Whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water — the 18th-century folk remedy that actually makes you feel better.
The Hot Toddy has been a folk remedy since at least the 18th century — 'toddy' may come from the Hindi 'tari', a palm tree juice used in Indian folk medicine. The drink entered British culture through the colonial trade routes. The Scottish and Irish both claim it, and both are right to — whiskey, honey, and hot water crosses Celtic borders.
Whether it actually cures colds is debated — but the mechanism isn't entirely implausible. The honey soothes inflamed throat tissue, the lemon provides Vitamin C and astringency, the steam loosens congestion, and the whiskey... makes you feel like everything is going to be fine. The choice of whiskey matters: Scotch adds smokiness, Irish is softer, bourbon adds sweetness.
Add a chamomile or green tea bag to the hot water and steep for 2 minutes before adding the whiskey. The tea adds tannins that complement the honey.
Add 2 whole cloves, a star anise, and a cardamom pod to the hot water. Let steep 3 minutes, then strain. Warming and complex.
Replace whiskey with Cognac or Armagnac. The brandy's fruit notes make for a more approachable toddy. Popular in France.