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

Scale

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