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.
The hot toddy has a reputation as a folk remedy for illness. And if you're sick, a steaming cup of whiskey, honey, lemon, and water can sound like a lot more fun than crackers and broth. But what about the alcohol? Here's what experts say about hot toddies and colds. Overall, it's not a great idea, experts say. Patients sometimes bring up hot toddies as a cold remedy, says Jesse Bracamonte, a family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona.