DrinkStreet.com -> Drink Recipe: Hot Toddy

Relief
By Angie S.

I didn't really care for the taste of this drink but boy oh boy is sure is nice for sore throats!!

Try making this with coffee, honey, and whiskey.

Hot Toddy

The most perfect Hot Toddy I've had in years. And after several sleepless nights due to a severe cold I found your recipe, made it, & finally slept thru the night. And it tasted great to! Linda P.

Thank you!!
By Debbie

My hubby just made me one of these for a severe sore throat. After I gagged it down I can talk and swallow again without pain! I seem to be in the beginning stages of a head cold and I don't feel near as achey either. Unfortunately, I didn't catch a buzz or did I?heh. If I were a drinker at all, I probably would have thought it was tasty. Maybe I should drink more!!

hot today suggestion
By lisa@accu-line.com

Everything but you forgot the steeped orange pekoe tea. or darjeeling will work.

not bad
By Goatann

works good on the flu, i just added a package of theraflu for added effect

Do Not Add Thera-flu
By Colonel

Thera-flu contains a pain relieving ingredient that is contra-indicated with alcohol and could cause serious liver damage. To be safe, never combine alcohol with acetaminophen for pain relief.

Great relief for a cold
By Carolyn

This drink tastes terrible, but is doing great things for this cold. My nose stopped dripping and I just generally feel much better. Thank you! This is my first cold in years.

Yorkshire Recipe

Try this with hot milk and have at least two. You can also try this with brandy as I feel this works better. Also try drinking this after a very hot bath then going straight to bed.

Erik

FANTASTIC for sore throats.... Tastes awesome if you use Apple Cider instead of water and add a quater shot (1/2 oz.) of Hot Damn on top of the whiskey.

Awful, but it works!!!!!!
By Deborah

My dad used to make this for me when I was a teenager when I had a terrible cold. I would gag it down and sweat the cold out. What can I say it works. Now I am making it for my family.

looking for the "perfect" toddy

I used rum instead because it was handy-honey and lemon are always around. Tasted just right, just "medicine"y enough - my throat feels better already!

Research Assistant
By Robbin Colson

Try a cinnamon stick and 3 whole cloves to make this drink complete.

Trinity with the flu
By mommatrinity2003@hotmail.com

Well my mother in law made this for us last night after being made to by her mom :) and i'll say it sure knocked me for a loop. i'm not sure if they were trying to get me drunk or take away my cold, but they made hot tea normally, stirred in a tablespoon +/- for taste, 1/2 tblspn of lemon juice, and a shot of brandy and a shot of whisky. LOL either way, it made me warm and tingly and it felt fanTASTIC on my sore throat, and the hot vapors did wonders for my sinuses. I think another day of this every 8 hours will do me good :) wish me luck lol

Hot Toddy to the rescue!

A friend of mine made this for me last weekend when I was feeling under the weather. Boy did it do wonders! I was able to enjoy the holidays that much more!

I'm better
By Irene

I thought they would have to plant me as I felt so bad. Then my husband found your toddy on the web. It was the only thing that helped my throat and head. Many Thank you's. The taste really got better after each sip.

Hot Toddy with Milk
By Elaine

I have tried this drink with milk but it always curdles, does anyone know how to stop this from happening ? With water its horrible but used to do this with milk but can't seem to stop it from going lumpy any suggestions ??

allie

My dad used to make this for me except without the brandy. It still works and tastes great. We never used milk, but I do know that if you steam the milk first (like for a latte) it won't curdle.

Nicole

To take the edge off, use tea and substitute Southern Comfort. I'm starting to get sick and just made a pot full to get me through the night:)

more

I used a mesquite honey w/wild turkey and fresh squeezed lemons and I think it's the best thing I've had in ages. I'm going to try the tea thing. Never tried that before. I thought of having one because I have a cold, but now I'm wondering why I don't have them every once in a while just for fun.

Finally can breathe threw both nostrils!
By Frances

I used Wild Turkey, clover honey, apple cider (suggested from earlier review) & real lemon juice and doubled the recipe, I've been home with a cold today but I feel like I will be able to go out again in the morning..

drunken illness

we haven't made this drink yet, and we're not sick (at least not in *that* way), so we were wondering what the hell you're all doing, just using colds as an excuse to get drunk? geez, you're all like, my nose is dry, pass the whiskey.

It does help....
By Joe

I tried this recipe,and I think it not only tastes good,but it soothes the throat.As far as getting drunk with it,or finding a excuse to use it to get drunk,Ill take into consideration that maybe you were drunk when you said that.

