There’s something so soothing about sipping a warm drink that feels like a hug in a mug, and that’s exactly what this Classic Hot Toddy Recipe delivers. The blend of whiskey, honey, and lemon shines through, warming you right down to your toes—perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a bit of comfort.

The image shows a clear glass mug filled with a warm light amber drink. Inside the mug, there is a thin slice of lemon pierced with small dark brown cloves floating near the top. A dark brown star anise and two cinnamon sticks rest on the surface of the drink. The mug sits on a wooden surface, and the background has an out-of-focus warm orange tone. The glass handle is visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic Hot Toddy Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Classic Hot Toddy Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Classic Hot Toddy Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Classic Hot Toddy Recipe has been my go-to whenever the weather turns cold or I feel the first tickle of a sore throat. It’s a timeless drink that’s incredibly easy to make but feels incredibly special—and that’s the perfect combo in my book.

Simple ingredients: Most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen, making it super convenient.
Customizable warmth: You can tweak the honey, spices, and whiskey amount to perfectly suit your taste buds.
Comforting and relaxing: It’s not just about the flavor; it’s about how it makes you feel wrapped in cozy vibes.
Quick to prepare: From start to finish, it takes about ten minutes—ideal for when you want something fast but effective.

The image shows two clear glass mugs filled with a warm amber-colored drink placed on a wooden board. Each mug contains a yellow lemon slice floating on top, garnished with small dark cloves and a star anise flower. A long cinnamon stick stands upright in each drink, adding a textured warm brown color. The scene also includes whole yellow lemons and a couple of cinnamon sticks lying on the wooden board, all set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Classic Hot Toddy Recipe plays a role, blending taste and warmth. The balance between sweet honey, tart lemon, and smooth bourbon creates that irresistible harmony, with spices adding subtle layers of flavor. And don’t worry about hunting down anything fancy—these are kitchen staples or easily found at your local store.

Flat lay of a thick lemon slice studded with whole cloves, a cinnamon stick, a star anise pod, fresh lemon wedges, a small jar of golden honey with a wooden honey dipper, a glass of rich amber whiskey, and a few drops of aromatic bitters in a tiny glass bottle, all beautifully arranged with soft natural light enhancing the colors, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Boiling water: It’s the base that warms everything up and helps meld the flavors together.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, fresh tang that cuts through the sweetness.
Whiskey or bourbon: The heart of the toddy—it brings warmth and character.
Aromatic bitters: Just a few drops lend complex depth, making the drink more interesting.
Honey: Sweetness that soothes the throat and balances the citrus and booze.
Whole cloves: Optional, but they add a lovely spiced aroma and flavor when stuck in the lemon peel.
Slice of lemon: For garnish and a little extra zing that looks pretty too.
Cinnamon stick: Optional but raises the cozy factor with warm spice notes.
Star anise: Another optional spice that adds an interesting licorice twist if you like.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about the Classic Hot Toddy Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak the spices or swap honey for maple syrup depending on what’s in the house or what mood I’m in. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the extras—your perfect toddy is just a few tweaks away!

Variation: I once tried it with a splash of ginger syrup for an extra zing, and it was fantastic—adds a nice warmth without changing the classic feel too much.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic Hot Toddy Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Water and Prep Your Mug

Start by pouring ½ cup of boiling water into your favorite mug. The warmth of the mug itself helps keep the drink hot longer—I always pre-warm mine with hot water before adding ingredients. It’s a little step that makes a big difference on a cold night.

Step 2: Mix in Lemon, Whiskey, Bitters, and Honey

Add 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, followed by 4 tablespoons of your preferred whiskey or bourbon. Then come 2–3 drops of aromatic bitters—just enough to brighten and deepen the flavor. Lastly, stir in 2–3 teaspoons of honey until completely dissolved. Make sure the water is hot enough to melt the honey fully to avoid graininess.

Step 3: Garnish and Spice It Up

Poke whole cloves into a thick lemon slice’s peel for easy removal after steeping—this is a neat trick to infuse clove flavor without overwhelming the drink. Drop the lemon slice in along with a cinnamon stick and/or star anise if you like. These little extras add that festive, cozy vibe that makes each sip feel like a warm embrace.

Top Tip

Through my experiments with the Classic Hot Toddy Recipe, I’ve learned a few little things that make all the difference in turning a simple drink into something exceptional. These tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and enjoy the best results.

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the bright, fresh zing that makes this drink pop, so take a minute to squeeze it fresh.
Don’t rush dissolving honey: Stir well and be patient; if the honey isn’t fully dissolved, it can settle and create uneven sweetness.
Pre-warmed mug: Warm your mug with hot water to help keep the drink hotter longer, especially if you’re savoring it slowly.
Adjust sweetness and spirits to taste: Everyone’s palate is different—feel free to add more honey or whiskey if you like your toddy sweeter or stronger.

How to Serve Classic Hot Toddy Recipe

Garnishes

I always stick to a simple lemon slice with cloves for traditional aromatic charm. But when I’m feeling festive, that cinnamon stick and star anise give the drink a beautiful, cozy look and a subtle spicy twist. Plus, they make it feel a little extra special when serving friends.

Side Dishes

Because the Classic Hot Toddy Recipe warms you from the inside out, I love pairing it with light, comforting treats like ginger snaps, spiced nuts, or even a buttery scone. They complement the flavors without overpowering the drink’s delicate balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served toddies in rustic mason jars with a cinnamon stick tied to the handle using twine for a cozy fall gathering. The presentation sparked lots of compliments and made everyone feel right at home. Try a rim of sugar or a sprig of fresh rosemary for a touch of elegance next time you’re hosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because the toddy is best enjoyed fresh and warm, I don’t usually make it ahead. But if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently—you’ll want to add a splash of hot water or fresh lemon afterward to bring back that brightness.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the Classic Hot Toddy Recipe since the spices and honey can change texture and flavor after thawing. It’s one of those special drinks best savored fresh.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts. Stir well and add a bit of hot water or lemon juice to revive the original balance of flavors—this helps prevent the drink from becoming too strong or flat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Classic Hot Toddy Recipe?

Absolutely! Swap the whiskey or bourbon with a strong brewed black tea or warm apple cider. The honey, lemon, and spices keep the cozy feel without the alcohol.

What kind of whiskey is best to use?

I usually go with a smooth bourbon because of its sweet, caramel notes that pair beautifully with honey and lemon, but any good-quality whiskey you enjoy will work well.

Can I prepare the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients and mix everything in a heatproof pitcher. Keep it warm on a low heat or in a slow cooker for guests to serve themselves.

Why do some versions include bitters in the Classic Hot Toddy Recipe?

Bitters add layers of complexity and depth to the drink, balancing the sweetness from honey and brightness from lemon without overpowering the delicate warmth of the whiskey. Just a few drops go a long way.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Hot Toddy Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that never gets old. Each time I make it, I’m reminded how a few humble ingredients can create something so comforting and uplifting. I really hope you enjoy making (and sipping) it as much as I do—trust me, it’s like a little warm hug in a mug, and everyone deserves one.