Raspberry Hot Toddy (for colds)
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This cozy raspberry hot toddy is a modern twist on the classic cold-weather comfort drink, perfect for cold season or anytime you’re feeling a little under the weather. It begins with the familiar foundation of hot water, honey, lemon, and whiskey, then builds upon it with warming spices, fresh ginger, and raspberry for gentle sweetness and added Vitamin C. It’s soothing, fragrant, and meant to be sipped slowly. The kind of drink you make when you want something that feels just a little extra soothing.
If I had a sniffle, a sore throat, or even thought I might be getting sick, my grandpa was already on it with a mug, hot water, honey, lemon… and yes, a splash of whiskey.
Hot toddies were just what you did back then. No Googling symptoms, no cold medicine aisle debate. Someone older and wiser handed you something warm, told you to drink it slowly, and sent you to bed. And listen … I know. Some of the remedies from back then would absolutely get you canceled today. We put whiskey on babies’ gums when they were teething and didn’t think twice about it. Different times. Different rules. But there was something comforting about it all.
Classic Hot Toddy Recipe
A classic hot toddy isn’t complicated: hot water or tea, honey, lemon, and whiskey or brandy. And while no one is claiming it cold cure, every part of it made sense. The steam and warmth helped soothe a sore throat and ease congestion. Honey has always been known to calm a cough. Lemon added a little brightness (and what we now know is vitamin C). And the whiskey? Well… it helped you relax, warm up, and finally get some rest. Back then, it wasn’t about science; it was about care.
Someone noticed you didn’t feel good and did what they knew how to do. They handed you a mug, sat you down, and made sure you were taken care of. And honestly, that part still matters.
Do hot toddies heal a cold?
No, hot toddies don’t cure a cold. But they do slow you down. They give you something warm to hold, something gentle to sip, and a reason to rest. The honey, lemon, and spices can soothe a sore throat and ease congestion, but more than that, a hot toddy feels like being taken care of, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Are Hot Toddy’s only for when you’re sick?
A Hot and Toddy Drink will frequently be tied to cold season and sick days; they aren’t just for when you’re under the weather. There’s something especially comforting about sipping a hot toddy on a quiet winter evening, even when you feel perfectly fine. It’s the kind of drink you make when the house is calm, the lights are low, and you’re in no hurry at all. No cough required. Just a mug, a little warmth, and a moment to slow down.
A Modern Twist on a Classic Hot Toddy Recipe
This cozy raspberry hot toddy is my modern take on that classic cold-season comfort drink. It begins with the familiar foundation of hot water, honey, lemon, and whiskey, then builds upon it with warming spices, fresh ginger, turmeric, and a hint of raspberry for gentle sweetness and color. It’s fragrant, soothing, and meant to be sipped slowly. The kind of drink you make when you want something that feels just a little extra caring.
Ingredients in my Hot Toddy Cocktail Recipe
You will find all of the exact measurements and instructions for this Hot Toddy Drink Recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Hot water – The warm base soothes a scratchy throat, eases congestion, and helps you stay hydrated, which is always important when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Whiskey or bourbon – Adds a gentle warmth that helps you relax and unwind. For alcohol-free versions, chamomile or lemon-ginger tea keeps the cozy vibes while adding natural calming and digestive support.
- Raw honey – A natural throat soother with mild antibacterial properties. Honey coats irritation and can help calm a cough, making it one of the oldest “feel better” ingredients around. Or use Maple syrup as a vegan-friendly alternative that still adds sweetness and antioxidants, while gently soothing the throat.
- Fresh lemon juice – Bright and tart, lemon adds vitamin C and a little zing that helps balance flavors and lift the spirit.
- Raspberry purée – Full of antioxidants and vitamin C, raspberries add flavor, color, and a touch of natural sweetness that feels playful and comforting.
- Fresh ginger – Warming and spicy, ginger brings anti-inflammatory compounds and can help relieve congestion or a queasy stomach.
- Turmeric – A golden boost of anti-inflammatory curcumin. Turmeric adds gentle earthiness and wellness points with every sip.
- Black pepper – Tiny but mighty! It helps your body absorb the turmeric, so your golden drink is as beneficial as it can be.
- Cinnamon stick – Brings a cozy, fragrant warmth, along with antioxidants and a touch of natural sweetness that rounds everything out.
Add a little flair with fresh raspberries, a lemon slice, or a sprig of thyme. For extra warmth and aroma, try a few whole cloves, a dash of cardamom, or even a star anise. These simple additions make your hot toddy and favorite mug feel extra special.
How to Make a Hot Toddy Recipe for Colds
This hot toddy is all about simple ingredients layered with intention.