Hot Toddy
By run_n_l8@hotmail.com

After suffering from the flu, allergies and/or cold for the last 2 weeks, i FINALLY remembered that a hot toddy was the best medicine when it came soothing what ails a major sore throat, sinuses, etc. My father used to make me a "virgin" Hot Toddy when i would get colds, sore throats, etc., when i was young. I have only taken two sips out of the one i just made, and i can already tell the difference in how my raw, sore throat feels. Another suggestion: i usually have Sleepy Time Tea from Celestial Seasonings.I made the tea according to directions, then followed your directions or a Hot Toddy. Perfection!

Drunkin colds
By Dee

I say this drink is a winner for colds but sure any excessive alcohol use will make you teeter totter. Use it wisely, cold gone, no buzz!

works great
By Get well

I've always made a hot toddy just like you describe. I don't get colds very often, and rarely bad enough to actually resort to a 'toddy' but they do work. Humans have known for millennia that alcohol is medicinal. Same with lemons, honey and yes, hot water. Great when that cold just won't "break".

FEELING BLU N FULL OF FLU

HAVNT TRIED IT YET BUT IM JUST ABOUT TOO. THANKS ON THE TIPS IL GET BACK TO YOU!!!

A Toddy a day keeps the viruses away
By DOC

I work in a kiddies hospital (in winter) and I have been picking up every virus going around. Finally, sick of a perpetually sore throat and a head cold, I have tried daily toddies prior to bed. What a WINNER! At last I can finally make it through a morning without a box of tissues alongside...

Almost Perfect...
By Jerry N. - Cameroon

Great recipe...I double it and stir with a Cinnamon stick (or add a dash of cinnamon powder).

Yummy!
By Michelle

It sure is tasty! Cleared my sinuses right up. I used rum because that was what a friend recommended. Helps with a cough, too.

By pixiguru@yahoo.co.uk

My Mum used to make this for me when i was younger but always with hot lemonade instead of water and no alcohol but now I make it with whisky and hot lemonade,honey and lemon juice. sugar also works instead of honey.

Willing to try anything
By tuffnkc@yahoo.com

Thanks for the recipe. My husband is going to make one with spiced rum (it's all we have on hand).

Willing to try anything
By tuffnkc@yahoo.com

we mixed spiced rum, lemonade, and a splash of cinnamon worked great. Finally relief after 3 days.

Since it had honey in it, it wasn't my favorite flavor (oddly had an almost apple with sugarless carmel after taste, if that's really possible) but it really does the trick for some relief of a sorethroat.

It works

I tried the recipe with Wild Turkey. It did dry up the drippy noise and cleared my sinuses up some. I would recommend it. Use expensive whiskey though (like Wild Turkey) for the best effect.

Breath it as you sip it!!
By Barbara from England

I made it with Johnny Walker Black (didn't tell the husband!). I am inhaling the steam as I sip and feel better already. (Indulgent but I'm worth it!)

great for colds and cold weather
By Randi from Etobicoke ON

I make it with a black tea and sip it while reading a good book....sure warmed me up from the cold and the cold weather we were having.

CHEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Denise

My youngest daughter caught a real bad cold and happily shared it with my eldest daughter and i, [brat!]so in desperation we have been trawling the net for help, found your recipe, made a double helping each{well we are poorly}and had a good moan about how it was my youngests fault for making us ill in the first place, we both think it tastes great, brings instant relief to a blocked nose, and soothes the throat.However, we are going to continue to take this drink for a few nights just to be sure!! lol

Vodka and Tequilla adds more
By Smith Norris

This makes your throat fill better. Your head will fill much better. Try this, it really does help fevers and bad colds. Try after taking a hot bath. Must add the tequilla and vodka. Don't give to teenagers unless they are used to the liquour though.

It Has Worked For Ages
By Alice

Hot toddies have been around almost forever. I'm 49 and remember my dad making them with Wild Turkey when I was very young. Also since you can't drink during the day. Try hot peppermint tea. The sugar cane peppermint melt better then the star mints. Good luck with the flu season!

THANK YOU

I am miserable and decided to give this a try. I din't follow exactly, but close enough, and I haven't felt this good in days!

Dave
By Dave

My family has sworn by hot toddies for generations, and this recipe worked as well for me (if not better) than any I've had before. Whether a toddy is Actually medicinal or not, I don't know, but it's a damn sight more fun than taking Sudafed.

Pepermint Schnapps Variety
By Devin

My family has always used toddies for colds. We find Early Times with crushed pepermint candy, lemmon juice, and honey to work best but I prefer a toddy made with pepermint schapps. There is less alcohol in it so you can have them more often without the uncomfortable disconnected feeling of a tired drunk.

not bad
By James C.

