A Hot Toddy is great on any cold night, but I especially love this tasty cocktail recipe to soothe a cold. This warm hot toddy recipe is my go-to recipe when I’m under the weather with a nasty cough. It’s a homemade cure for a common cold that’s easy to make and much tastier than cough syrup!
Hot Toddy Recipe
This classic winter drink recipe is the perfect warm sip to soothe a sore throat, cough, or cold. Forget the usual hot lemon water–this drink adds whiskey, honey, and ginger into the mix for a cocktail you can enjoy on sick days. I love sitting with this cocktail under a cozy blanket on a chilly night.
- Easy. Just heat up your liquids, mix in the other ingredients, and you’ll have a warm drink ready to sip. 5 ingredients, 5 minutes, and a microwave are all you need!
- Soothing. Whiskey is a great decongestant, honey has antimicrobial properties, lemon juice boosts immunity, and ginger reduces inflammation.
- Tasty. This adult bevvy is a little sweet, a little zesty, and a whole lot delicious.
Variations on a Hot Toddy
If I don’t have any whiskey on hand, or want to make this tasty cold remedy for someone under 21, I still love to make a version of this drink without alcohol. I simply leave it out, and combine the rest of the ingredients as directed.
A nice glass of hot lemon honey water will still do wonders when you’re feeling under the weather. You can also try using hot tea in place of the whiskey, which many readers have recommended!
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How to Store
This recipe is for one hot toddy, but if you don’t finish the whole glass, you can store leftovers in the fridge. Just be sure to heat it up and give it a good stir before drinking the rest.
Serving Suggestions
If you need some other recipes to help you get through your sick day, I’ve got you covered. I’m known to make a pot of chicken noodle soup, turkey noodle soup, chicken broth, or a delicious bowl of ramen. If you prefer a different drink, try this detox lemonade for more health benefits.
A classic hot toddy is a warm drink made with whiskey, along with other ingredients like honey, water, and lemon. It’s commonly served as a cold remedy to help relieve symptoms, like coughs, congestion, sore or scratchy throats, and inflammation.
It’s the best (non-medical) cold remedy I know! The warmth of the drink plus the health benefits of the ingredients (as listed above) can really soothe your sore throat & cough symptoms. There is some research that says hot drinks help the common cold or flu by increasing air flow.
More Hot Toddy Recipes to Try
Pro tip: We do not claim that this cold remedy hot toddy is in any way actual medicine for a cold. It can be comforting, but always see a doctor if you are sick in order to get medical advice. I find that it’s a great supplement to traditional meds when I’m feeling under the weather.
5-Star Review
“The tastiest, easiest and most effective hot toddy yet!” – Tracy
How to Make A Hot Toddy Step by Step
Make the Drink: Mix together 2 ounces of whiskey or bourbon, 4 ounces of water, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, or until it’s piping hot.
Garnish the Drink: Stir in 1½ tablespoons of honey, and drop in 1 cube of crystallized ginger if using. Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy– you and your cold deserve it!
Trying this now as I have a nasty cold. Strong but tasty! I did have to add more honey for my taste.
There’s no such thing as too much honey! I’m glad I could help!
Thank you for sharing
Thanks, Karen!
Delicious and works a treat for tickly coughs keeping you awake at night! Cant believe ive never had this before! My go to remedy now. Thanks!
You’re welcome!!
I made this for my hubby last night and he woke up the next morning feeling better! I used a bit of fresh grated ginger instead of the crystallized ginger and it worked out great.
That’s great, Elizabeth!
I have been feeling horrible for about 3 weeks so I went searching for a hot toddy and my throat is happy right now. Maybe I will be able to rest tonight without constant coughing. I will let you know how I feel later.
I hope this works for you!!
As with any remedy that incorporates booze as a main ingredient, there is such a thing as too many hot toddies if your goal is to actually feel better. While the alcohol in one drink is great for falling asleep and feeling refreshed, one too many and the sleep you receive won’t be that refreshing at all, and could cause you to wake up the next morning with worse symptoms than you had before. So stick to one, and you should be good to go.
I totally agree! I said above its not a cure but just a fun recipe.
Thank you! Just made this with fresh lemon juice and grated fresh ginger. Haven’t felt this well all day. Relaxed and ready to get some rest.
That makes me so happy to hear!
A glass of lemon tea in the old tired, fresh and healthy drink, thanks for sharing the formula.
My grandmother used to make almost exactly this, but with tea added too. Every single Christmas I’d end up with a headcold while visiting and she would whip up a small cup for me, even as a 10 year old.Worked like a charm! Even better as an adult when I can have a larger serving!
Love the addition of tea! I bet that would taste great. Thanks for saying hi!
Ever since I was young my mom made these when we were sick. She always used tea in it though.