Add hot water to a mug along with the stick of cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. Let it steep for 3–5 minutes to gently infuse the spices. (Ginger can be strong; I usually pull it after a minute or two.)
Stir in the honey, lemon juice, and raspberry purée until the honey melts completely.
Stir in the whiskey or bourbon, or swap in hot chamomile or lemon-ginger tea for a mocktail.
Add the tiniest pinch of black pepper, give it one gentle stir, garnish if you’d like, and sip while warm.
Hot Toddy Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
If you happen to have any hot toddy left over (rare, but it happens!), just pop it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a couple of days. When you’re ready for more, reheat gently on the stove; don’t boil it, or the fruit flavors will get muted.
For sick-day prep, the freezer is your best friend. Mix everything except the hot water, freeze in small cubes, and when you need a little comfort, drop a cube into a mug and pour over boiling water. Instant cozy relief!
Love it? Pin it!
If you can’t wait to try this Raspberry Hot Toddy recipe, be sure you can find it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!
Hot Toddy Substitutions & Variations
- Add a spoonful of warm coconut oil or a drop of pure vanilla extract for extra throat-soothing comfort.
- Replace half the water with hot orange juice for a citrusy “sunrise toddy.”
- For a refreshing twist, make a cold toddy by letting the hot toddy base cool, then serve over ice with whiskey (or tea), lemon, and raspberry. All the cozy flavors you love, just chilled and perfect for warmer days.
Tips for the Best Hot Toddy
- Start with a little honey and adjust the sweetness to taste, especially if your raspberries are tart.
- Hot toddies are best served immediately while steaming. If needed, reheat gently on the stove, not the microwave.
- Don’t over-steep the spices; a few minutes is all you need for warmth and aroma.
- Use a whiskey or tea you enjoy.
- Keep it caffeine-free with herbal tea or just hot water for a bedtime-friendly version.
- When you’re under the weather, sip slowly and breathe in the steam. It can feel especially soothing for sore throats and congestion.
FAQs
- What makes this version good for the cold season? The combination of honey, ginger, lemon, raspberry, and turmeric feels soothing, warming, and comforting; it’s like a hug in a mug.
- Can I make it alcohol-free? Yes! Hot chamomile or lemon-ginger tea works beautifully and keeps all the cozy vibes.
- Do I need to strain the raspberry purée? Nope. If you don’t mind the seeds, feel free to leave it as-is.
- Why turmeric and black pepper? Turmeric brings anti-inflammatory benefits, and the black pepper helps your body absorb it.
- What kind of whiskey works best? A smooth, mild whiskey, bourbon, Irish whiskey, or a honey-forward blend pairs perfectly with the citrus and berry notes.
More Recipes to Love
My Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea is one of my most popular recipes this time of the year. It is the best recipe to have in your back pocket when the flu season takes up residence in your home. Other keepers are my Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy, or this Cinnamon Sore Throat Tea from my friend, Debi.
If you love recipes that use bourbon or whiskey be sure and take a peek at my Honey Bourbon Sauce, Jack & Coke Steaks, Chocolate Bourbon Balls and these Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies before you go.
This hot toddy is a little more involved than the old-school version. It’s more than just lemon, hot water, honey, and whiskey stirred together in a mug. But those extra few minutes of steeping and layering flavors are what make it special. It feels intentional. Comforting. Like someone really thought about what you needed. And when you’re not feeling your best, that kind of care is always worth it.
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Raspberry Hot Toddy Recipe (Great for Colds!)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup hot water
- 1 ½ ounce whiskey or bourbon or 2 oz hot chamomile tea for alcohol free version
- 2 teaspoons raw honey or maple syrup for vegan
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons raspberry puree fresh or frozen raspberries blended + strained
- 1 thin slice fresh ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground turmeric or a tiny knob of fresh grated turmeric
- 1 small pinch black pepper helps the body absorb curcumin from turmeric
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Optional Add-Ins: Add a little flair with fresh raspberries, a lemon wheel, or a sprig of thyme. For extra warmth and aroma, try a few cloves, a dash of cardamom, or even a star anise. These simple additions take your hot toddy from cozy to extra special.
Instructions
- Steep the base: In a mug, combine hot water, cinnamon stick, ginger slice, and turmeric. Let steep 3-5 minutes for a gentle spice infusion. (Ginger is pretty intense; I tend to leave that ingredient in for only one minute.)
- Add flavor + comfort: Stir in honey, lemon juice, and raspberry puree unit the honey melts completely.
- Add the spirit (or not!): Stir in whiskey or bourbon (or chamomile tea if making a mocktail).
- Finish + serve: Sprinkle in the tiniest pinch of black pepper, stir once, and garnish with a raspberry or lemon wheel
