Hot Toddy Recipe: Easy Whiskey, Honey & Lemon Ratio
Approx. 4 min read
The easy Hot Toddy ratio to remember
For a simple Hot Toddy, think 1 part whiskey to about 2½–3 parts hot water, with lemon for brightness and honey to soften the edges. The exact measures for one mug are just below.
That balance gives you a gently fragrant drink rather than a sharp or watery one. Add a favourite mug and a quiet evening, and it feels like a little treat.
Easy Hot Toddy recipe
Recipe details
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Tools: Kettle, heatproof mug, spoon and jigger or measuring spoons
- Taste: Warm, gently honeyed, bright with lemon
- Serves: 1
- Best served: Warm, in a heatproof glass or mug
Ingredients
- 50 ml (1.7 oz) bourbon or Irish whiskey
- 15 ml (0.5 oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 10–15 ml (0.35–0.5 oz; about 2–3 tsp) honey
- 120–150 ml (4–5 oz) hot water, steaming but not boiling
- 1 thin lemon slice, optional, to garnish
- 1 small cinnamon stick, optional, to garnish
How to make it
- Add the honey and 30 ml (1 oz) of the hot water to a heatproof mug. Stir until the honey has completely dissolved.
- Pour in the whiskey and fresh lemon juice.
- Add the remaining 90–120 ml (3–4 oz) hot water and stir gently. Start with the smaller amount if you want the whiskey to taste a little more pronounced.
- Let it cool just enough for a comfortable sip, then taste. Add a touch more honey or hot water if needed. Finish with a lemon slice or cinnamon stick if you like.
Quick tip
Use hot water, not aggressively boiling water. You want the mug pleasantly warm and fragrant, not too hot to enjoy. Dissolving the honey first also keeps it from sitting in a sticky layer at the bottom.
Make it sweeter, brighter or stronger
A Hot Toddy is easy to adjust, but change one thing at a time. That way you know what actually made the difference.
- Too sharp? Stir in another 5 ml (0.2 oz), or about 1 tsp, of honey.
- Too sweet? Add 5 ml (0.2 oz) more fresh lemon juice. Next time, start with just 10 ml (0.35 oz) honey.
- Too strong? Add another 30 ml (1 oz) hot water to soften the sip.
- Too watery? Keep the total water closer to 120 ml (4 oz) next time rather than 150 ml (5 oz).
The aim is not to hide the whiskey. You should still taste it, with the lemon and honey making everything feel a little more inviting.
Best whiskey for a Hot Toddy
You do not need an expensive bottle. Pick a whiskey you enjoy in simple mixed drinks, and let its character decide how your Hot Toddy tastes.
- Bourbon: Round and gently sweet in character, often with vanilla or caramel notes. My first pick for an easy, cosy version.
- Irish whiskey: Usually a softer, lighter choice. Lovely when you want the honey and lemon to stay at the front.
- Blended Scotch whisky: Adds a different grain and spice character. Choose a mellow blend unless you deliberately want a smoky drink.
Very peaty Scotch can be delicious, but it changes the whole mood. If this is your first Hot Toddy, a mellow bourbon or Irish whiskey makes the ratio easier to judge.
Hot Toddy FAQ
Can I make a Hot Toddy with tea?
Yes. Replace the hot water with 120–150 ml (4–5 oz) freshly brewed black tea. Remove the tea bag before adding the whiskey, honey and lemon. Tea brings a slightly drier finish, so taste before adding extra honey.
Do I need to make honey syrup first?
No. Honey dissolves easily in the hot water, which is one reason this is such a simple drink. Honey syrup is more useful for cold cocktails, where thick honey can be difficult to mix. Our honey syrup guide explains when each method makes sense.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes. Leave out the whiskey and enjoy a warm honey-and-lemon drink, perhaps with a little brewed tea or cinnamon for extra flavour. It will not taste like a whiskey Hot Toddy, but it is easy and comforting. For another cold-evening idea, try our non-alcoholic mulled wine.
Does a Hot Toddy help with a cold?
A Hot Toddy is a traditional comfort drink, not a treatment for a cold. If you are unwell, a warm non-alcoholic honey-and-lemon drink is a better choice than adding whiskey.
One warm mug, no fuss
Four everyday ingredients, five minutes and a ratio you can make your own. Start with the lighter honey pour, taste once, then settle in while the mug is warm. Simple enough for an ordinary evening, special enough to make again.
Fancy the same whiskey, lemon and honey combination served cold another day? Try our Gold Rush cocktail recipe.