I just took this about 5 minutes ago. couldnt find a measuring spoons or cup with ounces. so i used the cup that comes with my niquil bottle. so far have not coughed.my nose is still stuffed, but not as bad. taste was not all that great, but hey its medicine! thanks for the tip!

Measurements 101
By wingnut

Quite tasty, but not knowing an ounce from a jigger, i measured with an egg cup. 1 ec honey, 1 ec rum (worked fine), 1/3 ec meyer lemon juice, 3 ec hot water. sent us off to sleep very nicely.

hot toddy my style
By xgirl

I just finished this to aid my sore throat and it's really helped plus I found mine yummy. First I melted the honey and lemon together (more then it asked for). I poured some hot water with a bag of tea, then I added southern comfort and rumple-mintz (one shot each).

the proper way!
By george w.

if short of honey then use demerara sugar but to really get those vapours working you must add 2 cloves.this is not an option.

By Marie

Trying the Hot Toddy for the first time. Since I don't drink very often, using Jack Daniels Whiskey is a desperate effort to get my voice back. So far, I love the warm, tingly feeling it's giving me. So you'll know: 1 oz = 1 tsp.

Variation on a Theme
By sallystarlight

For a maega dose of vitamin C and all the relief of a hot toddy heat one cup orange juice, 1/4 cup cranberry juice and a 1-2 shots coconut rum. Tastes great, works quickly. Soothing and restorative!

Toddy or not
By Mary

May Dad would make us a drink when we got sick with colds.. and it worked wonders.. He would boil onions in milk, then add a shot of brandy.. and we would drink it.. cold would go away.. I always figured whatever germ was in there decided to get the heck out.. seemd we would sweat the cold out of every pore! but it worked..

Spleenboy
By spleenboy

Brilliant for getting really p***ed really quickly. Even better if you forget all the girlie ingredients and just stack the brandy in.

Scotchy, Scotchy, Scotch
By AndyT

A MUST to use good Scottish Whisky and real lemons freshly squeezed. Drink it hot, breathing the vapours deeply. Don't waste your money on commercial medicines - they do not work. Tea, Scotch, Honey and Lemon are the ingredients that do work.

insanediego
By ChrisBob

I made my very first Toddy a few days ago from this recipe (which was just fine!), but have been varying it with some of the suggestions here. I preferred it with tea (Celestial Seasonings'Holiday Tea - it has vanilla and cinnamon in it already), and with Jameson's Irish Whisky - even though I tried it with Single Malt (sorry, purists), Southern Comfort, and good Rum on different occasions. I also preferred it with fresh-squeezed lemons, and a pinch of cinnamon to the whole cloves. My cold is almost gone, but my liver isn't doing much better.

Get a life
By Big Doc

Quote: Thera-flu contains a pain relieving ingredient that is contra-indicated with alcohol and could cause serious liver damage. To be safe, never combine alcohol with acetaminophen for pain relief. Take a chill pill, man....

Sick and Tired
By tenara

I have been sick all day, and I tried the hot toddy and it worked like a charm. I added tea to give a better taste. Thanks for all the great tips

Yum
By Jane J

I omitted the alcohol, as I only have the honey, lemon and a kettle. Was a bit scared I would't like the taste but its really nice. The honey will hopefully kill all the ick in my throat!!

NEW TWIST!

This is a drink that is so very versatile, I enjoy this original southern recipe, but to add a few other variations, substitute the lemon with a fresh lime or orange, mmmmm.... also.., try adding a eucalyptus honey- lemon cough drop to the bottom of your cup before pouring in your concoction, and don't go out in the cold after drinking, because it really opens up your sinuses, this is a great drink during cold and flu season. ENJOY!

You have to use CLOVES!!
By Jason Morton

The toddy works well because of the alcohol. The honey is soothing to the throat and the lemon juice has an acid that breaks up mucus. If you really want the full medicinal punch you MUST let the cloves simmer in the hot tea and lemon mixture. Add the honey & alcohol after 2-3 minutes. Your making a chemical reaction that extracts the needed medicines. At a naturupathic class I took we studied "Grandma's healing receipes" and how they are brilliant in natural healing medicine. The original toddy was made with green tea & fresh sqzed lemons simmered for 3 minutes with 3-4 cloves. Add NATURAL honey (not processed) and any whiskey or rum(rum should be med-high proof, around 100-110)

No wonder some are talking about the milk curdling!! A hot toddy is not a milk punch--milk that's slowly warmed almost to scalding plus honey and whiskey. Both the hot toddy and the milk punch have a reputation for being good for colds, the milk punch is slightly more the soporific. LouKY

Healed or Drunk
By Liz Holman

Oddly enough, my boss recommended this drink, he swears by it! I tried it with the whiskey, green tea, honey and water (ran out of lemons). Working in the restaurant business, we tend to catch everyone's germs from employee to employee and guest to guest. After a few sips....my congestion calmed, nose quit running, and my body quit aching, I am either drunk or healed!!!

