To start: I’m not a doctor nor would I ever claim to be. The advice below is not medical advice and should not be taken as such.

I’ve been fighting a cold this week and I just can’t seem to shake it. I’ve had the headache, stuffy nose, cough, etc. It’s not fun and it’s even less fun because I don’t have the energy to do my normal activities.

Last night before bed, my wife asked me if she could make me hot toddy to see if that helped. Being at the point of complete miserableness, I said “sure – it might help.” She went off into the kitchen and bring me a hot toddy in a lovely Aristocats mug (only the best for me).

Hot Toddy Recipe

The recipe she uses is:

• 3/4 cup of water
• 1.5 ounces of whiskey (bourbon or scotch will also do)
• 2-3 teaspoons of honey (buckwheat is preferred)
• 2-3 teaspoons of lemon juice
• And for some reason she puts a lemon wheel in it

Is this the tastiest thing ever? No. It is a bit tart and sweet. It shouldn’t be surprise because of the lemon and honey, but it always takes me by surprise. And I’m also not use to drinking any type of bourbon warm. It’s just a bit weird.

Does it help my cough? Yes. I swear I feel better if I drink 1 hot toddy before bed than if I took Nyquil (note – don’t drink and take anything with acetaminophen in it – that’s a big liver no no). I am not sure why this is the case, but I think a hot toddy does actually help out a bit.

There is actually some science to this and it has to do with the honey. Again, I’m not a doctor, so I won’t go into science or anything I don’t understand, but the general idea is that honey is a good treatment for a cough (and lemon for a sore throat). So it makes since that a drink with hot water, honey, lemon, and whiskey might be good when you are sick.

I hope you don’t get sick, but if you do, consider making yourself a hot toddy and let me know how you feel. I know it helps me from time to time and I would be interested to hear if it helps you as well.