When I was growing up, I loved hearing my grandma’s health tips, and follow them to this day. Drink a glass of warm milk with cinnamon before bed to help you sleep. Apply sunscreen to the tops of your hands, not just your face. And always, when you feel a cold coming on, get the hot toddy ingredients ready. Her famous hot toddy recipe with whiskey still gets me through the worst of my winter colds and sniffles. Here’s the science behind the tradition, plus a recipe.
These 100 best recipes from grandmas will make you instantly nostalgic.
Which Hot Toddy Ingredients Should I Use?
Hot toddies contain fresh lemon juice, honey, boiling water, and usually whiskey, the original ingredient dating back to the 1700s. That said, you may use bourbon (a Southern custom), brandy (popular in the Midwest), or even rum (if you like a bit of spice).
Each ingredient plays a role in soothing a cold or flu:
- Hot water makes the drink hot, obviously, and according to a 2008 study (and centuries of conventional wisdom), hot drinks can relieve runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and even fatigue. (Perhaps why chicken noodle soup is so popular.)
- Honey has mild antibacterial properties and is known to soothe coughs and sore throats (and offers lots of other health benefits, too).
- Lemon contains antibacterial properties and is rich in vitamin C, which can help fight infections.
But what about the alcohol…is that good for a cold?
Make sure to eat plenty of these foods when you have a cold.
Does Whiskey Help a Cough?
In the 19th and early 20th century, alcohol was popularly used as medicine: Many historic cocktails were invented by apothecaries! It’s likely that the alcohol content in the hot toddy derives from that traditional use.
Today, whiskey or bourbon is added to a toddy to relax the drinker, and to encourage a drowsy state for sleep. (Nyquil and other cough medicines still contain alcohol for that same reason.) Since most coughing fits can intensify at night, it’s helpful to feel relaxed and drowsy to help you drop off rather than stay up tossing and turning (and hacking). Dig deeper into the science behind the hot toddy.
How to Make a Hot Toddy
You’ll need:
- 2 Tbsp. whiskey
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- Boiling water
Pour whiskey into a mug and stir in honey and lemon juice. Top with boiling water and give it a good stir to dissolve the honey. As you wait for the drink to cool enough to sip, enjoy the steam, which can ease congestion. Once it’s cooled down a bit, drink up: My grandma always said half the benefit of the toddy was in the heat. You should feel warm and just a touch drowsy after drinking a toddy. Off to bed!
Note that only a touch of whiskey is called for in the recipe. You should avoid drinking too much alcohol when you’re sick, especially if you’re taking any cold or flu medicine. Plus, high amounts of alcohol will disrupt the sleep you need to feel better. If you’d rather, you can skip the whiskey altogether.
We’ve got more recipes to soothe your cold.
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Baby carrots go over big when seasoned with the subtle taste of rosemary. I like to sprinkle raisins on top for a combination of sweet and savory. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
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Fresh sprigs of lemon thyme make this citrusy tea so refreshing that it’s like sipping summer from a cup. In our family we like to drink it on the porch, while enjoying the warm weather. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
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When I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois
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In this recipe, brown sugar and spices add extra flavor to already delicious apple cider. —Marlys Benning, Wellsburg, Iowa
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This soup is perfect as a first course or a special-occasion dinner. It gets its delicious flavor from toasted fennel seeds—a pleasant complement to the carrots, apple and sweet potato. —Marlene Bursey, Waverly, Nova Scotia
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When I have some leftover veggies, I dress the salsa up a little with some diced green onions and bell peppers. If you like a spicier sauce, add cayenne pepper to the skillet. —Aysha Shurman, Ammon, Idaho
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I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
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The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic and fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
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This addictive vegetable combo is a fresh take on one of my mother's standard wintertime dishes. I usually add more carrots—as many as the pans will hold. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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Keep this recipe handy when you need to make a special salad quickly. The flavorful vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch to the greens and oranges. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico
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Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty. For a little more elegance and color, garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Soup
My husband is Greek, so I'm always trying new Mediterranean recipes. This soup is his favorite dish that I make. Serve it with a little feta or Parmesan and a side of toast. —Kristine Kosturos, Olympia, Washington.
