Hot Toddy | Perfect for Cold Season

This hot toddy is a cozy classic that never goes out of style, blending smooth whiskey with a bit of sweetness and gentle heat. It’s perfect after dinner or as a calming sip while you unwind at the end of the day. Slip into something comfortable, make a mug of this soothing drink, and settle in for a relaxing evening — it’s simple, satisfying, and always hits the spot.

I don’t come down with colds very often, knock on wood, so I can’t use a sore throat as my excuse to make this drink as much as I’d like. The truth is, I don’t wait for one.

Yes, a hot toddy is wonderful when you’re feeling under the weather, but it’s just as comforting on a chilly night. I reach for it when I want something warming and a little nurturing, and since I love the flavor, it’s always a 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, soothes respiratory disorders, helps throat infections, and controls blood pressure.
• Honey is rich in vitamins and minerals, aids in weight loss, boosts energy, has antioxidants, acts as a natural cough syrup, speeds wound healing, and improves athletic performance.

We are a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. #CommisionsEarned. You can read my disclosure here.

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.

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
• Old fashioned
• Brown derby
• Bourbon sour
• Apple butter old fashioned

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!

Originally published in February of 2018.