This drink is awesome

A hot toddy is just what the doctor ordered. I have had a cold for 4 days now and it hasn't got any better. So my husband suggested a hot toddy. I found yoru recipe on-line and it has done wonders. Not even 10 minutes later; my nose stopped running and I CAN BREATE! Thank you!

Dan Tampa
By Dan Tampa

forget the honey, lemon juice and tea's. Fill 3/4 of an 8 oz glass with Courvoisier Cognac and drink...I'm on my 3rd one...my nose still runs, but I don't hurt anymore...I am washing it down with Dom Perignon Champagne and smoking a Cuaba Exclusivos Cigar...but let me tell you I Feal Great!

birthday girl wid cold

Was dreading the taste but its okay hope I got the whisky measure right opted for a hot toddy in place of night nurse will let you know must go now the alcohol is getting to me.

Great - but only partially correct

The recipe is correct, but if you spell whisky with an 'e' before the y, then it is not Scotch. Scotch is spelt "whisky". Anything else is just fake. Take it from a real Scotsma, if it ain't Scotch, don't touch it !!!

Always the original is best
By Sonic

This drink really works!! Had it many times the way it is described at the top. With orange pekoe tea is best I find. Really does work. Beginners try this and dont mess around!!! 1 1/2 ounces of whiskey, the lemon like above etc.... and orange pekoe tea. Mmmm mmm good! The best remedy for a cold. Then again if its bad enough a visit to a doctor wont hurt.

No girly ingredients......

No girly ingredients! No herbal teas...no schnapps! Thems just for girls! Plus no promise it will work. The top will work....any variation who knows? But I am one for the top recipe it rocks! I feel better already!!!!!!

hot toddys for all
By JMorton

When I was a teen, my mother outsmarted one of my "I feel sick" nights with a concoction of warmed milk, honey, sugar, and whiskey. I thought she was trying to kill me. I sweat the night away and went to school the next day. This past weekend, my husband made me his version of a hot toddy: warmed coke and brandy, and beings I'm not a big alcohol fan, I thought he was trying to kill me. So today, I've called in sick to work and decided to see what was in a hot toddy for real and hit on hot tea, rum, honey, a splash of lemon juice & some cinnamon. Then I read to try some scnapps instead, so added a little apple pucker. It's warming me up quite nicely whether it works or not is yet to be seen. But I do feel drowsy and that's a plus for me cause I haven't been sleeping well the last few nights. If it works, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and if it doesn't? Oh well, who cares...right?

Hot Toddy
By Frosty

My grandmother use to make this toddy for us But for my family I substitude the ALCHOLE with APPLECIDER

JAN

This is best used ,if you have the FLU .You must drink at night time .Go directly to bed. Keep coveed up really well,This will make you prespire. My Dad .used "OLD CROW" lemon juice,hot water honey.Ginger and a dollpe of pure butter. The butter.eases it down better.the Ginger helps you prespire. REMEMBER STAY COVERED UP,AND SWEAT IT OUT.

Just Right!
By Sulla

Has just the right amount of sweetness from the honey with a nice lemony hint in the background. With enough whiskey to make you know its there without overpowering the drink. Overall a wonderfully balanced drink!

My DOCTOR told me to have this!

I had no whiskey, only tequila...but it worked great. I mixed the water, lemon juice and honey in a sauce pan, heated the mixture to a low boil, removed it from the heat and added the tequila.

By Tammy

Been suffering from the flu for 4 days now. My sweet dear mother sent over Crown Royal to have my hubby make this drink. It tasted so good that I had 2! But the best part is it broke my fever and I slept great for the first time in days. Don't waste your money on over the counter cold medicines! Try this..it really works!

By Rottwyler

I had a serious case of laryngitis. I tried this recipe...I had my voice back. Taste wasn't bad..I used Jim Beam.

Amazing
By Erika Moore

As I am sitting here, I am "enjoying" my first hot toddy, and a horrible cold. Already my itchy throat has gone away, and I feel so much better. And to think that I have only had two sips so far, where will the rest take me? This works better then Nyquil or any other cold medicine I have ever taken.

A Toddy is nice on a cold day

I like to drink Hot Toddys with hot tea instead of water. They are great on a cold evening in the mountains - no cold or sickness needed. Sit back and relax sipping on a nice toddy.

