- Dairy free
- Egg free
- Gluten free
- Lactose free
- Nut free
- Peanut free
- Sesame free
- Soy free
- Wheat free
- Shellfish free
- Seafood free
- Low fat per serve
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
Here’s how to make this classic hot toddy recipe, with or without alcohol, to warm up the chilly evenings.
- Serves2
- Prep time5 minutes, + 5 mins standing time
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250ml) boiling water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whisky (optional)
- 1 1/2 tbs lemon juice
- 1 tbs honey
- 4 strips lemon peel
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 whole star anise
- Lemon slices, to serve
Nutritional information
Check ingredient labels to make sure they meet your specific dietary requirements and always consult a health professional before changing your diet. View dietary information here.
Percentage Daily Intake information on our recipes is calculated using the nutrition reference values for an average Australian adult.
Method
Step 1
Place the boiling water, the whisky, if using, the lemon juice and honey in a heatproof jug. Stir until the honey dissolves. Add the lemon peel, cinnamon, cloves and star anise and stir to combine. Set aside for 2 mins to develop the flavours.
Step 2
Pour into mugs and serve with lemon slices.
*Drink responsibly. Visit drinkwise.org.au
Recipe tip
Use it up: If you have a surplus of lemons, how about making a batch of our easy lemon curd recipe or preserved lemons.
COOK. STORE. SAVE.
Clever storage: One of the great things about a hot toddy is that apart from the lemon, the other ingredients can be kept in the pantry and are not prone to spoilage. To prolong their shelf life, both the spices and whisky should be kept in a cool dark space. Unlike wine, whisky should be stored upright, not laying flat. It’s important to keep the whisky away from sunlight as this can affect the flavour and also cause evaporation.
What is a hot toddy?
A hot toddy is not just a drink, it’s an experience. While its origins are unclear – is it from India, Scotland or Ireland (where it is called a hot whisky)? All we know is that the combination of warm water, lemon, honey and spices creates a sweet and aromatic drink perfect for the cooler months. If you’re entertaining, make a big batch of this hot toddy recipe in a slow cooker where it will stay warm, ready to be served with a roast chicken or maybe a creamy bread-and-butter pudding. The beverage is also a brilliant after-dinner digestif, and our hot toddy drink, served with or without whisky, is a glorious way to warm your body and your soul.
The secrets to our best hot toddy recipe
Making the perfect hot toddy is not just about throwing some alcohol, sugar and hot water into a couple of glasses. In our hot toddy recipe we first mix the whisky, lemon juice and honey in a heatproof jug and then stir to make sure the honey is dispersed through the liquid. The aromatics are then added and allowed to sit for a couple of minutes. This allows the zesty oils from the lemon peel and the warm spices to gently flavour the drink.
How to make hot toddy alcohol free
There are times you may crave a hot toddy but without the alcohol. Certainly, the spices and lemony flavours in this drink make it a soothing sip on its own. Simply replace the whisky in this hot toddy recipe with apple or orange juice, or ginger beer/ginger ale. Alternatively, you can substitute the warm water with a cup of green tea, black tea or herbal tea.
Love this recipe?
While summer is about margaritas and mojitos, winter has its own slew of season-specific beverages. The first one that springs to mind is mulled wine, the classic drink of red wine warmed with woody spices. A staple of the cocktail world, the martini, is given an autumnal makeover with this warm apple pie martini. How about foregoing dessert for a decadent hot chocolate? Drink as is or take it to another level with a dash of Kahlúa or crème de cacao. Or indulge in a white hot chocolate with this rich and comforting version flavoured with your choice of Frangelico or amaretto.
FAQs
Hot toddy
- Serves2
- Prep time5 minutes, + 5 mins standing time
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250ml) boiling water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whisky (optional)
- 1 1/2 tbs lemon juice
- 1 tbs honey
- 4 strips lemon peel
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 whole star anise
- Lemon slices, to serve
Description
Here’s how to make this classic hot toddy recipe, with or without alcohol, to warm up the chilly evenings.
Method
Step 1
Place the boiling water, the whisky, if using, the lemon juice and honey in a heatproof jug. Stir until the honey dissolves. Add the lemon peel, cinnamon, cloves and star anise and stir to combine. Set aside for 2 mins to develop the flavours.
Step 2
Pour into mugs and serve with lemon slices.
*Drink responsibly. Visit drinkwise.org.au