A hot toddy is the perfect drink to warm you up on a chilly evening. This classic cocktail combines the soothing flavors of honey, lemon juice, and whiskey, creating a comforting beverage that's both delicious and easy to make. Garnished with a cinnamon stick and a slice of lemon, it's a delightful way to unwind and relax.
Most of the ingredients for a hot toddy are commonly found in your kitchen. However, if you don't usually keep whiskey or cinnamon sticks on hand, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Make sure to choose a good quality whiskey for the best flavor, and look for whole cinnamon sticks in the spice aisle.

Ingredients For Hot Toddy Recipe
Water: The base of the drink, used to dilute and blend the flavors.
Honey: Adds sweetness and a soothing quality to the drink.
Lemon juice: Provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the honey.
Whiskey: The main spirit in the drink, adding warmth and depth of flavor.
Cinnamon stick: Used as a garnish, it adds a subtle spice aroma.
Lemon: A slice for garnish, adding a fresh citrus note.
Technique Tip for Hot Toddy
To enhance the flavor of your hot toddy, consider using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more vibrant taste. Additionally, warming the whiskey slightly before adding it to the mixture can help meld the flavors together more seamlessly. For an extra touch, you can lightly toast the cinnamon stick before using it as a garnish to release its aromatic oils, adding a deeper, more complex flavor to your drink.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
water - Substitute with herbal tea: Herbal tea can add additional flavors and aromas, enhancing the overall experience of the drink.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile that can add depth to the drink.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and tartness, but with a slightly different citrus note.
whiskey - Substitute with rum: Rum can provide a different but equally warming and comforting flavor, making it a good alternative.
cinnamon stick - Substitute with star anise: Star anise offers a different spice note that can complement the other flavors in the drink.
lemon - Substitute with orange: An orange slice can provide a similar visual appeal and a slightly sweeter citrus flavor.
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How To Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the hot toddy to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer the hot toddy into an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When ready to enjoy, reheat the hot toddy gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warm.
- If you prefer to freeze the hot toddy, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Label the container with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer.
- The hot toddy can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight.
- Reheat the thawed hot toddy on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warm.
- Always give the hot toddy a good stir before serving to ensure the honey and lemon juice are well mixed.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the leftover hot toddy into a small saucepan.
- Gently heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
- Avoid bringing it to a boil, as this can evaporate the whiskey and alter the flavor.
- Once warmed to your desired temperature, pour the hot toddy back into a mug.
- If needed, add a fresh lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish to enhance the presentation and aroma.
Best Tools for Making a Hot Toddy
Saucepan: Used to boil the water for the hot toddy.
Mug: The vessel in which you will mix and serve the hot toddy.
Measuring spoon: Used to measure the honey and lemon juice accurately.
Shot glass: Used to measure the whiskey.
Stirring spoon: Used to mix the honey, lemon juice, and whiskey into the hot water.
Cinnamon stick: Used as a garnish to add flavor and aroma.
Knife: Used to slice the lemon for garnish.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Boil water in advance: Boil water in a kettle instead of a saucepan to save time.
Use a microwave: Heat the water in the microwave for quicker results.
Pre-measure ingredients: Have honey, lemon juice, and whiskey ready to go.
Skip the garnish: If in a hurry, omit the cinnamon stick and lemon slice garnish.

Hot Toddy Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 shot whiskey
- 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
- 1 slice lemon for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Boil water in a saucepan.
- 2. Pour hot water into a mug.
- 3. Add honey, lemon juice, and whiskey. Stir well.
- 4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of lemon.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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