An OId Fashioned Hot Toddy is a classic warm cocktail made with bourbon, honey, fresh lemon juice and hot water. It’s simple, soothing to sip and just the thing for a chilly evening when you’re ready to settle in and relax.
There’s something appealing about an old-fashioned cocktail that requires only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to make. The Hot Toddy has been around for generations, and it’s easy to understand why people keep coming back to it.
Bourbon gives the drink its warmth and character, honey adds a little sweetness, and fresh lemon juice keeps everything nicely balanced. Add a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick, and you’ve got a lovely hot cocktail without any complicated preparation.
This is the kind of drink I’d make after dinner on a cold winter night (along with an Irish Coffee or a Hot Buttered Rum), especially when I want something a little different from a glass of wine.
What Is a Hot Toddy?
A Hot Toddy is a traditional warm alcoholic drink typically made with whiskey, hot water, honey or sugar, and lemon. Some versions include spices such as cinnamon, cloves or star anise.
The drink has a long history, with roots in British drinking traditions, and has become especially popular during the colder months. Think of it as the cocktail version of fall favorite non-alcoholic hot mulled cider.
There are plenty of variations, but I like keeping things simple. This version uses bourbon, which has natural vanilla and caramel notes that work especially well with honey and lemon.
What Does a Hot Toddy Taste Like?
A Hot Toddy has a pleasant balance of sweet, tart and warm flavors. The bourbon gives it a little richness, the honey softens the edges, and the lemon juice adds brightness.
Because the bourbon is diluted with hot water, this isn’t as strong-tasting as sipping straight whiskey. It’s more of a lightly sweetened, lemony hot drink with a noticeable bourbon flavor.
The cinnamon stick adds a little spice to the aroma, even if you don’t stir it around much.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bourbon: The base of the cocktail. You don’t need an expensive bottle, but choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking. Its flavor will definitely come through.
- Honey: Sweetens the drink and balances the tartness of the lemon juice. It dissolves easily when the hot water is added.
- Fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is worth using here. It gives the drink a bright, clean flavor that bottled juice doesn’t quite match.
- Hot water: You’ll want steaming hot water, but it doesn’t need to be at a rolling boil. The water warms the drink and mellows the bourbon.
- Lemon slice: A simple garnish that looks pretty and adds a little extra lemon aroma.
- Cinnamon stick: Adds a subtle spiced aroma as you sip. It’s an easy way to make the cocktail feel a little more special.
How to Make a Hot Toddy
This is about as easy as cocktail-making gets. You don’t need a shaker, blender or any special bar equipment.
- Start with the bourbon, honey and lemon juice. Pour them directly into a heatproof mug.
- Add the hot water. Pour in one cup of steaming hot water and stir until the honey has completely dissolved.
- Garnish and serve. Add a cinnamon stick to the mug and garnish with a fresh lemon slice.
- Serve immediately while the drink is warm.
Tips for Making the Best Hot Toddy
- Use bourbon you like. Since there are so few ingredients, the flavor of the bourbon matters. You don’t need anything fancy, but avoid using one you wouldn’t enjoy on its own.
- Squeeze the lemon fresh. Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in a simple cocktail like this.
- Adjust the honey to your taste. One tablespoon gives the drink a pleasant sweetness, but you can use a little less if you prefer a more tart cocktail.
- Use a heatproof mug. Make sure your mug or glass is designed to hold hot liquids.
- Don’t worry about boiling the water. Steaming hot water is all you need. There’s no reason to boil the cocktail ingredients together.
- Serve it right away. A Hot Toddy is at its best while it’s still nice and warm.
Hot Toddy Variations
Once you’ve made the classic version, there are a few easy ways to change it up.
- Whiskey Hot Toddy: Use your favorite whiskey instead of bourbon. Irish whiskey is a nice choice if you prefer something a little lighter.
