americanEasyvegetariangluten freedairy freenut free

Hot Toddy

Name: Hot Toddy
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 200 ml water; 45 ml whiskey (bourbon or scotch, as preferred); 1 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 pcs cinnamon stick (for garnish); 2 pcs clove (whole); 1 pcs lemon slice (thin wheel or half-moon, for garnish)

RATING

4.6/5(187)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A warm, comforting cocktail that soothes the soul on cold nights. This classic hot toddy combines whiskey with honey, lemon, and a cinnamon stick, gently steaming in a mug — perfect for sipping by the fire or when you need a little warmth.

PREP

COOK

SERVES

1 CUP

207 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 1 serving

200 mlwater45 mlwhiskey · bourbon or scotch, as preferred1 tbsphoney2 tbsplemon juice · freshly squeezed1 pcscinnamon stick · for garnish2 pcsclove · whole1 pcslemon slice · thin wheel or half-moon, for garnish

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

207

CALORIES · 1 CUP

Protein0g · 0%

Carbs24g · 46%

Fat0g · 0%

Fiber2g

Sugar18g

Saturated fat0g

Cholesterol0mg

Sodium5mg

Potassium80mg

Phosphorus11mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 4 STEPS

boil · ~3 min
Heat the water.
Bring 200 ml water to a gentle simmer in a small saucepan. Do not let it come to a rolling boil.
TIPWater just off the boil — around 90°C (195°F) — extracts the best from the honey and lemon without scalding the whiskey.
mix · ~1 min
Combine honey and lemon in the mug.
1.Add 1 tablespoon honey to a heatproof mug.
2.Pour in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
3.Stir briefly with a spoon to loosen the honey.
mix · ~1 min
Build the toddy.
1.Pour 45 ml whiskey into the mug over the honey-lemon mixture.
2.Top with the hot water.
3.Stir gently until the honey dissolves completely.
TIPPour the water slowly — it helps the honey melt evenly without needing to stir too vigorously.
garnish · ~1 min
Garnish and serve immediately.
1.Stud the lemon slice with 2 whole cloves.
2.Float it on top along with the cinnamon stick.
3.Serve piping hot.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Use water just off the boil (around 90°C/195°F) to avoid scalding the whiskey and dulling the honey's flavor.
2
Freshly squeeze the lemon juice — bottled juice lacks the bright acidity and floral notes this drink needs.
3
Stir the honey and lemon together first to loosen the honey, ensuring it dissolves smoothly when hot water is added.
4
Pour the hot water slowly into the mug to help the honey melt evenly without vigorous stirring that can aerate the whiskey.
5
For a deeper spice profile, let the cinnamon stick and cloves steep in the hot water for 2 minutes before adding the whiskey.
6
This toddy keeps well — store the honey-lemon-whiskey base (without water) in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat with just-boiled water.
7
If using a strongly peated scotch, reduce the honey to 2 teaspoons so the smoke doesn't clash with the sweetness.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

tea infused

Tea-infused

Steep a bag of black or spiced chai tea in the hot water for 3 minutes before assembling. Adds tannic structure and warmth—ideal when you want a more complex, cozy sip.

sugar free

Sugar-free

Replace honey with 1 tablespoon of stevia syrup or monk fruit sweetener. Keeps the drink low-carb and keto-friendly while still providing sweetness to balance the lemon.

spiced apple toddy

Spiced-apple toddy

Replace half the water (100 ml) with unsweetened apple cider and add a pinch of nutmeg. Creates a fruitier, autumnal twist that pairs well with bourbon.

herbal variation

Herbal variation

Add 2-3 fresh sage leaves or a small sprig of thyme to the mug before pouring hot water. The herbs lend an aromatic, savory counterpoint to the honey and whiskey.

HEALTH BENEFITS