Hoy whisky toddy

Hot Whisky Toddy

(1 ratings)

A warming, comforting cocktail perfect for cold weather, combining whisky, honey, lemon juice, and hot water with aromatic spices.

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Recipe

1 cocktail (210ml)
  • Blended Scotch Whisky 
    60 ml
  • Raw Honey 
    15 ml
  • Lemon Juice 
    15 ml
  • Hot water 
    120 ml
  • Lemon Peel 
    1 strip
  • Cinnamon 
    1 stick
  • Cloves 
    2
Recipe credit: Traditional recipe with modern refinements

Instructions

Step

Preheat your mug by filling it with boiling water and letting it sit for 1 minute, then discard the water to ensure your toddy stays hot longer.

Step

Add 60ml whisky, 15ml honey, and 15ml fresh lemon juice to the warmed mug.

Step

Stir the mixture thoroughly until the honey is completely dissolved and well incorporated.

Step

Pour 120ml of freshly boiled water into the mug and stir gently to combine all ingredients.

Step

Garnish with a lemon round, cinnamon stick for stirring, and optionally 2 whole cloves for additional aroma.

Step

Serve immediately while hot, allowing the aromatic steam to enhance the drinking experience.

Equipment

Bar spoon
Jigger

Description

The Hot Whisky Toddy is a timeless warming cocktail that dates back to the 18th century. This simple yet sophisticated drink combines the smooth warmth of quality whisky with the natural sweetness of honey and the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice, all balanced with hot water and aromatic spices. Perfect for cold evenings or when feeling under the weather, this customizable cocktail offers comfort in a mug while showcasing the whisky’s character without overwhelming it.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (210ml)
Calories
165
ABV
22.5 %
Alcohol
18.7 g
Carbs
13.2 g
Carbs from Sugar
12.8 g
Fat
0.1 g
Protein
0.2 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Allergens
Honey

Tips & Notes

  • Choose a whisky you enjoy neat - blended Scotch, Irish whiskey, or wheated bourbon work best for their smooth, balanced flavors that won't be overwhelming when warmed.

  • Always preheat your mug with boiling water before making the toddy to maintain optimal temperature and prevent the drink from cooling too quickly.

  • Dissolve the honey completely before adding hot water to ensure even sweetness distribution throughout the drink and prevent honey from settling at the bottom.

  • Adjust the honey and lemon juice to taste after mixing - some prefer more sweetness while others enjoy a more tart profile depending on the whisky used.

  • For batch preparation at parties, multiply the recipe and keep warm in a slow cooker, adding aromatic garnishes like lemon slices and whole spices directly to the pot.

Yes, you can substitute with bourbon, Irish whiskey, or even brandy or dark rum. Avoid heavily peated Scotch unless you enjoy strong smoke flavors, as the heat will intensify these characteristics.

Maple syrup is the best vegan substitute for honey, providing similar sweetness and complexity. You can also use agave nectar or simple syrup, though these will provide less flavor complexity than honey or maple syrup.

Adjust the ratio of whisky to hot water to your preference. Use 45ml whisky with 150ml water for a lighter drink, or 75ml whisky with 90ml water for a stronger version. Always maintain the honey and lemon proportions for proper balance.

Absolutely! Steep a black or green tea bag in the hot water before mixing for added depth and complexity. Earl Grey works particularly well, complementing the citrus notes, while chamomile adds soothing properties perfect for bedtime.

Try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg, fresh grated ginger, or a star anise pod. For a more complex spice profile, you can muddle a few cardamom pods or add a small piece of fresh orange peel for citrus oils.

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Penicillin

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Blended Scotch Whisky
    60 ml
  • Raw Honey
    15 ml
  • Lemon Juice
    15 ml
  • Hot water
    120 ml
  • Lemon Peel
    1 strip
  • Cinnamon
    1 stick
  • Cloves
    2

Method

  1. Preheat your mug by filling it with boiling water and letting it sit for 1 minute, then discard the water to ensure your toddy stays hot longer.
  2. Add 60ml whisky, 15ml honey, and 15ml fresh lemon juice to the warmed mug.
  3. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the honey is completely dissolved and well incorporated.
  4. Pour 120ml of freshly boiled water into the mug and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  5. Garnish with a lemon round, cinnamon stick for stirring, and optionally 2 whole cloves for additional aroma.
  6. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the aromatic steam to enhance the drinking experience.