Go Irish!
By Hack

Try using a good Irish whiskey such as Jameson's or Tullimore Dew. It lacks the peaty taste of Scotch and the sour mash taste of Bourbon. Smoooooth, baby.

tankgirl

can't beat a hot toddy for a cold!! i do them with blackcurrant juice, lemon, whiskey or brandy, honey or sugar, and hot water. i also often add a beechams powder (even tho i know its contraindicated!!) - works a treat!

My version worked well
By George

I mixed tea with lemon and Brandy, Patron, Whiskey, Jaggermeister, NyQuil, Theraflu and a little Listerine. When I woke up in the hospital 5 days later my cold was completely gone.

SICK AND NEEDING TO GO BACK TO WORK
By LINDA IN OKLAHOMA

WHY CHANGE A GOOD THING THIS IS WHAT MY GRAN USED TO MAKE ME WHEN I WAS LITTLE AND HAD A COLD BE SURE TO KEEP IT HOT WHILE DRINKING IT THE HOT TODDY IS NOT A HOT TODDY WITH OUT THE WHISKEY!! I MADE IT JUST THE WAY IT SAID AND I AM FEELING BETTER IN THE PAST FEW HOURS BUT I WOULD SAY USE THE BRANDS OF YOUR CHOICE BUT AS FAR AS CHANGING ANYTHING I WOULD NOT

tequilla works just fine
By shelly from tx

i made this for my hubby just now, tequilla was all we had, with lemon juice and honey added to a cup of hot water. he said it works better than any over the counter cold medicine. (he still prefers it with whisky)but said it tasted great.

By Mal

It's Friday and my son's throat was just plain awful. I used your recipe to make him a hot toddy. His reaction:wow!! Thanks

Clarification:
By M.D.

Clarification: an ounce is not equal to a teaspoon. An ounce is equal to two TABLESPOONS. To break it down: there are 30 mL in an ounce. A teaspoon has only 5 mL. There are 3 teaspoons per tablespoon. Here's your formula: 1tsp.(5mL) x 3 = 1tbsp.(15mL)x 2 = 30mL or 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons. Someone needs to review basic conversions. I used Bacardi rum and a lime wedge (didn't have any lemon). The taste was fantastic, and I was able to sleep for a few hours, but I can't say it cured the cold. I'm still battling it. I'll probably drink another tonight, if only for the taste (it's that good).

Thank YOU!!!
By Shay

Almost willing to try anything for this cold... boy, am I glad I ran across this. This was wonderful! Loved the taste. I added the applecider vinegar to help and it enhanced the flavor. My nose FINALLY stopped running. I think I have found my new favorite drink on cold nights.... and if it takes the colds and flu's away then thank you......

on milk in a hot toddy

The reason the milk curdles is because of the lemon. Lemon and Milk do not mix well together.

try some flavor

I just had my first hot toddy with carmel flavored coffee,little bit of honey,spiced rum and milk,boy is it good.My head is clear again and my nose is back to normal .This drink is for sure worth a try.

HOT TODDY IS YOUR FRIEND
By Lani

I've always made this for my colds and my little secret has been a peppermint or two with a splash of cinnamon. It helps the taste and the stuffy nose.

Sisters Enemy

I called my sister, the nurse and she told me to blend one lemon seeded but leave the rind on. Add honey. Throw a couple tablespoons of that slop in a cup. Add water. Heat in microwave. Dump in a good shot of whiskey. She never measures anything. Dang it was gosh awful but it is working. After a month of feeling bad and seeing a real Doc, which did nothing for me, I was willing to try anything. Maybe my sister likes me after all. I didn't die and I'm feeling better.

disolve a cough drop in it that helps to

Relief!
By AN

I hadn't slept in 2 days with the sore throat and all the coughing, but this has helped. This is not about getting drunk--this is about old-fashioned relief! A tip from my mom: stick whole cloves into a lemon rind, squeeze into cup and leave in, add honey, hot water and spiced rum. Tastes better than whiskey, in my himble opinion, but with same results. Stir with cinnamon stick. Definitely double it. Feel better!

feelin' risky
By james

trade out the whiskey for jager. double the count and forget about the honey.

Google is your friend
By Darren Smith

It's our anniversary today, my wife woke up with a terrible sore throat, just googled for 'Hot Toddy' and found this site. Tastes wondeful, wife isn't too keen but it's making her throat feel a lot better. I'd recommend one of these for every winter morning, warm your cockels. ;}

Spiced version
By Mike

Tea, honey and captain morgan.

