A Hot Toddy is great on any cold night, but I especially love this tasty cocktail recipe to soothe a cold. Learning how to make a hot toddy was one of the best things I could’ve done to prepare for sick days. This 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!
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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.
What’s in This Hot Toddy Recipe?
- Whiskey or Bourbon: This alcohol is a natural decongestant. Get some pretty good quality. You’re sick! You deserve the best!
- Honey: Sweetens the drink and has antimicrobial properties.
- Lemon: Lemon juice adds a nice acidity to the drink and helps boost immunity!
- Crystallized Ginger: While optional, I always like to add this to reduce inflammation.
Tips for Success
- 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!
- This is 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 airflow.
How to Store and Reheat
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.
5-Star Review
“The tastiest, easiest and most effective hot toddy yet!” – Tracy
Hot Toddy Recipe for a Cold
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey or bourbon Get some pretty good quality. You’re sick! You deserve the best!
- 1½ tablespoons honey
- 4 ounces water
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cube crystallized ginger optional
- 1 slice fresh lemon for garnish
Instructions
- Mix together whiskey, water, and lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl.2 ounces whiskey or bourbon, 4 ounces water, 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Microwave for 1 minute, or until it's piping hot.
- Stir in the honey, and drop in the ginger if using.1½ tablespoons honey, 1 cube crystallized ginger
- Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy–you and your cold deserve it!1 slice fresh lemon
Video
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
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!
I don’t have a slice ofemon or ginger but I do have honey, lemon juice and a very nice bottle if 12yrs old anCnoc single malt to try this with,thanks for the recipe 😊
Thanks for stopping by, William!
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!
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.