Old Fashioned Hot Toddy Recipe – Grandma’s Home Remedy for Cold Relief Recipe
Introduction
The Hot Toddy is a timeless remedy known for soothing winter colds and coughs. This warm, comforting drink combines whiskey, honey, lemon, and tea to help ease congestion and calm a sore throat. Give it a try next time you need a little relief and rest.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of hot tea (preferably decaffeinated organic tea)
- 1–2 tablespoons of whiskey (any quality brand, Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey recommended)
- 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey (raw honey preferred)
- 1 pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew your tea and let it steep for 7 to 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of whiskey and stir to combine.
- Step 3: Stir in the 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
- Step 4: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and stir well until the honey dissolves completely.
- Step 5: Optionally add a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Step 6: Serve immediately while still hot, garnished with a wedge of lemon if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use raw, local honey for the best antibacterial and soothing benefits.
- If you prefer less alcohol, start with 1 tablespoon of whiskey and adjust to taste.
- Try different teas like chamomile or herbal blends to tailor the flavor and effects.
- Adding fresh ginger slices instead of ground ginger can provide a stronger, fresher spice note.
- Do not microwave honey to preserve its beneficial properties; heat the tea on the stove instead.
Storage
This drink is best made fresh and consumed immediately to enjoy the full benefits of the warm ingredients. If you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stove before drinking, avoiding the microwave to protect the honey’s nutrients.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Is Hot Toddy safe for everyone?
This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for adults only. Always use discretion, especially for those with health conditions or medication interactions. It is not recommended for children.
Can I make a Hot Toddy without alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the whiskey and still enjoy a soothing hot drink with honey, lemon, and tea. Adding warm spices like cinnamon or ginger will enhance the flavor and provide comforting effects.
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Old Fashioned Hot Toddy Recipe – Grandma’s Home Remedy for Cold Relief Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
Discover the comforting and time-tested Hot Toddy recipe, a classic warm whiskey drink that has served as a soothing home remedy for colds and respiratory ailments for centuries. This easy-to-make beverage combines hot tea, whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and optional spices like ginger or cinnamon to provide relief from congestion, soothe sore throats, and help you rest better during cold season.
Ingredients
Hot Toddy Ingredients
- 1 cup hot tea (preferably decaffeinated organic tea)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons whiskey (Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey recommended, or any quality brand)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (from fresh lemon)
- 2 tablespoons honey (raw or any pure honey)
- 1 pinch ground ginger or cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Brew the Tea: Begin by brewing one cup of your chosen hot tea, ideally a decaffeinated organic variety, and allow it to steep for 7 to 10 minutes to ensure rich flavor and warmth.
- Add Whiskey: Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of whiskey into the brewed tea, stirring gently to blend the flavors and release the whiskey’s decongestant properties.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice directly into the mixture and stir. The lemon boosts vitamin C content and helps loosen phlegm.
- Sweeten with Honey: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and stir thoroughly until it dissolves completely in the hot liquid. Honey soothes the throat with its antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits.
- Add Optional Spices: If desired, sprinkle a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon for additional flavor and digestive relief, then stir once more.
- Serve Immediately: Pour the hot toddy into a cup and serve with a wedge of lemon. Consume while still hot for the best soothing effect.
- Frequency: Enjoy 2 to 3 times daily as needed for cold symptom relief. Note: This recipe is intended for adults only due to the alcohol content.
Notes
- Do not use a microwave to heat ingredients, especially honey, to preserve their beneficial properties.
- Use quality, preferably raw honey to maximize health benefits.
- Adjust whiskey amount based on tolerance and preference but use sparingly.
- This drink is a home remedy and should be used at your own discretion; it is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
- Serve immediately; the drink is best enjoyed hot.
- For those avoiding alcohol, consider alternative home remedies like natural cough syrups.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (steeping tea)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Scottish
Keywords: Hot Toddy, cold remedy, warm whiskey drink, winter drink, cough remedy, homemade hot toddy, soothing beverage
