How to Make a Hot Toddy: A Perfect Beverage for Winter

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Have you ever wondered how to make a hot toddy at home when the weather feels too cold? Many people look for simple warm drinks during winter to help their bodies feel comfortable. A hot drink can relax your throat, warm your hands, and make your resting time more enjoyable.

A hot toddy is a traditional warm drink usually made with hot water, honey, lemon, and whiskey. It is popular in many countries, especially during cold seasons. Some people also drink it when they feel a sore throat or mild cold symptoms because the warm liquid feels soothing.

In this article, we will talk about how to make a hot toddy at home. You can also find the nonalcoholic version of the recipe here. We gathered the information from various sources, Thursday (12/2/2026).

If you want to learn how to make a hot toddy in the simplest way, this recipe is the perfect one for you. This recipe is for those who want the classic alcoholic version of the drink.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup hot water

- 2 tablespoons honey

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 1.5 ounces whiskey (or bourbon)

- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil water in a kettle or pot. Make sure the water is very hot.

2. Put honey in your favorite mug or glass.

3. Pour the hot water into the mug. Stir until the honey melts completely.

4. Add lemon juice and whiskey to the mug. Mix well.

5. If you want, add a cinnamon stick to make the drink smell nice and taste better.

6. Let the drink cool for one minute before drinking. Enjoy your hot toddy.

You can also learn how to make a hot toddy without alcohol. This version tastes great and gives you the same warm feeling. Children and people who do not drink alcohol can enjoy this drink too.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup hot water

- 2 tablespoons honey

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 1 tea bag (black tea or herbal tea)

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 2 cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat water until it boils.

2. Put the tea bag, cinnamon stick, and cloves in a mug.

3. Pour hot water over the tea bag and spices. Let it sit for three to five minutes.

4. Remove the tea bag. Add honey and lemon juice.

5. Stir everything together until the honey dissolves.

6. Enjoy your warm drink. You can leave the cinnamon stick in the mug while you drink.

These helpful tips will make your drink taste even better. They work for both the regular and nonalcoholic versions.

- Adjust the Sweetness to Your Taste: If you like sweeter drinks, add more honey. If you prefer less sweet drinks, use only one tablespoon of honey. You can taste the drink and add more honey if needed.

- Use a Heat-Safe Glass or Ceramic Mug: Thin glasses might crack when you pour hot water. Thick mugs keep your drink warm longer. Metal cups can become too hot to hold.

- Make the Drink Right Before You Want to Drink It: Hot toddies taste best when fresh and warm. The drink will cool down after 10 to 15 minutes. If it gets cold, you can heat it again in the microwave for 30 seconds.

- Try Different Spices to Change the Flavor: Star anise, ginger, and nutmeg all work well in this drink. Add one or two pieces of your chosen spice when you add the hot water. Remove them before drinking if they are large.

- Keep Honey and Lemon Juice Ready in Your Kitchen: Store honey in a closed jar at room temperature. It can last for many months. Keep lemon juice in the refrigerator and use it within one week after opening. You can also freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays for later use.

If you enjoy learning how to make a hot toddy, you might want to try these other warm drinks. Each one brings different flavors and warmth during cold weather.

- Mulled Wine: This drink uses red wine heated with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. Many people drink mulled wine during winter holidays. The warm wine with sweet spices creates a rich, comforting taste that fills your home with wonderful smells.

- Hot Chocolate: Made with milk, cocoa powder, and sugar, hot chocolate is loved by both children and adults. You can add marshmallows or whipped cream on top. This sweet drink warms you quickly and tastes like a special treat.

- Chai Tea: Chai comes from India and mixes black tea with milk, sugar, and spices such as cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. The spices make this drink warm and strong in flavor. You can buy chai tea bags or make it from scratch with loose tea leaves.

- Hot Apple Cider: Heat apple juice with cinnamon sticks and cloves to make this simple drink. Hot apple cider smells like autumn and winter. Some people add a small amount of rum or whiskey, but it also tastes excellent without alcohol.

- Ginger Tea: Slice fresh ginger and boil it in water to make this healthy drink. Add honey and lemon to improve the taste. Ginger tea helps warm your body from inside and can help when your stomach feels upset or when you have a cold.

- Turmeric Milk: Also called golden milk, this drink mixes warm milk with turmeric and honey. It has a bright color and a mildly earthy flavor.