Hot toddies have long been a go-to home remedy during cold and flu season. This warm, whiskey-based drink is said to soothe sore throats, calm coughs, and even shorten the duration of your illness. But is there any science behind the benefits of hot toddies? Let’s take a closer look at whether these cozy drinks live up to their reputation.
What is a hot toddy?
A hot toddy is a hot drink made with whiskey, honey, and lemon juice. It’s typically served warm, rather than piping hot. Traditional recipes call for:
- 2 ounces whiskey (bourbon, rye, or Scotch)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 8 ounces hot water
Some variations use black tea instead of water, or add spices like cinnamon or cloves. The whiskey, lemon, and honey blend together for a comforting, soothing drink that can be enjoyed before bed or anytime you’re feeling under the weather.
What are the proposed benefits?
Hot toddies are touted as a cold and flu remedy for several reasons:
1. Soothes sore throat pain: The whiskey has analgesic properties that can numb your throat. Honey is also naturally anti-inflammatory.Together, they can temporarily relieve an aching, scratchy sore throat.
2. Relieves coughing: Honey is cough-suppressing. It coats and soothes an irritated throat, allowing you to cough less.
3. Thins mucus: Hot liquids help thin out mucus and prevent congestion and coughing. The lemon juice also helps loosen phlegm.
4. Relaxes before bed: The toddy’s warmth combined with the whiskey’s sedative effect can make you feel drowsy and relaxed. This helps you rest more comfortably.
5. Shortens illness duration: One controversial theory is that drinking a hot toddy causes you to sweat out a fever and infection faster. However, studies don’t back up this claim.
6. Comfort and placebo effect: Something about cuddling up with a steaming mug of this time-honored drink makes you feel cared for. The nostalgic soothing factor can be therapeutic.
What does the science say?
While hot toddies have been relied on for generations, few scientific studies have been done to evaluate their effectiveness. However, some ingredients do have proven benefits:
Honey
Multiple studies show honey can improve coughs and sleep quality in children and adults. A 2020 review found honey improved severity and frequency of nighttime coughs. Honey’s thick, sticky consistency is believed to coat and soothe the throat.
Lemon
Lemons contain vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties. One small 2006 study found lemon water relieved cough and cold symptoms as well as an over-the-counter syrup. The citric acid may thin mucus and saliva. More research is still needed though.
Whiskey
Whiskey’s role is less clear. Hard liquor could cause more mucus production. However, one study allowed patients with colds to inhale vaporized whiskey. They improved faster than those inhaling vaporized water. This suggests inhaled alcohol may have temporary benefits, perhaps due to sedative and calming effects.
Overall, evidence suggests hot toddies may temporarily relieve some cold and flu symptoms. But claims they shorten illness duration aren’t proven. Most benefits can be attributed to the individual ingredients.
Do hot toddies have risks?
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe for healthy adults. But hot toddies do carry some potential risks:
– Impaired judgment and coordination from excess alcohol. Don’t drive or operate machinery after drinking.
– Worsening dehydration. Alcohol and fever already dehydrate you. Limit yourself to 1 hot toddy and drink plenty of water.
– Interactions with cold medicine. Combining alcohol with OTC meds like acetaminophen can be unsafe.
– Harm to those with certain medical conditions. Alcohol can worsen problems like reflux, ulcers, liver disease, and sleep apnea.
Pregnant women, children, and anyone with substance abuse issues should avoid hot toddies due to alcohol content. People with egg allergies should also use caution since some hot toddies contain egg.
Who might benefit from a hot toddy?
Hot toddies are likely safe for otherwise healthy adults in moderation. They may offer the most symptom relief for those with:
– Sore throats
– Coughs, especially dry coughs
– Congestion
– Body aches
The comforting nature of a hot toddy makes them ideal for cold nights or before bedtime. The happiness boost of this ritual could benefit your mental health when you’re stuck at home sick.
Those with fevers, nausea, or chest congestion might not notice much effect. Cold medicines, cough drops, decongestants, or expectorants may provide greater relief in those cases.
How to make a hot toddy
Try this basic hot toddy recipe next time you’re under the weather:
Ingredients
– 2 ounces (1/4 cup) whiskey
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
– 1 cup hot water
– Cinnamon stick (optional)
– Slice of lemon (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat water until steaming but not boiling.
2. Spoon honey into a mug.
3. Pour hot water into the mug and stir until honey dissolves.
4. Add lemon juice and whiskey.
5. Add cinnamon stick and lemon slice for garnish if desired.
6. Carefully taste and adjust sweetness or whiskey to your liking. Drink slowly while still warm.
For extra soothing benefits, use a natural honey like clover or wildflower. Try rye or Scotch rather than bourbon. Herbal tea like chamomile, mint, or ginger can replace the water too.
The bottom line
Science suggests hot toddies can temporarily alleviate some cold and flu symptoms thanks to their honey, lemon, and whiskey ingredients. They likely won’t shorten your illness, but may provide some comforting relief when you’re feeling run down. Moderation is key due to the alcohol content, but overall a hot whiskey drink can be a pleasant part of your cold weather self-care routine.