Cocktail recipe

Hot Toddy

Soothing hot whisky drink with honey, lemon, and spice.

Cocktail List 5 minutes Mocktail
About measurement options
Metric (ml)
Volumes are shown in millilitres or litres.
US (fl oz, cups and spoons)
Uses US fluid ounces, cups and spoons. 1 US fl oz ≈ 29.57 ml.
Imperial (UK and Canada)
The UK and Canada share the imperial fluid ounce. 1 imperial fl oz ≈ 28.41 ml. Small volumes are shown in ml.
Bar (parts and dashes)
On CocktailFun, 1 part = 30 ml. Dashes stay as dashes. Very small volumes may be shown in ml.
Hot Toddy

Description

The Hot Toddy is one of the oldest known warm cocktails, with origins going back to 18th-century Scotland and Ireland. Traditionally made with whisky, hot water, lemon, and honey, it was valued as both a comforting winter drink and a folk remedy for colds. Some historians suggest the name may come from “tārī,” a fermented palm drink from India, brought to Britain during colonial trade.

By the Victorian era, the Hot Toddy had become a staple of British and Irish households during the colder months. Its reputation as a cure-all for sore throats and winter chills made it especially popular. The balance of warming spirit, soothing honey, and invigorating lemon remains timeless, and today it’s enjoyed worldwide as the ultimate winter warmer.

Ingredients

  • 50 ml Scotch whisky (or Irish whiskey)
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 15 ml lemon juice
  • Approx. 150 ml Hot Water, to top
  • 1 piece Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 piece Lemon Wheel (studded with cloves)
  • 2 pieces Whole Cloves

Equipment needed

Bar Spoon

Instructions

  1. Add whisky, honey, and lemon juice to a heatproof glass or mug.
  2. Pour in hot water and stir until honey dissolves.
  3. Garnish with a lemon slice studded with cloves and a cinnamon stick.
  4. Serve steaming hot.

Recommended glassware

Toddy Glass
Toddy Glass (Recommended)

A sturdy heatproof glass for hot mixed drinks.

180–300 ml Compact heatproof glass or handled tumbler.

Best for: Hot Toddy, hot rum drinks, winter whisky serves.

Garnish: Best with lemon slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and honey.

Quick facts

5 minutes Easy Approx. 9.3% ABV Mocktail
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