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!
This is tasty and soothing but I didn’t have the ginger so I added 2 cloves and one more spoonful of honey,it’s good ty
Thanks for sharing what worked for you, Brandy!
I have been getting bad and long lasting colds in the past few years when I never got them before. My friend suggested a Hot Toddy that I used to have before retirement to rid myself of colds and it worked then. I found this recipe and, it’s already working on giving me relief from my cough. I’m using tea with ginger instead of plain water (I don’t have crystallized ginger) and this is absolutely the best tasting one I’ve ever had! I’ll definitely be saving this recipe for the future!
We’re so happy to hear this recipe is providing you with relief, Penny!
I just used what I had on hand and this is very soothing. I used powdered ginger instead of fresh and it mixed in really well. I’m super sick right now and I happened upon this recipe right when I needed it. Thanks so much!
We’re so happy to hear this recipe is helping!
What a wonderful delight while fighting some congestion from being in a smokey, dusty environment all week.
Loved this recipe! Thank you..kicked that cough alright!
That looks delicious, Josie! Happy to hear it helped!!
Best recipe!
Thanks so much, Carla!
I love this! I love doing liquor! But don’t do drugs, kids!
I don’t care for alcohol but this was fantastic! I had a cold with a cough that I could not get rid of. So I made this toddy using fireball whiskey. Flavors of lemon and ginger complimented the whiskey well. Calmed my cough immediately! I hope it helps me sleep! Thank you for the recipe.
We’re so happy to hear it helped!
Great recipe and medicinal staple for the upcoming cold and flu season. I’ll definitely try out this version. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by, Shannon!
I’m a recovering alcoholic, so no whiskey or bourbon for me, but it works and tastes great with just the hot water, honey, lemon and ginger. Thanks for the recipe, especially the part about skipping the alcohol altogether!
So glad you enjoyed it, Mandy!