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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!

Close view of a star anise and lemon wheel floating in the golden cocktail with the tall glass and more garnish in the background
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

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.

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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.

Bourbon, honey, lemon on the grey table with a shaker and glassware in the background
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

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)

Bourbon and lemon juice measured with the fruit and bottle in the background
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

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)

Honey, star anise and lemon wheels with the bottle and shaker in the background
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

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.

A tall glass mug with the golden cocktail with the smaller mug in the background. The cocktails are garnished with star anise and lemon wheels
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Let’s see the vertical view!

Tall glass mug in front of the shorter one, both filled with the lemon cocktail, star anise and lemon wheels for garnish
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

It’s a gorgeous cocktail and so warming and comforting.

Overhead view of the two mugs filled with the warm cocktail with star anise and lemon wheels
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

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.

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 FACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAM and PINTEREST  to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

The short glass mug filled with a golden drink with star anise and a lemon wheel in it - square

Hot Toddy | Perfect for Cold Season

This hot toddy is perfect to sip when you have a cold.  It’s even great to sip when you are feeling fit as a fiddle.
5 from 13 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: Cocktails
Keyword: hot toddy, toddy, warming drink
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 2 cocktails
Calories: 199kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces bourbon
  • 1.5 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cup boiling water

Garnish

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)
    4 ounces bourbon, 1.5 ounce fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoon honey, 2 cup boiling water
  • Stir until combined and honey has melted
  • Add a lemon wheel and star anise to each mug
    2 lemon wheel, 2 star anise
  • Sip
  • Feel better
  • Enjoy
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Notes

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 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 22mg | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 7mg
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From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

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28 Comments

  1. 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! 🙂

  2. 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!

  3. 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!!!

  4. 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!!

  5. 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.

  6. Hot Toddies ????????this reminds me of Momma and her fond memories of he Grandparents.
    She’s passed on but the Remedies live on????

  7. I’m not sure any spirit could resist the soothing combination of honey and fresh lemon juice! Yum. The End.

  8. 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.

    1. You’re welcome. My hubby is a big fan of lemon ginger tea. I love a nice hot toddy. I find them so comforting.

  9. Love this hot toddy when the weather is cold and grey like today – whether I have a cold or not! It’s soooo yummy.

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