Artificial Food Coloring Free Hot Toddy

Total time5 min

Prep time3 min

Cook time2 min

4.7

(23)

Few drinks are as genuinely comforting as a steaming mug of this classic cold-weather cocktail, and the good news is that every single ingredient here is exactly what it looks like — no mystery syrups, no neon-colored mixers, no dye-laden flavor packets. Whiskey, raw honey, fresh lemon juice, and hot water do all the heavy lifting, and the result is warming, subtly sweet, and bright with citrus. Store-bought cocktail mixes and flavored syrups are notorious for sneaking in artificial dyes, so making this from scratch puts you completely in control. The optional cinnamon stick and cloves add a gentle spiced depth that feels almost medicinal in the best possible way. Dissolving the honey in a splash of hot water first is a small but smart step that ensures everything blends smoothly without any clumping. It comes together in under five minutes and feels like a proper treat — the kind of drink that makes a cold evening feel intentional rather than miserable.

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Ingredients

1 serving

1 ½ oz whiskey (bourbon or scotch)
1 tbsp honey
¾ oz fresh lemon juice (about ½ a lemon)
6 oz hot water
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
2 whole cloves (optional)
1 lemon wheel or slice, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1
Heat the water in a kettle or small saucepan until just off the boil, about 200°F (93°C).
2
Add the honey to a mug and pour in about 1 oz of the hot water, stirring until the honey is fully dissolved.

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