Hot Toddy Recipe
Last Updated on February 23, 2023 by Annie
Make this warm and soothing Hot Toddy recipe for a cozy drink on a cold winter night. Made with warm water, lemon, honey, and whiskey this cozy cocktail can also be served up as a mocktail with all the same soothing flavor and comfort but none of the booze.
This Hot Toddy recipe has been a ‘need to make recipe’ since 2018. Let’s go back in time to a point in history when we could travel, be in tight spaces with strangers, and not carry large tubs of Clorox wipes everywhere we went. Oh 2018- you cheeky year you.
Mr. MLAD and I were on a trip in Scotland. The second to last day of our trip we decided to hike Ben Nevis. It was a rainy day but since we didn’t know when we would be back again we pressed on and hiked in the rain. Halfway up the peak the rain stopped and we enjoyed the sunshine and a brief moment for our shorts to dry off. Unfortunately the weather did not hold off and we reached the snow-topped mountain as the mist began to fall again.
Needless to say we did not spot Ireland from the summit and we truly didn’t stay up there long to wait for a break in the rain again. A few hours later we experienced more rain, some gusty winds, and then blistering heat until we reached the bottom of the mountain. So it came as no shock when on the day we were leaving Mr. MLAD began feeling under the weather. Before hopping on the plane we got him a warm Hot Toddy and he slept off the impending illness on the 8-hour flight.
Why we LOVE These Easy Hot Toddies
We make these simple hot toddies year round, they are just that good. Here are a few reasons we love serving them up!
- Quick to make. These hot toddies come together in just minutes.
- Simple ingredients. Many of the ingredients used in this recipe are pantry staple items we always have on hand.
- Boozy or not. You can easily enjoy these hot toddies spiked or sans alcohol depending on your preferences.
HOW TO MAKE A HOT TODDY
INGREDIENTS FOR A HOT TODDY
- Water– Boiling.
- Cinnamon Sticks– Whole, both for flavor and they sure look nice in the mug don’t they??
- Clove– Two per mug for a little extra spice.
- Lemon Juice– You can use fresh squeezed or bottled but the fresher the better.
- Honey- Sweetens the drink and also soothes the soul.
- Vanilla- Brings out the flavor in the spices and who doesn’t just love a splash of vanilla??
- Whiskey– A bourbon suits this recipe beautifully.
DIRECTIONS FOR A HOT TODDY
- Boil water: To begin, bring a pot of water to boil. While the water is heating take out two mug.
- Add cinnamon sticks + cloves: Place two sticks of cinnamon and two cloves into each mug.
- Steep with water: Pour 3/4 cup of water into each mug and allow to steep for 3 minutes.
- Flavor: Add 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of honey and, 1 teaspoon vanilla into each mug. Stir until the honey is dissolved.
- Spike + serve: Add 1 1/2 oz of whiskey to each mug and garnish with a lemon slice! Bottoms up!
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Want to quickly and easily whip up these tasty hot toddies? Here are a few kitchen tools we use to get the job done.
- Electric Kettle– I use this kettle every single day. From brewing water for tea to boiling water for these hot toddies, this little kettle does it all!
- Small whisk– Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and vanilla into the hot toddy with ease.
HOW DO YOU MAKE A HOT TODDY WITHOUT ALCOHOL?
Having a Dry January or just want to enjoy this delightful cocktail as a mocktail? Make the Hot Toddy up until the part where you add the whiskey. Omit the whiskey and enjoy this warm and comforting drink.
WHEN SHOULD YOU DRINK A HOT TODDY?
Honestly I don’t know if there is ever a day you should not drink a hot toddy.
Is it cold out? Make a hot toddy.
A slight nip in the air? Hot Toddy.
Feeling a cold come on? Brew that water and get your hot toddy ready!
You can also enjoy this as a cocktail or mocktail when you have a cough or sore throat.
DOES A HOT TODDY WORK FOR A SORE THROAT?
Many of the ingredients used in a Hot Toddy are commonly associated with healing a sore throat. The warm water, lemon juice, and even the honey are all natural remedies for soothing your sore throat. Now whether having a hot toddy will cure your sore throat or not, I truly don’t know but it kinda feels like the thing I’ll be trying out the next time I feel a tingle in my throat.
OTHER COZY RECIPES
Chicken Pot Pie– Warm, flaky pastry tops this creamy and filling dairy-free chicken pot pie. Onion, celery, carrots, peas, and tender chicken give every bite that comforting taste.
Turkey Mac– This hearty Turkey Mac combines well seasoned ground turkey, creamy tomato sauce, and macaroni to make an unforgettable winter staple.
Creamy Garlic Orzo Pasta– Get ready for the ultimate creamy pasta side dish! A delicious creamy garlic sauce coats perfectly cooked orzo pasta in this addictive Creamy Garlic Orzo Pasta!
If you tried this warm and cozy Hot Toddy and enjoyed it feel free to leave a comment below! I would love to hear how it went! You can also snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram by tagging @mylifeafterdairy to share all your life after dairy adventures!
You can also keep up with all of the delicious dairy-free goodness by signing up for the newsletter! I’ll keep it delicious and dairy-free!
Hot Toddy for Two
Made with warm water, lemon, honey, and whiskey this cozy cocktail can also be served up as a mocktail with all the same soothing flavor and comfort.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Water Boiling
- 4 Cinnamon Sticks
- 4 Cloves
- 4 teaspoons Lemon Juice
- 4 teaspoons Honey
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla
- 3 ounces Whiskey
Instructions
-
To begin, bring a pot of water to boil. While the water is heating take out two mug.
-
Place two sticks of cinnamon and two cloves into each mug. Pour 3/4 cup of water into each mug and allow to steep for 3 minutes.
-
Add 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of honey and, 1 teaspoon vanilla into each mug. Stir until the honey is dissolved.
-
Add 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey to each mug and garnish with a lemon slice! Bottoms up!
Recipe Notes
To make this cozy drink a mocktail omit the whiskey and sip on!
Some of the links above contain Amazon affiliate links. These are products and brands I use in my kitchen daily. They pay me a small commission for the referral at no additional cost to you.