This hot toddy recipe is not only comforting and perfect when you have a cold, it’s also warming, delicious, and fun to drink in the colder months!
I don’t get a cold very often, knock on wood, so I can’t sit around just waiting for one as my excuse to drink this delicious beverage.
So, I don’t.
Yes, this cocktail is great when you’re feeling under the weather. But it’s also a comfort when it’s simply cold outside. I’ll drink it when I want a little tender, lovin’ care or to warm myself up.
From my research online, here are some benefits of the ingredients in this drink.
Benefits
- Bourbon – helps weight loss, prevents dementia, fights cancer, protects your heart, reduces internal clotting, controls diabetes, and boosts immune system.
- Lemon juice – loaded with vitamins and minerals, antioxidant rich, cancer fighting properties, prevents diabetes, treats indigestion, treats fever, hair care, skin care, weight loss and soothes respiratory disorders, helps throat infections and controls blood pressure.
- Honey – rich in vitamins and minerals, weight loss, boosts energy, has antioxidants, natural cough syrup, speeds wound healing and improves athletic performance
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you click the link and buy something. You can read my disclosure here.
Helpful tips
- Since I’m making two toddies, I am going to mix them in my cocktail shaker. If you’re making only one, you can build it directly in the glass.
- If you are going to make the toddy in a cocktail shaker and you have a glass shaker like I do, put a metal spoon in it before pouring in the boiling water. I use a cocktail spoon.
- I usually scoop the honey with that spoon and pour the water directly onto it in the bottom of the shaker.
- You don’t need to add the star anise as garnish, but I like the flavor and it looks so pretty.
How to make a hot toddy
Pre-step
Put some water on to boil.
Gather a cocktail shaker, measuring glass, spoon and glassware.
After measuring out the ingredients, add them to either the cocktail shaker or the glass.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – bourbon, lemon and honey.
Step two
Measure 4 ounces of bourbon. (A)
Step three
Measure 1.5 ounce of the lemon juice. Also cut 2 lemon wheels for garnish. (B)
Step four
Measure 2 tablespoons of honey. (C) Add the honey to the shaker.
Step five
Cut two thin lemon wheels and select a few star anise. (D)
Step six
Stick a long metal spoon in the shaker and pour 2 cups of freshly boiled water into it over the honey.
Stir all the ingredients together. The water will melt the honey.
Step seven
Divide the toddy between the two mugs.
Place a lemon wheel and a star anise in each drink.
Let’s see the vertical view!
It’s a gorgeous cocktail and so warming and comforting.
I cough a few times before I pick the glass up and sip the delicious toddy. Do I have to cough? No, but I’m getting into character.
I hope you enjoyed this hot toddy recipe! Just remember it when you have your next cold. It really does make you feel better.
Other popular bourbon drinks
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Hot Toddy | Perfect for Cold Season
Ingredients
- 4 ounces bourbon
- 1.5 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 2 cup boiling water
Garnish
- 2 lemon wheel any thickness
- 2 star anise
Instructions
- You can either build these directly in the mugs or use a cocktail shaker. I prefer the shaker
- Add bourbon, lemon juice, honey and boiled water into your shaker (or glass)
- Stir until combined and honey has melted
- Add a lemon wheel and star anise to each mug
- Sip
- Feel better
- Enjoy
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
- Since I’m making two toddies, I am going to mix them in my cocktail shaker. If you’re making only one, you can build it directly in the glass.
- If you are going to make the toddy in a cocktail shaker and you have a glass shaker like I do, put a metal spoon in it before pouring the boiling water. I use a cocktail spoon.
- I usually scoop the honey with that spoon and pour the water directly into it in the bottom of the shaker.
- You don’t need to add the star anise as garnish, but I like the flavor and it looks so pretty.
Joyce
I will be happy to have this all times of the year sick or not haha but maybe I’ll pretend to be sick so that my husband will whip them up for me instead of having me make them for myself haha! I love your shotglass! 🙂
Elaine
Thanks so much Joyce!! And yes, a few fake coughs sometimes does the trick 🙂
Vicky
Cold or no cold I’m always down for this combination of ingredients! YUM!
Elaine
Yahoo! Me too Vicky!
Andrea
I will be drinking a lot of these once it gets cooler here! They are one of my favorites.
Elaine
Hehe. Yes! I love toddys! 🙂 Thanks Andrea.
colleen kennedy
A well made Hot Toddy is a beautiful thing. My husband really likes Knob Creek. He’s out, so this is a good reminder to pick up a new bottle!
Elaine
Yay Colleen! Hot toddies are so yummy!
Beth
This looks like the perfect home remedy! Thanks for backing the theory withactual science! I recently found Bourbon and have a slight love affair! I have to give this a try!!!
Elaine
Hehe Beth, Thanks 🙂
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
I have never had a hot toddy, but I like what I see! Like the ingredients, and I am sure it would help in case of a cold. I’ve had the flu twice this winter, wish I saw it before… But now I know! Thank you!!
Elaine
Thanks Nicoletta. Yikes, the flu twice in one season!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
This is an old-fashioned remedy that is great anytime you’re feeling under the weather. My Hubby’s grandmother swore by this method. Yep, I think it works and it’s better than artificial medication. Keep those ingredients on hand.
Elaine
Thanks so much Marisa!! I totally agree. 🙂
Paula
Hot Toddies ????????this reminds me of Momma and her fond memories of he Grandparents.
She’s passed on but the Remedies live on????
Elaine
Thank you for your comment Paula!! Yes, I love how memories and traditions live on!
Joyce
I love hot toddies even when I am not sick!
Christopher
I’m not sure any spirit could resist the soothing combination of honey and fresh lemon juice! Yum. The End.
fitoru
thanks for the share. This drink is really perfect for the rainy and cold season. During cold season I normally drink lemon ginger tea before going to bed.
Elaine
You’re welcome. My hubby is a big fan of lemon ginger tea. I love a nice hot toddy. I find them so comforting.
Tara
So perfect for the cooler, windy weather we have had this week! I love how easily it comes together too.
Elaine
That’s great Tara! And yes, the toddy is so good in the cooler months! Thank you for your comment.
Marlynn
Love this hot toddy when the weather is cold and grey like today – whether I have a cold or not! It’s soooo yummy.
Elaine
I agree Marlynn! Thanks.
Noelle Simpson
This is perfect for a cold day! I can’t wait to make it again!
Elaine
I’m so glad to hear that Noelle! I appreciate it.
Brianna
There’s nothing more cozy on a cold night than a hot toddy by the fire!
Elaine
Yes! Totally Brianna. I love drinking this by a fire place.