How to Make a Hot Toddy To Treat a Cold, Flu, Sore Throat or a Cough

How to Make a Hot Toddy To Treat a Cold, Flu, Sore Throat or a Cough
Written By
MH
Molly Harris
Published: Sep 20, 2011
Updated: Dec 13, 2021
3 minute read

When you are sick with a cough or sore throat, you may know many homemade wellness hacks, but one of the most time-honored traditions is following a hot toddy recipe for relief. While the flu will likely call for a visit to the doctor's office and some additional medicine, a hot toddy for cold, cough and sore throat can provide some relief for your symptoms. Remember to drink hot toddy tea in moderation as too much alcohol can be detrimental to your health as well. After one hot toddy, switch to a honey-lemon cough tea or a hot water mixture to help with your symptoms, provide hydration, and loosen your mucus.

Traditional Hot Toddy Recipe

Total Time: 10 minutes | Prep Time: 7 minutes | Serves: 1 large mug

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 ounces whiskey
  • 8 ounces hot water
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Directions:

  1. Using a kettle, heat the hot water on the stovetop.
  2. Heat the whiskey in a microwave-safe cup covered with a paper towel.
  3. Using the heel of your hand, roll the lemon on the countertop, applying pressure as you do so to squeeze the juice out of the lemon.
  4. Add the tablespoon of honey to the hot liquid and stir thoroughly to combine.

Hot Toddy Tea

Total Time: 10 minutes | Prep Time: 7 minutes | Serves: 1 large mug

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 ounces whiskey
  • 8 ounces hot water
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Chamomile or other herbal tea
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Directions:

  1. Using a kettle, heat the hot water on the stovetop. Heat the whiskey in a microwave-safe cup covered with a paper towel.
  2. Using the heel of your hand, roll the lemon on the countertop, applying pressure as you do so to squeeze the juice out of the lemon.
  3. Combine hot water and whiskey in mug with the tea bag. Allow it to steep for 3 minutes before adding the lemon juice.
  4. Add the tablespoon of honey to the hot liquid and stir thoroughly to combine.
  5. If you prefer hot toddy tea, place the tea bag into the mixed drink and allow it to steep for 3 minutes.

Orange Juice Hot Toddy Tea

Total Time: 10 minutes | Prep Time: 7 minutes | Serves: 1 large mug

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 ounces whiskey
  • 4 ounces hot water
  • 4 ounces orange juice
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Directions:

  1. Using a kettle, heat the hot water on the stovetop.
  2. Heat the whiskey in a microwave-safe cup covered with a paper towel.
  3. In a saucepan, heat the orange juice over medium heat.
  4. Using the heel of your hand, roll the lemon on the countertop, applying pressure as you do so to squeeze the juice out of the lemon.
  5. Combine hot water and whiskey in the mug with the tea bag. Allow it to steep for 3 minutes before adding the lemon juice.
  6. Add the tablespoon of honey to the hot liquid and stir thoroughly to combine.
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