No Theraflu... Emer' gen-C
By mark

A previous review is correct... don't take Theraflu w/ alcohol. Nevertheless, if you want some vitamins and minerals to help boost your imune system, you should try adding a packet of Emer'gen-C (I tried the tangerine flavor, and it was excellent! I would bet other flavors are nice too)

Cold In Coos Bay
By Dan Feddersen

The Hot Toddy recipe worked for me but the only alcohol I had in the house was kiwi-strawberry rum and it worked for me. I am writing this on sunday so here in Oregon the Liquor stores are not open but I intend to go out tommorrow and pick up some whiskey or other kind of rum. Thanx for the site

Everyone asks for my recipe when they are sick!
By Malinda

As other reviewers have noted, add a cinammon stick, some cloves, AND most importantly fresh Ginger, either a chunk of peeled root will do or the crystalized is best (for taste) Ginger really, really clears the sinuses and adds a lot to this drink. My husband and I always have this on cold damp nights if we are not feeling well and it's a good preventative as well! Make sure all of the ingredients soak for a while in the boiling water to release their nutrives. And leave the lemon rind in!

Disappointed
By Veronica B.

I was so sick last night and just asked my husband to let me die...he looked up cold remedies and we found this site. He and I both had a toddy made just as directed in the recipe. The taste wasn't as bad as I expected, but it did nothing for me. In fact, my throat is even more sore today than last night.

Nice

I have been drinking a variation on this and it works a treat. my only difference being that i bought 4 lemons, cut them into quarters, and simmered them for an hour in a large pan of water, the resulting liquit was packed with vitamin c :)

wow!

That's great stuff! Perfect recipe, and makes you feel so much better when you have a rotten cold.

By Steve

I have to disagree on one thing...I love the taste. This is an amazing little drink. Not only does it make you smile but it also leaves you feeling all a glow. Almost makes you look forward to your next head cold.

for temporary use only
By LemonBuzz

i think this drink is only to be used temporarily, since using it for long is considered to be slow suicide.... several people told me at school the other day when i tried to use it because she is in medical school...and my honey with milk recipe. they can relief your pain, but they can also hurt your body.

uuhhh
By candy luver

i didnt notice a difference.

hot toddy yummy!
By maryann from washington

I needed to fel better because today is a busy day, so i remembered my brother always drank hot toddys for his sore throats, so i looked up this recipe and yummy! my nose is draining, my throat doesn't hurt as much when i swollow, and i think my aches and pains are going away. should have tried this at night, but oh well.

yay
By Feral

This recipe worked very well with maple syrup. I don't eat or drink honey so I thought I'd give it a go... and it's really good. I feel better already. :)

If you like it sweeter...

If you like it sweeter, add more honey, i used cinnimon too. ;o)

Thanks, M.D.

I was about to enter the correction when I saw yours. Honestly, who thinks a teaspoon and an ounce are the same thing? I'd hate to have her as the bartender at any of my functions!

Good call on the hot toddy!
By Jessica

This drink was awesome! I drank two and my nose was cleared up! Wonder how long it lasts though...

yep
By Toddy

Umm yeah my name is TODDY and all my friends think its bc of my last name butmy my named me after the Hot Toddy ..ps shes a bartender!

Hot toddy ruined my life

My friend has recently been suffering from man flu, i heard that the hot toddy would work wonders and make him feel much better, unfortunatly we had no such luck, it only made him worse he didnt wake up for several weeks, he wouldnt try it again thats for sure. Good luck to you all. Malc

quality tequila and lime

I'm using Corralejos tequila and it is a beautfiul thing...:) And yeah, acetaminophen (Tylenol) plus alcohol will kill your liver asap...nothing girly about it.

twin69
By GEJC

Trying a toddy for the first time dressed in flannel pjs wrapped in flannel sheets and drank it down as fast as I could (at my twin sister's who is a Registered Nurse, suggestion)...will let you know in about two hours - Celestial Tea, two shots of Old Grand Dad, two Fisherman's friend lozenges and lemon juice...my voice sounds somewhat normal but I am sweating and oops...let me get to bed!!

mad south african
By Ashley

My girlfriend and I have been suffering with laryngitis and flu respectively since we got back from a holiday in Europe. It's summer there and bloody cold winter here so we got sick and miserable. I was browsing and i found this site and tried the standard recipe with cinnamon and cloves. We're both whisky fans so the idea of tequilla was a tad unsettling. Either way tastes great and she has her voice back(and is using it to great effect chastising me for not washing the pot!)and i feel much better.

Laphroaig
By simon w

All I had in the house was Laphroaig, such a shame to abuse it in this manner. However feeling somewhat relieved of this horrid cold's symptoms already. Thanks!

Include all elements

I'm surprised by people taking liberties with this recipe: leaving out the alcohol? leaving out the honey? you're wasting time if you do. All elements are important. Honey has antibacterial properties that sugar -- demerrera or otherwise -- does not. If you drink this, you'll feel better.

