This 3-Ingredient Honey Cocktail Will Definitely Cure Whatever Ails You

As we settle into fall, the classic hot toddy is a mainstay in my cocktail rotation. This three-ingredient warm cocktail helps get me through the cold weather (we also have more drinks that will keep you warm). While some people turn to hot toddies to soothe a sore throat or ease a stuffy nose, I simply make them because they’re delicious. A hot toddy is also the perfect nightcap.

This recipe will guide you through making a cozy hot toddy that packs a serious punch. But feel free to adjust the amounts of bourbon, honey, and lemon juice to your tastes. Like your drinks on the sweeter side? Increase the honey! Want it to be boozier? Double the bourbon.

Last but not least, don’t skimp on the garnishes. Because the drink itself is so simple, I like to go heavy. My favorite way to serve a hot toddy is with a lemon slice, cinnamon stick, and star anise, but it’s just as delicious with just the lemon for garnish.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s virtually impossible to mess up. This classic cocktail is made right in the same glass it’s served in — no shaker or fancy bar equipment needed.

• This stir-together cocktail couldn’t get any easier. You just need three ingredients and five minutes on the clock.

Key Ingredients in a Hot Toddy

• Bourbon: I almost always make my hot toddies with bourbon. It has a sweet vanilla flavor that pairs nicely with the honey, and its subtle caramel notes give the drink a rich, alluring flavor. But you can use pretty much any brown spirit you like — brandy or whiskey are great options too.

• Honey: There’s no need to make simple syrup here. Honey serves as the sweetener in this cocktail.

• Lemon juice: Helps balance the sweetness from the honey.

How to Make a Hot Toddy

1. Preheat your mug with warm water. To ensure your hot toddy stays warm for as long as possible, preheat your mug before you make your cocktail. To do so, add hot water to the mug and let it sit for about five minutes, then pour it out.

2. Add your ingredients to the mug. Pour in lemon juice, bourbon, honey, and hot water, then stir until the honey is dissolved.

3. Garnish and serve. Garnish with a lemon slice, cinnamon stick, and/or star anise. Serve warm.

Helpful Swaps

Swap bourbon with another dark spirit you like, such as brandy, whiskey, or dark rum.

More Bourbon Cocktails

• Old Fashioned

• Whiskey Sour

• Boulevardier

• Gold Rush

• Whiskey Smash

Hot Toddy Recipe

With just three ingredients, the classic hot toddy is a mainstay in my cocktail rotation.

Prep time 5 minutes

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 medium lemon

• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon or other dark spirit, such as brandy, whiskey, or dark rum

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 3/4 cup water

• Optional garnishes: cinnamon stick, star anise pod

Instructions

1. Fill an 8-ounce mug with hot water (tap water is fine). Let sit for about 5 minutes, then pour the water out.

2. Cut 1 medium lemon in half. Juice one half into a small bowl. Measure out 2 teaspoons juice and add it to the mug. Cut a thin slice from the remaining lemon half and remove any seeds.

3. Add 1 1/2 ounces bourbon and 1 tablespoon honey to the mug.

4. Bring 3/4 cup water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the water comes to a simmer, turn the heat off. (Alternatively, heat the water in an electric tea kettle.) Pour the hot water into the mug and stir until the honey is dissolved.

5. Garnish with the lemon slice, cinnamon stick, and star anise if desired. Serve immediately.

Further Reading

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