How to Make a Hot Whiskey

There are few things better than a hot whiskey on a cold Irish evening. Whether you’ve come in from the rain, you’re sat by the fire or you can feel a cold coming on, it’s the drink people have reached for in this country for generations.

And the best part is how easy it is. To make a hot whiskey, warm a glass or mug by pouring in some hot water, then empty it out. Add a measure or two of whiskey, a spoon of honey or brown sugar and a slice of lemon studded with cloves. Top it up with freshly boiled water and give it a thorough stir.

Five minutes, four simple ingredients and a proper winter staple. Below we’ll go through where it comes from, whether it actually helps when you’re under the weather, the full method and a few ways to spice it up.

What is Hot Whiskey?

A hot whiskey is the Irish take on the hot toddy - hot water, whiskey, honey or something sweet, and a slice of lemon studded with cloves. It’s been a staple here for generations, and for good reason.

With the evenings getting darker and the weather turning crisp, it’s the drink you’d crave after a long spell out in the cold. And once that sniffle starts, countless people swear by one when they’re feeling a bit under the weather.

Hot Whiskey as a Medicinal Remedy

A hot whiskey won’t miraculously cure you, but a few parts of it genuinely help. The steam loosens a blocked nose, the honey and lemon soothe a sore throat, and the warmth eases those aches and pains. Maybe too much information, but the hot drink and the sweet and sour flavours get the saliva and mucus flowing, which is your body’s first line of defence against a common cold.

One or two is plenty, though. Any more and the alcohol will block your nose further and affect your sleep, which is the opposite of what you need.

How to Make a Classic Hot Whiskey 

You'll need:

• 35ml Jameson whiskey

• 1-2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar

• A thick slice of lemon

• 4-5 cloves

• Freshly boiled water

Method:

1. Put a metal teaspoon in a heatproof glass and pour in some hot water to warm it, then empty it out. The spoon stops the glass from cracking.

2. Stud the lemon slice with the cloves.

3. Add the honey or sugar and the whiskey to the warmed glass.

4. Top up with about 100ml of boiled water and stir until the honey dissolves.

5. Drop in the lemon and wrap a napkin around the glass so you don't burn your fingers.

Which whiskey should you use? Go for a smooth, easy-drinking blend. Something like Powers or Jameson is ideal - a softer Irish whiskey sits nicely with the honey and spice, while a heavily oaked or peated bottle can take over. Save your special bottles for sipping neat or over ice.

Spice Up Your Hot Whiskey

Spiced apple and cinnamon hot whiskey

Add a few slices of apple to your warmed glass with a cinnamon stick and a few cloves. Pour over 35ml of Irish whiskey, top up with boiled water and add a little honey if you like it sweeter. Finish with a thin slice of fresh apple.

Ginger and apple hot whiskey

For a bit more of a kick, add three or four slices of fresh ginger to your glass with the hot water and let it steep for a few minutes. Add 35ml of whiskey, a few slices of apple, a spoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon. The ginger warms you right through - perfect when you can feel a sniffle coming on.

Looking for more winter warmers? Try our guide to autumn whiskey cocktails or learn the story behind the Irish coffee.

Find your Preferred Whiskey Brand

Not sure which whiskey to keep in the press for the winter? Browse our full range of Irish whiskey, or call into The Whiskey Reserve in Temple Bar and our team will point you towards the right bottle.