This warming Classic Hot Toddy recipe will warm you from the inside out! Lemon, honey (or maple syrup), and ginger are perfect complements if you're feeling under the weather. Add a shot of whiskey and you're all set for the best winter cocktail.
What is a Hot Toddy?
A toddy is a drink made in India from the fermented sap of palm trees. The earliest mention of it was in 1786 with the definition: "a beverage made of alcoholic liquor with hot water, sugar, and spices." Known as a "hot whiskey" in Ireland, a hot toddy is a warmed drink made with liquor, water, honey, and lemon. Sometimes tea and other spices such as cinnamon are also added.
- ¾ cup water
- 2-3 scant teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ TBS freshly grated ginger, or ½ teaspoon powdered ginger
- 1 shot whiskey (1 and ½ oz or about ¼ cup)
- 2 TBS lemon juice
- Lemon round, for serving
- Cinnamon stick, for serving
Health Benefits of this Recipe & Steps to Make
Ginger fights bacteria such as E. coli and contains active compounds known as gingerols which help keep oral bacteria from growing. It also can help with nausea, it can soothe a sore throat, and is high in antioxidants. In some studies it has even lowered LDL cholesterol.
While there are a lot of variations on this classic cocktail, the main steps are very simple!
- Start by heating some water (like you would for tea), and then add honey or maple syrup to sweeten.
- Then, you'll mix in some whiskey, grated ginger, and lemon juice. That's about it!
- You can serve the cocktail in a mug with a cinnamon stick and additional lemon round for garnish.
The key to making the bet hot toddy is to adjust lemon juice and sweetener to your personal preference. I like it to be very tangy. The ginger is technically optional but I think it adds the perfect amount of spice.
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What is the best whiskey for a hot toddy?
Bourbon is the best kind of whiskey for a hot toddy, as it has a nice strong presence that is nicely complemented by the citrus juice. Wild Turkey is very strong, but adding it to this cocktail means it's slightly watered down but still has a nice flavor. If you prefer a sweeter hot toddy, I recommend using Makers Mark. This is literally made with a sweet wheat so leans more saccharine when added to a drink.
Are Hot Toddies good when you have a cold?
Yes! Hot Toddies are often considered a "cure-all" if one is feeling under the weather. Lemon, honey, and ginger are used in many home remedies for those feeling sick. Lemon juice is full of vitamin C and honey can coat a scratchy throat. It's debated whether or not drinking alcohol is advantageous when healing, so feel free to decide that for yourself.
How to Make a Virgin Hot Toddy
To make a nonalcoholic hot toddy, simply omit whiskey and substitute ¼ cup hot ginger tea. Alternatively you could substitute whatever kind of tea you most enjoy.
I hope you enjoy this Classic Hot Toddy recipe! If you're looking for more winter cocktails with fresh ginger, try one of these next:
Classic Hot Toddy
Ingredients
- ¾ cup water
- 2-3 teaspoon maple syrup honey if not vegan
- ½ TBS freshly grated ginger or ½ teaspoon powdered ginger
- 1 shot whiskey 1 ½ oz or about ¼ cup, see notes for substitute
- 2 TBS lemon juice
- Lemon round for serving
- Cinnamon stick for serving
- Star anise for serving optional
Instructions
- Heat water in a teakettle or small pan on the stove. Once warmed, pour into a heatproof glass or mug. Stir in honey or maple syrup to dissolve. Add grated ginger or powdered ginger.
- Top glass with shot of whiskey and lemon juice, stirring once more to incorporate. Garnish with a lemon round, a cinnamon stick, and optional star anise. Enjoy immediately!
Pat Curry says
Why do the photos show star anise in this drink? It is not mentioned as a ingredient or a possible garnish.
Emily says
Hi Pat! I appreciate you asking; that was included as an optional garnish. I've updated the recipe card to make this more clear, sorry for any confusion!