Capsaicin Free Hot Toddy
Warm, soothing, and deeply comforting, this classic cold-weather sipper is exactly what you want wrapped around your hands on a chilly evening. Honey brings a gentle sweetness, fresh lemon juice adds brightness, and the whiskey ties it all together with that signature mellow warmth — no heat from chili, pepper, or spice extracts anywhere in sight. For anyone who needs to avoid capsaicin, hot toddies can actually be a surprisingly tricky category, since some commercial spiced syrups and pre-mixed versions sneak in unexpected ingredients. This one keeps things clean and straightforward: just whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water as the core, with optional cinnamon and cloves for a little aromatic depth that's completely capsaicin-free. The honey dissolves beautifully when you give it a quick stir with a splash of hot water first, so every sip is smooth and evenly sweetened rather than pooling at the bottom of the mug. Finish it with a lemon wheel for a little elegance, and you've got a drink that feels genuinely restorative without a single ingredient to second-guess.
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Learn more →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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