Simple Hot Toddy Recipe

In a world of cocktails that are served over ice or frozen, it's nice to enjoy a cocktail that's served piping hot, especially during cooler months. That's where the classic hot toddy comes in — it's similar to a comforting cup of tea, with the boozy bonus of whiskey. Recipe developer Christina Musgrave has crafted a comforting rendition of the classic hot toddy, and she's a fan of its simplicity. "I love that this drink comes together in just a few minutes, and is so easy to make," she describes.

While this drink is similar to a cup of tea, there's actually no tea in it. Instead, whiskey, hot water, and lemon juice make up the actual drink, where star anise and cinnamon sticks spice things up. "The star anise and cinnamon really give a herbal touch to this drink," Musgrave notes. Lastly, a touch of honey adds some sweetness to the drink, making it go down just as easy as your favorite cup of tea. Not only will this hot toddy provide a nice buzz, but it just might soothe a sore throat, too.

Whiskey is the liquor of choice for this hot toddy, and Musgrave notes that "any whiskey is fine in this recipe." Additionally, you'll need water, lemon juice, honey, star anise, a cinnamon stick, and a couple of lemon slices for garnish. 

Because this drink is served hot, you'll want to bring that room temp water to a simmer. Musgrave opts to do so by adding the water to a saucepan, and heating it on the stovetop. This method is preferred, as you can control how hot the water gets — remember, we're aiming for a simmer, not a boil. You can also microwave the water, or use a tea kettle. 

Once the water is simmering, transfer it to a heatproof mug. Then, add in the whiskey, lemon juice, honey, and star anise. Stir it all up, ensuring that the liquids fully combine, and that the honey dissolves into the hot water. 

As a finishing touch, add a cinnamon stick, and a couple of lemon slices to the drink. Then, you're ready to start sipping — be sure to do so quickly, as you want to enjoy this cocktail while it's hot. "This cocktail is perfect for chilly nights in the winter," Musgrave describes. "It's also a hit for entertaining during the holidays!"