Skip to content
When the temperature drops and winter winds blow, few things bring more comfort than wrapping your hands around a warm mug filled with this classic hot toddy recipe. This beloved winter cocktail combines the smooth warmth of whiskey with the natural sweetness of Eastern Shore honey, bright lemon juice, and soothing chamomile tea for a drink that's perfect for cold weather evenings.
Our twist on the traditional hot toddy recipe features Good Night Tea—a hand-blended chamomile tea from our farm—creating a warming whiskey drink that's both comforting and delicious. Whether you're looking for honey cocktail recipes for winter entertaining or a cozy nightcap, this hot toddy delivers exceptional flavor with just a handful of simple ingredients.
What is a Hot Toddy?
A hot toddy is a classic winter cocktail that has warmed people for centuries. This simple yet satisfying drink traditionally consists of hot water, whiskey, honey, and lemon juice, often garnished with warming spices like cinnamon or star anise. The combination creates a comforting beverage that's become a staple for cold weather comfort.
What makes the hot toddy special is its beautiful balance of flavors. The whiskey provides warmth and depth, the honey adds natural sweetness, the lemon brings brightness, and the hot liquid creates that cozy feeling we all crave on chilly evenings. It's a drink that's as much about the experience as it is about the taste—the steam rising from the mug, the warming sensation as you sip, and that feeling of contentment that comes from something truly comforting.
The History of the Hot Toddy
The origins of the hot toddy are delightfully mysterious, with several theories about where this beloved drink came from. One popular theory traces its roots to 17th century India, where a similar beverage called "taddy" was made from fermented palm sap. British colonists discovered this drink and adapted it to their preferences, combining spirits with hot water and spices.
Another account suggests the drink originated in 19th century Scotland, where bartenders would mix Scotch whisky with hot water drawn from Edinburgh's Tod's Well—possibly giving the toddy its name. Some historians also credit Dr. Robert Bentley Todd, an Irish physician who prescribed a mixture of hot brandy, water, cinnamon, and sugar to his patients in the 1800s.
Regardless of its true origin, the hot toddy made its way to the United States in the 19th century and quickly became popular at social gatherings. Today, it remains one of the most cherished winter cocktails, beloved for its warming properties and comforting flavor profile.
Stir a Ginger Honey Lollipop in your Hot Toddy for natural sweetness
Why This Hot Toddy Recipe Works
Our version of the classic hot toddy elevates the traditional recipe with a few thoughtful touches that make it extra special:
Chamomile Tea Base: Instead of plain hot water, we use chamomile tea made with our Good Night Tea. We grow chamomile on Chesterhaven Beach Farm, and there's something wonderfully soothing about using chamomile you've hand-harvested yourself. The gentle floral notes complement the honey beautifully while adding an extra layer of warmth.
Raw Eastern Shore Honey: We use raw Eastern Shore honey for its rich, complex flavor and smooth natural sweetness. Unlike processed honey, raw honey retains subtle flavor nuances that enhance the entire drink. The natural sweetness balances the whiskey's strength without being cloying.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice—it makes a remarkable difference. The bright citrus notes cut through the sweetness and add that essential tangy brightness. Meyer lemons are particularly lovely when they're in season (which often coincides with cold and flu season—thanks, Mother Nature!).
Quality Whiskey: We recommend starting with Maryland-style rye whiskey, but bourbon or dark rum work wonderfully too. Choose a whiskey you enjoy drinking on its own, as its flavor will be prominent in the finished cocktail.
Ingredients for the Perfect Hot Toddy
This classic hot toddy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special:
- 1 ounce Maryland-style rye whiskey (or bourbon, Irish whiskey, or Scotch)
- 1 tablespoon Bee Inspired Honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 6 ounces hot chamomile tea (made with Good Night Tea and boiling water)
- Optional garnishes: cinnamon stick, lemon slice, star anise
Optional Ingredient Variations
While the classic recipe is perfect as written, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar for enhanced flavor depth. This optional addition brings subtle acidity that brightens the drink without adding tartness.
