Imagine this: It’s a blustery winter evening, and the house is unusually quiet. Normally, there’d be the sound of laughter or chatter, but today, there’s only the occasional cough from the living room, where your loved ones are bundled under blankets. Their cheeks are flushed, and the sparkle in their eyes has dimmed—tell-tale signs of winter’s uninvited guest: a nasty cold or flu.

As the caretaker of the household, you instinctively know what to do. You reach for the kettle, the honey jar, and a basket of citrus. In moments, the soothing aroma of a warm toddy wafts through the air, bringing not just relief but the promise of love and care in every sip. These little moments—so simple yet powerful—are what bring comfort during the chilly, sniffle-filled days of winter.

Here, I’ll share my tried-and-true recipes for both traditional Hot Toddies (for the grown-ups) and Mock Hot Toddies (safe and soothing for the little ones). Whether it’s a touch of whiskey or a splash of honey that works the magic, there’s something here for everyone.

The Healing Power of a Hot Toddy

As a grandmother, I’ve always believed in the old adage: feed a cold and starve a fever—but when it comes to colds, feeding the soul is just as important as the body. A Hot Toddy isn’t just a drink; it’s a warm hug in a mug, offering hydration, soothing irritated throats, and even helping to clear stuffy noses. With ingredients like honey, lemon, and spices, it’s no wonder this remedy has been passed down for generations.

10 Hot Toddy Recipes (for the Grown-Ups)

1. Classic Hot Toddy

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz bourbon
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ½ cup hot water
  • Cinnamon stick (garnish)
• Instructions: Stir honey and lemon juice in a mug. Add bourbon, pour in hot water, and stir. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

2. Apple Cider Toddy

A cozy, spiced twist.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz spiced rum
  • ½ cup hot apple cider
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Cinnamon stick (garnish)
• Instructions: Heat cider, then mix with rum and honey. Stir and garnish.

3. Ginger Hot Toddy

Great for clearing stuffy noses!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz whiskey
  • ½ cup hot ginger tea
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Fresh ginger slice (garnish)
• Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a mug. Garnish with fresh ginger.

4. Maple Bourbon Hot Toddy

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz bourbon
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ½ cup hot water
• Instructions: Mix syrup, bourbon, and lemon juice. Add hot water and stir.

5. Chai Hot Toddy

For a hint of spice.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz spiced rum
  • ½ cup hot chai tea
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Star anise (garnish)
• Instructions: Stir together in a mug; garnish.

6. Honey Lavender Toddy

Gentle and calming.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz vodka
  • ½ cup lavender tea
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Lemon wedge (garnish)
• Instructions: Brew lavender tea, mix with honey and vodka. Garnish with lemon.

7. Spiced Orange Toddy

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz Grand Marnier
  • ½ cup hot water
  • Juice of ½ orange
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Orange peel (garnish)
• Instructions: Combine and stir.

8. Hot Buttered Rum

Rich and indulgent.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz dark rum
  • 1 tsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • Dash of cinnamon and nutmeg
  • ½ cup hot water
• Instructions: Combine and stir until butter melts.

9. Cinnamon Whiskey Toddy

For the cinnamon lovers.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz cinnamon whiskey
  • ½ cup hot water
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Cinnamon stick (garnish)
• Instructions: Mix and garnish.

10. Peppermint Hot Toddy

Cool and soothing.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz peppermint schnapps
  • ½ cup hot water
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Mint sprig (garnish)
• Instructions: Combine ingredients and garnish.

10 Mock Hot Toddy Recipes (Kid-Friendly)

1. Classic Honey Lemon Toddy

Simple and soothing.

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup hot water
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Cinnamon stick (garnish)

2. Apple Cider Mock Toddy

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup hot apple cider
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • Apple slice (garnish)

3. Chamomile Honey Toddy

A bedtime favorite.

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup hot chamomile tea
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Lemon wedge (garnish)

4. Orange Spice Toddy

Bright and citrusy.

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup hot water
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • Orange slice (garnish)

5. Ginger Lemon Mock Toddy

Perfect for stuffy noses.

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup hot ginger tea
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Fresh ginger slice (garnish)

6. Cranberry Apple Toddy

Festive and warm.

• Ingredients:
  • ¼ cup hot cranberry juice
  • ¼ cup hot apple cider
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • Orange slice (garnish)

7. Mint Honey Toddy

Refreshing and warm.

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup hot mint tea
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Lemon wedge (garnish)

8. Spiced Pear Toddy

Mild and soothing.

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup hot pear juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Dash of nutmeg
  • Pear slice (garnish)

9. Lavender Vanilla Toddy

Gentle and calming.

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup hot lavender tea
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Lemon wedge (garnish)

10. Cinnamon Milk Toddy

Cozy and kid-approved.

• Ingredients:
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • Nutmeg sprinkle (garnish)

Wrap-Up

There’s no remedy quite like love and care served in a steaming mug. Whether you’re soothing your little ones with a mock toddy or treating yourself to a spiked version after a long day of caregiving, these recipes are a time-tested way to bring warmth and comfort to cold and flu season. As I always say, a little warmth, a dash of sweetness, and a lot of love can make anyone feel better.