- Spiced Hot Toddy: Add a couple of whole cloves or a star anise along with the cinnamon stick. Let the spices sit in the hot drink for a few minutes before sipping.
- Maple Hot Toddy: Replace the honey with pure maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
- Apple Cider Hot Toddy: Replace some or all of the hot water with warm apple cider. This makes a sweeter, fruitier cocktail that’s especially good in the fall.
- Extra-Lemony Hot Toddy: Add a little more fresh lemon juice if you prefer a more tart drink.
When to Serve a Hot Toddy
I think Hot Toddies are especially nice during fall and winter, when the weather is cold and you’re looking for something warm to drink. They’re lovely for a quiet evening at home, after a day spent outdoors or as a simple after-dinner cocktail.
You could also serve them at a small winter gathering. Set out bourbon, honey, lemon slices and cinnamon sticks, and let guests make their own drinks using hot water from a kettle. Serve alongside some cranberry orange bread to create a delicious pairing.
Because this recipe makes just one cocktail, it’s also easy to prepare exactly what you need without mixing a large batch.
A Little History Behind the Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy has been around for centuries, although there’s some disagreement about exactly where it originated.
One theory traces its roots to India, where a drink called toddy was made from fermented palm sap. Another story connects the cocktail to Scotland, where whiskey was mixed with hot water and sugar. There’s even a story involving an Irish physician who recommended a warm brandy drink to his patients.
Wherever it started, the Hot Toddy has become a cold-weather favorite. In Ireland, you might find one made with Irish whiskey, while Scotch is a natural choice in Scotland. Here in the United States, bourbon is a popular option—and that’s what I use in this recipe.
A few more things worth knowing:
- January 11th is National Hot Toddy Day. A good excuse to make one in the middle of winter!
- There isn’t just one way to make a Hot Toddy. Different whiskeys, sweeteners and spices have been used over the years.
- Hot Toddies have a history as a home remedy. Although they won’t cure a cold, the warm water, honey and lemon are ingredients people have long turned to for comfort. The nonalcoholic version is a better choice when you’re sick, especially if you’re taking medication. Make some of our roasted chicken noodle soup and a hot toddy, and I can almost guarantee you’ll feel a little bit better.
It’s a simple drink with quite a bit of history behind it, and I think that’s part of its charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of alcohol is in a Hot Toddy?
Whiskey is the traditional choice, and bourbon is one of the most popular options. You can also make a Hot Toddy with Irish whiskey, Scotch or even dark rum, depending on your preference.
Can I make a Hot Toddy without bourbon?
Yes. Substitute another whiskey or dark rum, or leave out the alcohol entirely for a warm honey-lemon drink.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Absolutely. Pure maple syrup is a delicious alternative and pairs especially well with bourbon.
Should the water be boiling?
No. Steaming hot water works perfectly. You want the drink to be pleasantly warm without being too hot to sip.
Can I make Hot Toddies for a crowd?
Yes. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix the bourbon, honey and lemon juice in a heatproof pitcher, then add the hot water shortly before serving. Stir well and pour into mugs.
Does a Hot Toddy help with a cold?
Hot Toddies have a long-standing reputation as a home remedy for colds, but the alcohol doesn’t cure a cold or help you recover faster. A warm, nonalcoholic honey-lemon drink can be a better choice when you’re feeling under the weather, especially if you’re taking medication.
Where to buy Glass Mugs:
You can use any mug you’d like for a Hot Toddy. But the glass mugs are my favorite since you can see what you’re drinking and the garnishes are more visible too. You can find an inexpensive set of glass mugs on Amazon. We use them all the time for coffee at my house since they are more substantially sized than a normal coffee mug
Hot Toddy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces bourbon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup steaming hot water
- 1 slice lemon for garnish
- cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Add the bourbon, honey and lemon juice to your mug. Add the hot water and stir to dissolve the honey.
- Garnish with a lemon round on the side of the glass and a cinnamon stick inside the mug.