Err...
By John ***E***

I have got a terrible cold. Most people I know just shake their cold off in a matter of hours. I can't... I pick up every cold and can't get rid of it for WEEKS! i read about hot toddy and just googled it. found this site and tried it. although i didnt go off the guidelines. i just sqeezed half of lemon in2 a cup. squeezed about the same amount of honey in. added hot water to about half a cup. and then just splashed some brandy in (all we had left) even if i dont feel better i feel much happier. although i drank the lot in one. i will have to tell you all how i feel later!

For a really potent version...

I have had a really nasty cold and have spent a good deal of time on the internet looking for a good toddy recipe. Having tried many (including this one,) with only moderate success, I decided to do a little research and recipe making on my own. If you want a really potent toddy that seems to open your sinuses instantly, try the following: Toddy recipe above, but instead of 3 oz. of water, Bring water to a boil and pour over 3 tbsp of coffee. In a seperate cup, measure lime or lemon juice, honey, and add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger (fresh is best but powder will do,) and microwave for 30 sec. Add to coffee, stir, and add rum/whiskey 1 1/2-2 shots. I added a packet of powdered cider to the mix for the extra vitamin C and to make it a little more drinkable. All of these ingredients are good for kicking a cold, and the cayenne really helps you sweat. If you like spice, try eating as much cayenne and garlic as your stomach can handle the moment you start to feel sick. I hope this helps!

Yorkshire Way is Best
By Andy The Love Doctor

Heat a big mug of milk in the micro wave, add sugar to taste and then a huge glug of brandy, straight to bed with a hot water bottle - wonderful

Kelly

Great recipe. A true Irish drink served all over the country on damp, bitter days and nights. I enjoy this drink everytime I can't get rid of a chill! It reminds me of Ireand - very cosy and relaxing! Thanks!

Not so much
By Scot Thornhill

Yeah if I wanted to taste rancid lemonade I would leave it out in my car. That is the most horrible thing I have every tasted. If you wanna get rid of a sore throat gargle hydrogen peroxide.

The best for a cold

My Grandmother made these for me when I was a child. She always said that the lemon cuts the phlegm, honey soothes the throat, and the hot water and whiskey help to sweat out the cold or flu. In addition if you take a hot bath or shower, use Vicks VapoRub on your chest and back, and put on a flannel shirt, then get in a warm bed, it is a guatantee that you will feel better. Even my doctor has told me on numerous occassions to go home and make a Hot Toddy when I have a cold or the flu. There is a lot to be said for the old remedies.

Sick in Ny
By Jennifer

Love Toddy's this recipe is one of the best but for those of u adding milk to them their curdling because that's what milk and lemon do together, curdle, so if ur adding milk to ur drink skip the lemon, must warn u that the lemon helps ur throat.

Rocket Fuel!
By Gay from England

We have just celebrated Guy Fawkes Night here in England and tried the Hot Toddy to keep out the cold whilst watching the fireworks. Used the original recipe but with demerara rather than honey as my husband's not keen on honey and we weren't drinking it for therapeutic purposes! WOW - don't know which was more jet propelled - us or the rockets!!! We certainly saw plenty of stars! Maybe Guy Fawkes would have been more successful in blowing up Parliament in 1605 if he'd had a drop of Hot Toddy with him!!!

sleepless in tacoma!
By Melanie M.B

This has been a old remedy in my family for years, my mom used to give all her girls this for a bad cold. I haven't stop using it yet. I just came down with bronchitis "hot toddy" sure does open my chest cavities real well. I recommend this to anyone even small children (in moderation) that is. This is the best thing that ever happend to colds rather you are a drinker or not I say don't hesitate with all thoes over the counter junk, this is the stuff with spunk! KOODOS!

thank God for you
By corri

i've been feeling absolutely miserable and i remember once when i was sick someone recomended i have a hot toddy....i laughed it off thinking it was nonsense. Well i guess i finally got desperate enough to try anything (especially since i can't take cold medicine). I've only had a few sip and already my sinuses and throat feel so much better and i'm sure i'll finally be able to sleep through the night. thank you so so much.

It works!!
By Snapper

I have had a terrible cold for the past 2 weeks, and technically am to young to "drink" but one of my friends bought a pint and gave me some in hopes it would help me. And it has. Thank you!! :-D

I think the lemon is the secret. Run boiling water over whole lemon to remove wax from the skin before chopping into large chunks. Squeeze into a mug to get the juice out. 2 x tbls clear honey + a generous slog of whisky (not whiskey) and top up with hot water. Sip slowly and you will have the upper hand over that cold!

It's working.
By YEMolly

Why I do believe this is one of the nastiest things I've ever tasted. However, I've only had a few sips, and my throat already feels much better. I used Crown Royal b/c it's all I had, but it's doing the job!! Adding a little cinnamon definitely helped.

