Hot Toddy | Perfect for Cold Season

Looking for a way to get cozy and warm this winter? This hot toddy is a comforting drink and has been a favorite of many for years, combining delicious flavors with soothing relaxation. Whether you’re looking for an after-dinner treat or just something to relax with while watching your favorite show, making a hot toddy is as easy as can be. So put on your comfiest clothes, brew up some of this timeless beverage, and snuggle in for the evening – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

I don’t get a cold or sore throat 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. And I happen to love the taste, so it’s a win-win.

From my research online, here are some benefits of the ingredients in this drink.

Benefits

• Bourbon whiskey – helps weight loss, prevents dementia, fights cancer, protects your heart, reduces internal clotting, controls diabetes, and boosts the immune system.
• Lemon juice – is 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.

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Helpful tips

• Since I’m making two toddies, I will mix them in my cocktail shaker. You can build it directly in the glass if you make only one.
• 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 a garnish, but I like the flavor; it looks so pretty. You can also use whole cloves as garnish. You can also add a cinnamon stick.
• You can also place thin lemon slices in the toddy as garnish as I do.
• Some people use rum instead of bourbon whiskey, but I prefer it with bourbon.
• Even though I prefer the toddy with honey, I also like it with maple syrup.

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 the ingredients, add them to either the cocktail shaker or the glass.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – bourbon, lemon, honey, and hot water.

Step two

Measure 4 ounces of bourbon. (A)

Step three

Measure 1.5 ounces of the lemon juice. Also, cut two 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 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

• New York sour
• Brown derby
• Bourbon sour

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 to 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!