For an extra touch of sweetness and fun presentation, stir in one of our honey lollipops—the Ginger Honey Lollipop is particularly delightful, adding a gentle spicy warmth as it dissolves.
How to Make a Hot Toddy: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, assemble all your ingredients. Start with quality whiskey—if you're looking for a Maryland-style rye to try, check out our Skinny Rye Crush recipe where we share one of our favorites. Have your raw Eastern Shore honey ready, and juice a fresh lemon—Meyer lemons are especially lovely when they're in season.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey and Lemon
Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice to your favorite mug. It's helpful to have these ready before you make the tea, as the hot liquid will help dissolve the honey quickly.
Step 3: Brew the Chamomile Tea
Boil water and steep your chamomile tea. We grow chamomile on our farm at Chesterhaven Beach, and there's truly no better way to enjoy chamomile than with honey you've harvested yourself. If you don't have access to farm-fresh chamomile, grab a jar of our loose-leaf Good Night Tea—it's blended by hand and makes the perfect base for this warming cocktail.
For a different twist, you can substitute hot organic apple cider for the tea base—it creates a delightful variation that's equally comforting.
Step 4: Combine and Garnish
Add the whiskey to your mug with the honey and lemon juice. Pour the hot chamomile tea over the mixture and stir until the honey dissolves completely. The steam rising from the mug should carry the gentle aromas of chamomile, lemon, and whiskey.
Add your preferred garnishes—a cinnamon stick adds warm spice notes, while a lemon slice provides visual appeal and extra citrus aroma. For deeper complexity, you can also add whole cloves, star anise, or fresh ginger. One of our favorite touches is stirring with a Ginger Honey Lollipop, which doubles as both a stirrer and a sweet garnish.
Tips for Making the Best Hot Toddy
Use High-Quality Ingredients: The beauty of this drink lies in its simplicity, which means every ingredient matters. Freshly squeezed lemon juice, pure raw honey, and good-quality whiskey make all the difference. The better your ingredients, the better your hot toddy.
Adjust the Sweetness: Honey is a natural sweetener, but everyone's taste preferences differ. Start with one tablespoon and adjust to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet hot toddy, use less honey. If you enjoy sweeter drinks, add another half tablespoon.
Experiment with Spices: Cinnamon sticks are the classic addition to hot toddies, but don't hesitate to experiment. Nutmeg adds warmth, cloves bring aromatic spice, and freshly grated ginger provides a zesty kick. Each variation creates a slightly different flavor experience.
Mind Your Water Temperature: The tea or water should be quite hot (but not rapidly boiling) when you pour it into the mug. This ensures the honey dissolves completely and the drink stays warm long enough to enjoy slowly.
Let It Steep: Once you've combined all the ingredients, let your hot toddy steep for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and gives the honey time to dissolve fully. The spices will also release more of their aromatic oils during this time.
Preheat Your Mug: For an extra-warm experience, fill your mug with hot water and let it sit for a minute before making your toddy. Pour out the water, then proceed with the recipe. This keeps your drink warmer for longer.
Whiskey Selection Guide for Hot Toddies
The type of whiskey you choose significantly influences your hot toddy's final flavor profile. Here's a guide to help you select the perfect spirit:
Bourbon: Smooth and slightly sweet with notes of vanilla and caramel, bourbon pairs beautifully with honey. It's one of the most popular choices for hot toddies and creates a rich, warming drink. The sweetness of bourbon complements the honey without becoming overly sugary.
Rye Whiskey: Rye brings a spicier, more robust flavor profile with a bit of peppery bite. Maryland-style rye is our go-to choice. It stands up well to the other ingredients and adds complexity to the drink.
Irish Whiskey: Known for being smooth and approachable, Irish whiskey creates a lighter, more delicate hot toddy. It's excellent for those who prefer a gentler whiskey flavor that lets the honey and lemon shine through.
Scotch: Scotch adds smoky, peaty notes that create a more sophisticated flavor profile. It's ideal if you enjoy robust, complex drinks. The smokiness pairs particularly well with chamomile tea.
