Hot Toddy
A hot whiskey drink with honey, lemon, and hot water, optionally seasoned with bitters or spice.
The Hot Toddy is a hot built drink rather than a cold cocktail template, combining whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water. Whiskey provides warmth and body, honey sweetens and softens, and lemon keeps the finish from tasting flat. Served in a warmed mug, it is simple, restorative, and highly adjustable. Versions appear across British and American drink traditions under related toddy names.
Ingredients
- • 2 oz whiskey
- • 0.75 oz honey
- • 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- • 4 oz hot water
- • 2 dashes Angostura bitters (optional)
Did you know?
“Toddy-style hot spirits drinks appear in British and American sources long before the cocktail age, later settling into the familiar whiskey-honey-lemon mug format.”
Bartender's Note
Warm the mug first. Add hot water last and stir to dissolve honey fully. Bourbon, rye, or Scotch all work; choose based on desired spice or smoke.
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How to make the Hot Toddy
- 1Warm a mug with hot water and discard
- 2Add whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and optional bitters
- 3Top with hot water and stir until honey dissolves
- 4Garnish with a lemon wheel