This is a great recipe
By Shantell

I am going to try this recipe for a Christmas gathering. It is a really good recipe, especially if you add a candy cane. That was the special ingredient my Grandmother added to make us drink it when we were sick.

wonderful ideas
By LoLeCo

I think a hot toddy is a good idea and the hints here are great! As for the one who siad people are just using a runny nose to have a drink... Have you looked at the ingredients in Nyquil lately or any other just about leading brand of liquid cold and flu medicine? Most all of them contain some amount of alcohol. This is simply a homemade recipe for a store sold item only it tastes better and probably works quicker too.

Dew option
By Troutman

I prefer to make this one using Diet Dew and two aspirin. The aspirin help out with the fever or inflammation and the Diet Dew helps out (using it in place of the water/coffe/tea) witht the uptake. Also try drinking this while taking as hot of a bath as you can stand, even a steamy shower with ultra hot water and the bathroom door closed and fan off. It seriously works.

Sick and tired of being sick and tired

The toddy is nothing new to me, I've had it, and have made it numerous ways. The original recipe as you have it here I would say is my favorite though hats off to all you folks who have come up with the differing concoctions, if it works for you, wonderful. My wife and I are in the midst of chest colds and just finished our first toddy. She's resting comfortably and I may just go for another before bed (it was a small mug!).

Nasty but nice
By Megan C.

My boyfriend was talking about this for three days until I gave in and tried it for my cold. I added an extra splash of whiskey for taste sake and choked down the awful flavor but I can talk now and no longer feel like someone is scraping at the back of my throat.

SoCo works mighty fine
By andrea

For years I have heard my mother talk about a friend making her a hot toddy when she was sicker than a dog. Today I took my last final for my first semester of college, and I swear as soon as I walked out I was sneezing and snifflin. I had some SoCo and went and got the honey and lemon juice...AMAZING!!! I do not like the taste of alcohol, but this was surprisingly tastey.... THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Yellowstone whisky and horehound candy
By Bill

Granny's Cough Syrup. My mother had a fit when the Doctor perscribed Yellowstone whisky and horehound candy. She stated she would not be found dead in a liquor store. The doctor replied. Send your Druggist as it is a perscription. Well it worked and we use to go in the door for a visit coughing in hopes to get a sample. It was known Granny loved her cough syrup.

Not too shabby
By ML -Oregon

My son gave me his head cold as a nice early Christmas present (he said, with a wide grin, that he was hurt that I didn't like it!!-typical 14 yr old!) I've been pretty miserable for a couple days now, drugging myself with OTC cold tablets. Was told at work today (what possessed me to go into work feeling like this, is beyond me-must have been those darn drugs I was taking) to go home and drink a Hot Toddy. I used the original recipe listed at the beginning of this site. My nose is still stuffed up--wonder what the secret is to helping that symptom? Think I may drink another one and see if it doesn't cure what ails me....

Perfect Remedy
By Cathy - Missouri

Hot toddies are wonderful and i'm not a big drinker so it's not for the alcohol in it. My mom made me one when I was 13 and at first I thought cool mom's getting me drunk but was surprised how well it worked.I didn't care for the taste, so I've improved it some over the years. I use green tea with lemon, the green tea is a natural antitoxidant and lemon is good to cut the mucus, I steep the tea bag with powdered cloves in boiled water for about 3 minutes, then add 2 or 3 tablespoons of sugar and either honey or maple syrup, then I add rum or any alcohol I might have on hand. But I also pop a vitamin C tablet everyday til the colds gone and at night I use Zicam. If you feel like you are coming down sick use Zicam, they have a few ways you can use it, but I use the no-drip liquid nasal gel right before bed. It's anywhere between $6 and $8, depending on where you live, but it's well worth it. I think there are 30 doses in a box of what I get and I bought this box last year and still have 10 to 15 left. It says to use it til you feel better but only once have I had to use 2 of them to get over it and I asked my pediatrician and she said my 7 year old could use it too. Zicam shortens the length of the cold or completely ends it. Hope this helps.

never had on
By Ashley

i never had on befor but my mom makin me one know she said it will help me with the flu lets hope so

Just forced one down my husband's throat
By Lora

He's been sick for over a week so a friend suggested a hot toddy. I found this recipe and fixed it for him and when everyone says they gagged it down, they're not kidding! Luckily I'd been making Christmas cookies for the past 2 weeks so still had extra supplies on hand (the honey, lemon and the bourbon from bourbon balls). He downed it and he feels better already. He's even starting to sound normal when he talks instead of like Froggie from Little Rascals. Thanks so much!!

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