There’s something so comforting about the warmth and spice of the Classic Hot Toddy Recipe. It’s like a cozy hug in a mug, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little unwind moment. Trust me, once you try making it yourself, you’ll understand why it’s such a timeless favorite.

A clear glass cup filled with warm golden liquid sits on a wooden surface, with a thick lemon slice floating near the top. The lemon slice has small dark brown cloves stuck into its peel, adding texture and contrast. A dark brown cinnamon stick is inside the cup at the bottom, while another cinnamon stick leans against the inner side of the glass, partially submerged. On top of the lemon slice rests a star anise piece, adding a star shape and rich dark brown color. The background is softly blurred with warm orange tones that complement the drink's color. 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

I’ve made lots of cozy drinks over the years, but this Classic Hot Toddy Recipe always stands out for its simplicity and how effortlessly it hits that sweet spot between soothing and spirited. It’s both medicinal and indulgent, and honestly, it’s my go-to when I want something that feels homemade and healing.

Balanced Flavors: Lemon, honey, and warm spices create harmony that’s both refreshing and comforting.
Super Simple: You only need a handful of ingredients and minutes to whip it up—no fuss, all charm.
Customize It Your Way: Whether you prefer bourbon or whiskey, less sweet or more spice, it adapts easily to what you like.
Perfect Anytime: Great for cold nights, when you're feeling under the weather, or a casual gathering with friends.

Two clear glass mugs filled with a warm amber liquid sit on a wooden board. Each mug has a thin lemon slice floating on top, garnished with small dark cloves scattered on the lemon. A star anise rests on the lemon slice, and a cinnamon stick stands upright inside each mug. To the side on the wooden board, two extra cinnamon sticks lie next to the mugs. A whole lemon and a cut lemon half are placed near the front of the board. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients—each one brings a special touch that makes this Classic Hot Toddy Recipe so memorable. Using fresh lemon juice really brightens the drink and cuts through the sweetness, while honey adds that cozy depth. Whiskey or bourbon provides warmth with a hint of richness, and the optional spices? They’re just the cherry on top that turns a simple mix into something truly special.

Flat lay of a thick lemon slice studded with whole cloves, a cinnamon stick, a star anise pod, a small jar of golden honey with a honey dipper beside it, fresh lemon wedges, a small bottle of whiskey, and a few drops of aromatic bitters arranged beautifully with a cup of steaming hot water, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Boiling water: This is the base that warms and dissolves everything, so make sure it’s piping hot!
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Fresh is key here—store-bought just can’t capture the same brightness.
Whiskey or bourbon: Choose your favorite for the spirit’s smooth warmth; bourbon tends to be sweeter, whiskey a bit sharper.
Aromatic bitters: A couple drops add complexity, balancing sweetness and booze with a gentle herbal touch.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that soothes and complements the tangy lemon and strong whiskey.
Whole cloves: Optional, but when poked into the lemon peel, they release warm, spicy aromas as you sip.
Slice of lemon: For garnish and extra citrus zing—always a nice touch.
Cinnamon stick: Optional, but it infuses the drink with gentle warmth and subtly sweet spice.
Star anise: Adds a hint of licorice flavor if you want to get fancy with your garnish.

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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

Now, this Classic Hot Toddy Recipe is totally flexible, which I love. I like it a little sweeter with extra honey when I’m cozying up by the fire, but if I’m looking for a sharper sip, I’ll add a touch more lemon or skip the cinnamon. Don’t be shy to experiment until it feels just right for you.

Variation: One time, I swapped the whiskey for dark rum—it gave the drink a deeper, richer flavor that was surprisingly delightful on a cold winter night.
Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or a splash of vanilla extract for a twist you might love.
Non-alcoholic version: Simply skip the spirit and add extra honey and lemon for a comforting, kid-friendly warm drink.

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

Step 1: Boil Your Water and Prep Your Mug

Start by boiling fresh water—this is the heart of your hot toddy, so the hotter, the better. Pour the boiling water into a sturdy mug that's warm to the touch; I like pre-warming my mug with a little hot water first to keep the drink hotter longer.

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

Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, whiskey or bourbon, and bitters to your mug. Then stir in honey until it dissolves fully—this little bit of stirring is crucial, as no one enjoys granules of honey at the bottom of their drink. It only takes about 20 seconds to get it just right.

Step 3: Garnish with Spice and Citrus

I love poking whole cloves into a lemon slice—it releases a fragrant aroma as you sip. Pop this into the mug along with a cinnamon stick and star anise if you’re feeling fancy. These garnishes don’t just look pretty but add subtle layers of flavor that evolve as you enjoy your toddy.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that make my Classic Hot Toddy Recipe truly shine. These simple tricks have saved me from underwhelming versions and ensured every sip is just right.

Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t deliver the brightness that fresh juice offers.
Don’t skip the stirring: Honey takes a minute to dissolve fully, so give it a good stir to avoid clumps.
Warm your mug: Pre-warming your mug helps keep the drink hotter for longer, which makes the experience that much cozier.
Garnish smartly: Poking cloves into the lemon slice makes for easier removal and prevents biting into a whole clove!

How to Serve Classic Hot Toddy Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite garnishes are the lemon slice studded with cloves, a cinnamon stick, and sometimes star anise. Not only do they add aroma and gentle spice, but they also make the drink look picture-perfect — bonus points if you're sipping by candlelight!

Side Dishes

I like pairing my hot toddy with simple sides like buttery shortbread cookies or even a bowl of spiced nuts. It’s not a meal, but these small bites feel just right with the warm, soothing flavors of the drink.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served hot toddies in heatproof glass mugs topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also rim your glass with sugar and cinnamon for extra flair. It’s all about making the simple beautiful and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since this drink is best enjoyed fresh and warm, I usually don’t keep leftovers. But if you find yourself with some, store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just know the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant once reheated.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing a Classic Hot Toddy Recipe because the texture and flavor of the liquor combined with honey and citrus doesn’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, gently warm the mixture in a small pot over low heat—avoid boiling as it can dull the flavors. Stir occasionally until warm, then add a fresh squeeze of lemon or an extra spoonful of honey to brighten it back up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the difference between whiskey and bourbon in this recipe?

Both whiskey and bourbon work great in a Classic Hot Toddy Recipe. Bourbon is a kind of whiskey that’s typically sweeter because of its corn base, while other whiskeys might be spicier or smokier. Choose whatever suits your taste!

Can I make a non-alcoholic hot toddy?

Absolutely! Simply skip the whiskey or bourbon and increase the honey and lemon juice a bit to maintain sweetness and tartness. Use herbal tea or hot water to keep it warm and comforting.

What do aromatic bitters add to the hot toddy?

Aromatic bitters add depth and complexity, balancing the sweetness of the honey and the bite of the whiskey with subtle herbal and spicy notes. Even just a couple of drops make a big difference in flavor.

Can I prepare this in advance for a party?

Since hot toddies are best enjoyed warm and fresh, it’s best to prepare each serving individually right before your guests arrive. However, you can mix the lemon juice, honey, and bitters ahead of time to speed up assembly.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Hot Toddy Recipe feels like coming home. It’s warm, simple, and delicious—perfect for sharing with friends or quietly savoring by yourself. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, whether to soothe a scratchy throat or just add a little magic to your evening. Give it a try and let that comforting flavor lift your spirits.