Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ to 2 ounces whiskey (bourbon, Irish whiskey, or Scotch)
- 1 tablespoon honey (more or less to taste)
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice
- 6 ounces hot water (about ¾ cup)
- 1 lemon slice, for garnish
- 1 cinnamon stick, for garnish and stirring (optional)
- 2-3 whole cloves (optional)
- 1 star anise (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the water: Bring water to a boil in a kettle or small saucepan, then let it cool for 30 seconds. The ideal temperature is around 180-190°F – hot enough to steep and dissolve honey, but not so hot it boils off the alcohol.
- Prepare your mug: Place the honey in the bottom of a heat-resistant mug or Irish coffee glass. This allows the honey to dissolve more easily when you add the hot water.
- Add the whiskey: Pour your measured whiskey over the honey in the mug. The alcohol helps the honey dissolve and starts building the flavor base.
- Add lemon juice: Squeeze or pour the fresh lemon juice into the mug. If using, drop in whole spices like a cinnamon stick, star anise, or cloves at this point.
- Pour hot water: Carefully pour the hot water into the mug, filling it about three-quarters full or to your desired strength. The hot water will help dissolve the honey and dilute the whiskey to a pleasant drinking strength.
- Stir well: Use a spoon or cinnamon stick to stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring the honey is completely dissolved. This should take about 10-15 seconds of stirring.
- Garnish and serve: Add a fresh lemon slice to float on top. If you haven’t already added a cinnamon stick, place one in the mug as both garnish and stirrer. Serve immediately while piping hot.
- Sip slowly: Enjoy your hot toddy while it’s warm, inhaling the aromatic steam as you sip. The drink should be consumed within 10-15 minutes for the best temperature and experience.
Notes
- Adjust whiskey amount based on preference: 1½ oz for milder, 2 oz for stronger
- Honey amount is flexible; start with 1 tablespoon and add more if desired
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit whiskey and add extra lemon and spices
- Can substitute maple syrup or agave for honey with slightly different flavor
- Adding a small pat of butter creates an even richer, more traditional version
- The spices are optional but add wonderful aromatics
- Make multiple servings at once by multiplying recipe and preparing in a teapot
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Cocktail / Hot Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Scottish / American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hot toddy (approximately 9 oz)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg