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This old fashioned hot toddy is both a cocktail and a cough remedy! Soothing and perfect for flu season, it’s also great for cozy winter relaxation.
You probably never thought whiskey could help you feel better, but this hot toddy is soothing and perfect for easing cough and cold symptoms.
Made with lemon, honey, black tea, and whiskey, this old fashioned toddy recipe is your new go-to when you’re feeling under the weather or just need to beat the chill.
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Craving the comfort of warm cocktails minus the liquor? Try our golden milk latte and copycat Starbucks medicine ball for cozy sips without the buzz.
They both make fantastic Christmas hot drinks as well!
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Hot Toddy Recipe
- Whether you want to sip something cozy or need a home remedy for the common cold and cough, this old fashioned hot toddy is one of the best winter drinks to make!
- This hot toddy recipe makes the perfect single serving, but it can also be adapted for sharing.
- This old fashioned hot toddy cocktail recipe is adaptable, and you can use your favorite liquor, tea, or sweetener. You can even leave out the alcohol!
Ingredients
Water and black tea – Whether you’re sick or just want to relax, you deserve the best! Make your old fashioned toddy with tea, not plain water.
Whiskey – Choose something between 80 and 95 proof so it doesn’t overpower your old fashioned hot toddy.
Honey – Our soothing sweetener in this hot toddy with tea recipe.
Lemon juice – This warm cocktail gets its brightness from citrus. And of course, we could all use a little extra vitamin C boost.
Lemon slice and cinnamon stick – Optional garnishes. Read on for more ideas!
Ingredient Substitutions For Old Fashioned Toddy
Brandy
You can make this hot toddy with tea and brandy! The bold, rich flavor of this dark liquor pairs well with citrus and honey.
Ginger tea
While black tea pairs well with whiskey, ginger tea is another soothing option for your old-fashioned hot toddy.
Apple cider vinegar
Besides lemon juice, you can add a tangy, comforting note to this honey whiskey tea with apple cider vinegar.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Heat Your Mug
Serving this hot tea toddy in a warm mug will keep it hot and extra soothing! Just fill your mug with boiling water and pour it out after 1 minute.
Add-Ins to Try
Make this old fashioned hot toddy recipe your own and try other comforting additions! You can add crystallized ginger, candied orange peel, or other cozy spices like whole cloves and star anise.
Make a Big Batch
Make a whiskey hot toddy for sharing! Plan for 1 cup of water and 1 tea bag per person. Heat the water in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, turn off the heat, add the tea bags, cover, and let them steep for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare each mug with 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey, 1 1/2 teaspoons of honey, and the juice from half a lemon. When the tea is ready, have everyone pour it into their own mug and stir.
Old Fashioned Hot Toddy Cocktail Recipe FAQs
What whiskey is best for a hot toddy?
For a tasty hot toddy, treat yourself and use top-shelf whiskey like The Macallan.
What can I use instead of whiskey for a hot toddy?
You can make this hot toddy recipe with dark rum. Its deep, spiced, caramel flavor goes well with the warm toddy drink!
What can I substitute for honey in this old fashioned hot toddy recipe?
Honey contributes to the overall benefit of this hot toddy drink for cough, but you can use other sweeteners like maple syrup and brown sugar to make it more satisfying.
Do you have to use alcohol to make a hot toddy?
Not at all! Alcohol mainly adds warmth, but there’s little research showing it actually relieves cold or cough symptoms. You can skip the liquor and just add extra spices to get the same comforting flavor in your classic hot toddy drink.
Does a hot toddy really help a cough?
Yes, but there’s no research on the drink itself. The ingredients in this homemade hot toddy, such as honey, lemon juice, and hot water, help ease cough and cold symptoms.
More Delicious Drink Recipes For the Holidays
- Non Alcoholic Christmas Punch
- Apple Cider Moscow Mule
- Mint Chocolate Irish Cream Liqueur
- Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
- Spiked Eggnog
I found this recipe for Nutmeg Orange Christmas Coffee that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Old Fashioned Hot Toddy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 bag black tea
- 1 1/2 oz whiskey
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 lemon slice, optional garnish
- 1 cinnamon stick, optional garnish
Instructions
- Add your water to a microwave-safe mug and microwave on High until it's piping hot, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Dip the black tea bag into the water and let it steep for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the tea bag.
- Add the whiskey, followed by the honey and lemon juice. Stir well until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Taste and adjust as needed. Add more honey for sweetness or a little extra lemon juice for more tang.
- Serve with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
Notes
- Serving this hot tea toddy in a warm mug will keep it hot and extra soothing! Just fill your mug with boiling water and pour it out after 1 minute.
- Make this old fashioned hot toddy recipe your own and try other comforting additions! You can add crystallized ginger, candied orange peel, or other cozy spices like whole cloves and star anise.
- Make a whiskey hot toddy for sharing! Plan for 1 cup of water and 1 tea bag per person. Heat the water in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, turn off the heat, add the tea bags, cover, and let them steep for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare each mug with 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey, 1 1/2 teaspoons of honey, and the juice from half a lemon. When the tea is ready, have everyone pour it into their own mug and stir.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
