but this sounds super yummy, I do love me some whiskey!
Lois Alter Mark
I’m lying in bed sick, thinking this would be so good right now. It looks so comforting and could be the perfect medicine!
Jolina
Hope you feel better soon! And do try a hot toddy, it’s made me feel better so many times 🙂
Scott
I don’t think I’ve ever had a hot toddy. My favorite this time of year is old fashioned hot chocolate!
Nikki
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.
Rosey
Fresh lemon ginger tea sounds so good to me. I have to go light on ginger though, or it will burn my throat.
Jhilmil
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.
Jolina
That sounds lovely Jhilmil!
Francisca Ramos
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.
Robin
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.
Chelsea
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
Puneet Kaur Chhabra
Even I rely on home remedies and I’m gonna make this classic hot toddy tomorrow. And definitely try this for cough and colds.
Tracie
My grandmother used to make time these for me when I was younger. This is my go-to remedy for colds and flu.
Amalia
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!
Heather Johnson
I have never tried a hot toddy. However, your recipe looks and sounds super tasty for a cold winter day! Yum!
Komal
This is one of my favorite winter time drinks! It gives me all the feels and a nice kick!
Dawn
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 🙂