Dark Rum: While not technically whiskey, dark rum makes an excellent hot toddy variation. It brings molasses sweetness and warming spice notes that complement the honey beautifully.
Hot Toddy Variations to Try
Once you've mastered the classic hot toddy, these creative variations offer exciting new flavor experiences:
Apple Cider Hot Toddy
Replace the chamomile tea with warm apple cider for a fruity, autumn-inspired twist. The natural apple sweetness pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and creates a drink that tastes like fall in a mug.
Ginger Spice Hot Toddy
Add fresh grated ginger or a Ginger Honey Lollipop for a spicy kick. The warming ginger notes create extra depth and a gentle heat that's incredibly comforting on cold evenings.
Chai-Spiced Hot Toddy
Use hot chai tea instead of chamomile for a hot toddy with warming spice notes of cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. This variation pairs particularly well with bourbon.
Maple Hot Toddy
Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness. This works especially well with rye whiskey and creates a distinctly different flavor profile.
Green Tea Hot Toddy
Use brewed green tea as your base for a lighter, more delicate hot toddy. Green tea's subtle earthiness complements the honey without overwhelming the other flavors.
Herbal Tea Hot Toddy
Experiment with different herbal teas—our artisanal tea collection offers several options that work beautifully. Peppermint, rooibos, or lavender each create unique flavor experiences.
Non-Alcoholic Hot Toddy (Mocktail Version)
You don't need alcohol to enjoy the comforting flavors of a hot toddy. This non-alcoholic version delivers all the warmth and coziness without the whiskey:
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces hot chamomile tea
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- Optional: 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Cinnamon stick and lemon slice for garnish
Instructions: Combine honey and lemon juice in a mug. Pour hot chamomile tea over the mixture and stir until the honey dissolves. Add apple cider vinegar if desired. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice. This creates a soothing, warming beverage that's perfect any time of day.
Serving Suggestions and Food Pairings
While a hot toddy is delightful on its own, pairing it with complementary foods elevates the experience:
Comfort Food Pairings: Hot toddies pair beautifully with hearty comfort foods. Try serving alongside our homemade lentil soup, chicken noodle soup, or turkey chili. The warming cocktail complements savory, satisfying dishes perfectly.
Cheese and Charcuterie: The sweet-tart flavor profile of a hot toddy works wonderfully with aged cheeses, particularly sharp cheddar or aged gouda. Add some crackers, dried fruit, and honey (of course!) for an elegant winter evening spread.
Dessert Pairings: Serve hot toddies after dinner alongside simple desserts like shortbread cookies, apple pie, or our honey gingerbread cookies. The combination of sweet treats and warming cocktails creates a cozy conclusion to any meal.
Holiday Entertaining: Hot toddies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Set up a hot toddy bar with various whiskeys, different honeys (try our honey varietals for distinct flavors), fresh citrus, and an array of spices. Let guests customize their drinks to their preferences.
Big-Batch Hot Toddy for Entertaining
When hosting a winter gathering, this big-batch recipe serves 4-6 people and can be kept warm in a slow cooker:
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon
- 6 tablespoons raw Eastern Shore honey
- 3 ounces fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups hot chamomile tea or hot water
- Cinnamon sticks, lemon slices, and star anise for garnish
Instructions: In a large pot or slow cooker set to low, combine honey and lemon juice, stirring until well mixed. Add the whiskey and hot tea, stirring gently to combine. Keep warm on the lowest setting. Ladle into mugs and garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice.
More Winter Cocktails with Honey
If you love this hot toddy recipe, you'll enjoy these other warming whiskey honey drink recipes from our collection:
Honey and Bourbon (The Boozy Bee): A sophisticated bourbon cocktail featuring honey simple syrup and fresh citrus. Perfect for those who enjoy their drinks a bit stronger and more complex.
Skinny Rye Crush: A refreshing rye whiskey cocktail with honey and mint. While it's typically served cold, the flavor combination is exceptional and worth exploring.
Honey Moscow Mule: Our twist on the classic Moscow Mule uses honey simple syrup instead of regular simple syrup for natural sweetness.
