Description
This Classic Hot Toddy recipe is a warm, comforting beverage perfect for cold evenings or soothing a sore throat. Featuring a blend of whiskey or bourbon, fresh lemon juice, honey, and aromatic bitters, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors. Garnished with cloves, cinnamon, and star anise, this traditional drink is simple to prepare and ideal for relaxation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons whiskey or bourbon
- 2-3 drops aromatic bitters
- 2-3 teaspoons honey
Optional Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 slice lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
Instructions
- Heat water: Boil water to ensure it is hot enough to dissolve the ingredients properly and to warm the beverage.
- Combine liquids and honey: Pour ½ cup of boiling water into a mug, then add 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 4 tablespoons of whiskey or bourbon, 2-3 drops of aromatic bitters, and 2-3 teaspoons of honey. Stir thoroughly until the honey is completely dissolved.
- Prepare garnish: Poke whole cloves into the peel of a thick lemon slice to infuse subtle clove aroma and drop the lemon slice into the mug.
- Add spices: Place a cinnamon stick and/or star anise into the mug for additional warm spice notes and visual appeal.
- Serve: Give the drink a gentle stir to mix the garnishes and flavors before enjoying your hot toddy warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet drink.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor and acidity balance.
- The optional garnishes add aromatic complexity but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- Substitute whiskey or bourbon with rum for a different flavor profile.
- Be careful with the amount of bitters; start with 2 drops and add more if desired to avoid overpowering the drink.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg