Bourbon Hot Toddy

On cold nights, nothing hits the spot like a classic hot toddy. This warm cocktail doubles as a soothing tonic; perfect when you’re dealing with a sore throat, the sniffles, or just need something comforting in your hands. Better yet, this hot toddy recipe comes together in minutes: Dissolve honey in steaming water, add a splash of your favorite whiskey, and brighten it with fresh lemon juice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and sip your way back to cozy.

Tips for the best hot toddy

• Stay in good spirits. Bourbon is classic, but switching it out for Irish whiskey, rye, brandy, dark rum, or amaro can make things interesting. For even more pop, try cinnamon-flavored whiskey or apple brandy.
• Use HOT, not boiling water. You want steaming water, similar to tea or mulled wine—too hot and some of the flavors can get muddied. Heat the water in a kettle or in small saucepan over medium heat on the stove, but remove it from the heat just before it reaches a simmer.
• Jazz up your toddy. Steep a chamomile or black tea bag in the hot water before adding the honey. Or, swap out the water entirely for warm apple cider. Add a splash of cranberry juice for a bit of fruitiness or aromatic bitters for depth.
• Layer in spices. The cinnamon stick is a nice visual garnish, but it doesn’t add much flavor. To bump up the spice factor, steep a few whole cloves or a star anise pod in the hot water for a few minutes, or stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg with the honey.
• Warm your cups. Fill your toddy mugs with hot water while preparing the drinks. When you add the hot toddies to the warm mugs, the cocktails will stay hotter for longer, a small detail that makes a big impact.