Cozy Hot Toddy for Two
A warm, comforting hot toddy recipe perfect for chilly nights, featuring whiskey, honey, fresh lemon juice, and warming spices. Easy to make and ideal for cozy evenings or sharing with a friend.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ounces (120 ml) whiskey (smooth bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve recommended)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey (raw or local preferred)
- Fresh lemon juice from 1 medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons/30 ml)
- 2 cups (480 ml) hot water, freshly boiled
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- Optional garnish: thin lemon slices or star anise pod
Instructions
- Bring about 2 cups (480 ml) of water to a rolling boil in a kettle or saucepan (about 5 minutes).
- Place 2 cinnamon sticks and 4 whole cloves into two mugs or heatproof glasses.
- Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice into each mug.
- Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of the boiling water into each mug over the honey, lemon, and spices. Stir gently with a cinnamon stick to dissolve the honey.
- Measure 2 ounces (60 ml) of whiskey per mug, pour it in, and stir gently to combine.
- Let the drink steep for 3-5 minutes to infuse the spices fully.
- Optionally, garnish with a thin lemon slice or star anise pod.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Do not over-steep cloves to avoid bitterness (max 5 minutes). Adjust sweetness with extra honey if desired. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute whiskey with hot apple cider or strong brewed tea. Store spiced water without whiskey in the fridge up to 24 hours and add whiskey before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (about 1 cup/2
- Calories: 150180
- Sugar: 1520
- Carbohydrates: 1520
Keywords: hot toddy, winter warmer, whiskey drink, cozy drink, honey lemon toddy, warm beverage, cold weather drink