Irish Hot Whiskey

The Irish Hot Whiskey is the quintessential Irish remedy for a chilly evening or the first sign of the sniffles. It's a beautifully simple concoction of Irish whiskey, hot water, a touch of sugar or honey, and a lemon slice studded with aromatic cloves. Unlike many complex Hot Toddy variations, it generally avoids extra spices, allowing the smooth character of the Irish whiskey to shine through in a soothing, fragrant embrace.
Irish Hot Whiskey

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Irish Hot Whiskey is a classic hot cocktail, belonging to the toddy family of drinks. It is primarily categorized as a warming winter beverage. It serves perfectly as a comforting nightcap or a traditional folk remedy for a cold.

Serving

Served hot in a pre-warmed Irish coffee glass or mug, this is a comforting, moderately alcoholic drink designed for slow sipping.
Serving size
~200-250 ml / ~7-8.5 oz
Alcohol content
~10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Irish Coffee Glass or a heatproof mug
Glass treatment
Pre-warmed with hot water

Backstory

The Hot Whiskey is a traditional Irish folk remedy and pub staple, passed down through generations. It was, and still is, widely believed to help alleviate the symptoms of the common cold and flu. Its origins are humble, born from the simple need for a warming, medicinal drink during Ireland's damp and chilly winters.
Origin
Ireland. Its exact origins are difficult to trace, but it has existed as a traditional folk drink and pub standard for centuries.

Irish Hot Whiskey

This drink is most commonly known simply as a 'Hot Whiskey' in Ireland, its place of origin. While it is a type of Hot Toddy, the 'Irish Hot Whiskey' name specifies the use of Irish whiskey and its traditionally simple preparation, often distinguishing it from more elaborately spiced versions.
Original name
Hot Whiskey
Alternative names
  • Hot Irish Whiskey
  • Irish Hot Toddy

Characteristics overview

This is a warming winter drink with a pleasant sweet and sour balance. The aroma is dominated by Irish whiskey, fresh lemon, and cloves, leading to a smooth, clean, and comforting finish.
Flavor
Warming, sweet, citrusy, whiskey-forward, spicy (from cloves)
Aroma
Whiskey, lemon, cloves, sweet
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Long, warming, clean
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Clear, pale golden to amber
Texture
Smooth, watery, light
Seasonality
Warming, wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a smooth, soothing drink where the sweetness from sugar or honey balances the tartness of the lemon. The alcohol provides a gentle warmth rather than a harsh burn, creating a very approachable flavor profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need a good Irish whiskey, hot water, a sweetener like sugar or honey, a thick slice of fresh lemon, and a few whole cloves.
  • Irish Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    A smooth, unpeated Irish whiskey works best.
  • Hot Water120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
    Use water that is hot but not boiling to avoid scalding the whiskey.
  • Sugar1-2 teaspoons
    Brown sugar or honey can be used instead. Adjust to taste. Using sugar ensures the drink is vegan.
  • Lemon Slice1 thick slice
    A thick, round slice holds the cloves well.
  • Whole Cloves3-5
    Stud the cloves into the rind of the lemon slice.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The only equipment required is a kettle to heat the water and a spoon for stirring the ingredients directly in the serving glass.
  • Kettle or pot for heating water
  • Bar spoon for stirring

Instructions

Simply pre-warm a glass, dissolve your preferred sweetener in Irish whiskey, add hot water, and stir. Garnish with a clove-studded lemon slice before serving hot.
1. Pre-warm a heatproof glass or mug by filling it with hot water, letting it sit for a minute, then discarding the water.
2. Stud the rind of the thick lemon slice with the whole cloves.
3. Add the sugar (or honey) and the Irish whiskey to the pre-warmed glass.
4. Pour in the hot (not boiling) water, leaving a little space at the top.
5. Stir well with a spoon until the sugar or honey has completely dissolved.
6. Gently place the clove-studded lemon slice into the drink.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy while hot.

Garnishing

The garnish is also a key flavor component; a thick lemon slice is studded with whole cloves and floated in the hot drink to infuse.
  • Clove-studded lemon slice, placed in the drink.

Dietary Information

This drink is caffeine-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. It may not be suitable for those with celiac disease due to the whiskey, and its vegan status depends on using sugar instead of honey.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is moderately low in calories, with its caloric content coming primarily from the alcohol and added sugar. The carbohydrate and sugar levels can be controlled by adjusting the amount of sweetener used.
Calories
averagely 150-200 kcal / 627-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 8-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 8-15 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for cozying up on a cold winter night. It is also traditionally consumed as a comforting folk remedy for colds. It makes for an excellent, soothing nightcap before bed.
  • Winter evening
  • Cold & Flu remedy
  • Nightcap
  • Après-ski

Pairing suggestions

An Irish Hot Whiskey is best enjoyed on its own as a nightcap or a comforting sipper. It can be pleasantly accompanied by simple, buttery biscuits like shortbread. It is more of a standalone experience than a drink designed to be paired with a full meal.
  • Shortbread biscuits
  • A good book by a fireplace
  • Not typically paired with meals

The Soothing Embrace of the Irish Hot Whiskey

The Irish Hot Whiskey is a classic, simple, and deeply comforting hot cocktail. It combines the warmth of Irish whiskey with the brightness of lemon and the aromatic spice of cloves for a perfectly balanced winter sipper. Wonderfully easy to make and incredibly soothing to drink, it remains a timeless remedy for cold weather and a cherished tradition in its homeland of Ireland.

Similar Cocktails

Hot Toddy

A broader category that often includes a wider range of spices like a cinnamon stick or star anise, and can be made with various spirits like bourbon, scotch, or brandy.

Irish Coffee

Also uses Irish whiskey but is mixed with hot coffee instead of water and is famously topped with a layer of lightly whipped cream.

You May Also Like

Aperol Spritz

A vibrant and refreshing Italian aperitif with a bittersweet orange flavor, made with Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water.

Sangria

A refreshing and fruity Spanish wine punch made with red wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener, and often a splash of brandy.

Whiskey Ginger

A simple, refreshing, and endlessly satisfying highball made with just whiskey, ginger ale, and a squeeze of lime.

Sherry Negroni

A sophisticated and nutty twist on the classic Negroni, replacing gin with sherry for a lower-ABV, complex aperitivo.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Brandy Highball

A simple, elegant, and refreshing cocktail that showcases the nuanced flavors of brandy lengthened with crisp soda water.

Atholl Brose

A traditional and creamy Scottish drink made from Scotch whisky, honey, and oatmeal.

Bramblin' Man

A robust and fruity rye whiskey take on the classic Bramble cocktail, featuring blackberry, lemon, and a hint of fresh mint.

The Bitter End

A complex, bittersweet, and aromatic stirred cocktail featuring Campari, Fernet-Branca, and sweet vermouth.