Apple Bourbon Ginger Cocktail: This warming cocktail combines bourbon with apple cider and fresh ginger—similar flavor profiles to a hot toddy but with its own unique character.
Apple Rye Punch: A larger-format cocktail perfect for entertaining, featuring rye whiskey, apple cider, and honey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Toddies
What's the best honey for hot toddies?
We recommend using raw Eastern Shore honey for its rich, complex flavor. Our guide to the best honey for tea explores different honey varietals and their flavor profiles. Raw honey retains natural compounds and subtle flavors that enhance the drink beautifully.
Can I make a hot toddy ahead of time?
While hot toddies are best enjoyed freshly made, you can prepare a big batch (see our recipe above) and keep it warm in a slow cooker for 2-3 hours. The flavors will continue to meld, creating an even richer drink.
How much whiskey should I use in a hot toddy?
The traditional ratio is 1-2 ounces of whiskey per serving. Our recipe uses 1 ounce, which provides nice warmth without being overly strong. Adjust to your preference—add more for a boozier drink or less for something milder.
What temperature should the water or tea be?
Your water or tea should be very hot (around 180-200°F) but not rapidly boiling. This temperature dissolves the honey quickly and creates that comforting warmth while preserving the delicate flavors of the honey and tea.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While you technically can, we strongly recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice. The difference in flavor is remarkable—fresh lemon juice is brighter, more aromatic, and adds vibrant citrus notes that bottled juice simply can't match.
How long does a hot toddy stay warm?
A properly made hot toddy in a preheated mug will stay comfortably warm for 15-20 minutes. If you're a slow sipper, consider making your toddy in an insulated mug or travel tumbler to maintain the temperature longer.
What other types of tea work well in hot toddies?
Chamomile is traditional, but black tea (Earl Grey or English Breakfast), green tea, rooibos, peppermint, and ginger tea all work beautifully. Each creates a unique flavor experience. Explore our artisanal tea collection for high-quality options.
Can I make this with dark rum instead of whiskey?
Absolutely! Dark rum creates an excellent variation with slightly sweeter, more molasses-forward notes. It pairs particularly well with cinnamon and nutmeg spices.
The Perfect Mug for Your Hot Toddy
While any heat-safe mug works, certain styles enhance the hot toddy experience:
Traditional Toddy Mugs: Look for glass mugs with handles—they let you see the beautiful amber color of your drink while the handle keeps your hands comfortable. The visual appeal adds to the overall experience.
Insulated Travel Mugs: If you're enjoying your hot toddy outdoors (perhaps around a fire pit or while stargazing), an insulated travel mug keeps your drink warm much longer.
Ceramic Mugs: Classic ceramic mugs retain heat well and feel wonderfully cozy in your hands. Choose one with a wide opening to let you enjoy the aromatic steam.
Storing Leftover Ingredients
While hot toddies should be made fresh, here's how to store your ingredients:
Honey: Raw honey keeps indefinitely at room temperature. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If it crystallizes, simply warm it gently in a water bath.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeeze extra lemon juice and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays.
Chamomile Tea: Store loose-leaf tea or tea bags in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Properly stored tea maintains quality for 6-12 months.
A Note on Enjoying Hot Toddies Responsibly
Hot toddies are warming, delicious cocktails meant for enjoyment and comfort. Always drink responsibly and never combine alcohol with medications. The warming effect of hot toddies can make it easy to drink more quickly than you realize, so sip slowly and savor the experience.
If you're feeling under the weather, consider our non-alcoholic version, which provides the same comforting warmth without alcohol. Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns.
Bringing It All Together
There's something magical about the ritual of making a hot toddy—the gentle steam rising from the mug, the aromatic blend of whiskey, honey, and lemon, that first warming sip on a cold evening. It's more than just a cocktail; it's a moment of comfort, a pause in the day, a simple pleasure that makes winter more bearable.
Whether you're making our classic version with chamomile tea and raw Eastern Shore honey, trying one of the creative variations, or serving a big batch at your next winter gathering, we hope this hot toddy recipe brings warmth and joy to your cold weather days.
Drink slowly. Stay cozy. Cheers!