Herb Roasted Root Vegetables
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I came up with this soup one weekend when my wife and I were hungry for something better than the standard. The first attempt turned out fantastic, and now I’ve got the recipe down to 20 minutes. —Chris Dalton, Mundelein, Illinois
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Inspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland
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Zingy vinaigrette combines orange juice, ginger and a flick of cayenne. Just whisk, toss with greens and top the salad your way. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
Fresh Green Beans & Garlic
I am a firm believer that fresh is best. I developed this recipe to take advantage of our garden veggies. It really shows off the full flavor of the green beans. —Carol Mayer, Sparta, Illinois
Chicken Barley Soup
No question—this is my favorite barley soup! It's so filling that I serve it as a hearty main dish, and I have given the recipe to many of our friends and relatives. It simply tastes too good to keep to yourself! —Diana Costello, Marion, Kansas
Creamy Carrot Casserole
My mom and I developed this recipe to see if there was a carrot dish that even people who don't care for carrots would enjoy. So far, I haven't met anyone who hasn't liked this casserole. —Laurie Heward, Fillmore, Utah
Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup
A good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
Hearty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This satisfying soup with a hint of cayenne is brimming with vegetables, chicken and noodles. The recipe is from my father-in-law, but I tweaked it to make it my own. —Norma Reynolds, Overland Park, Kansas
Chicken Wild Rice Soup
I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken and wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California
Ambrosia Salad
During last-minute menu planning, I often include this classic ambrosia salad recipe because I keep the ingredients on hand. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
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I love the smell of this rich, cheesy soup as it bubbles on the stove. The Gouda cheese adds a delightful smokiness that just says autumn to me.—Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
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My husband's grandmother passed this recipe on to us, and it's just wonderful—especially with a basket of warm, fresh bread on the side. This soup freezes well. —Wendy Wilkins, Prattville, Alabama
The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup
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I created this recipe for a dinner I hosted for a group of friends. The main course was Italian, and I needed a good soup, so I converted a favorite tortilla soup recipe by substituting pasta and adding different seasonings. —Maxine Pierson, San Ramon, California
The Best Chicken & Dumplings
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Simple Tomato Soup
I created this recipe on a bad weather day. My husband, Mic, and my daughter, Liz, ask for this soup constantly. Whenever I send it with my daughter for lunch at school, I always send some for her friend, too. It is pure comfort food. —Lanaee O'Neill, Chico, California
Saucy Garlic Chicken
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Roasted Chicken Noodle Soup
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Best-Ever Chicken Fajita Chowder
Warm up weeknights with bowls of this thick, cheesy soup that captures the zippy flavors of the Southwest. —Beverly Matthews, Pasco, Washington
30-Minute Chicken Noodle Soup
This quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for a cold, wintry day. It is my favorite thing to eat when I'm not feeling well; it makes me feel so much better. —Lacy Waadt, Payson, Utah
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Zippy Chicken and Corn Chowder
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Roasted Carrot Fries
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My mother-in-law raves about the chicken and rice soup we serve at our house. I tweaked the recipe several times to get it just right. —Teresa Jacobson, St. Johns, Florida
Garlic Roasted Winter Vegetables
These colorful vegetables boasting a subtle herb flavor roast to perfection and are guaranteed to become a holiday favorite. They complement almost any entrée and are easy to prepare. —Donna Lamano, Olathe, Kansas
Bacon and Garlic Green Beans
Adding white wine, lemon juice and garlic gives a little kick to green beans. It was enough to turn our old, traditional holiday side into a year-round favorite. —Shannon Reynoso, Bakersfield, California
Yummy Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Chicken and dumpling soup is a classic that every cook should have in their recipe box and this version is tried and true. My husband is not very fond of leftovers, but says he would eat this every day of the week if I let him. —Morgan Byers, Berkley, Michigan
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
What a treat to come home from work and have this savory soup ready to eat. It's a nice traditional beef soup with old-fashioned goodness. We pair it with crusty rolls topped with melted mozzarella cheese. — Heather Thurmeier, Pense, Saskatchewan
Spicy Pumpkin & Corn Soup
A seriously quick dish, it can satisfy a hungry household in 15 minutes. My family loves sharing this soup with cornbread, or you can add a zesty kick with some Rotel. — Heather Rorex, Winnemucca, Nevada
Chicken Veggie Soup
This satisfying veggie soup hits the spot at lunch or dinner. Add a side salad and some whole grain bread for a delicious, nutritious meal. —Amy Cheatham, Sandusky, Ohio
Veggie Chowder
Packed with potatoes, carrots and corn, this soup is a great healthy dinner choice. It's not too heavy, so it also makes a nice light partner for a sandwich. —Vicki Kerr, Portland, Maine
Marmalade Candied Carrots
My favorite way to make baby carrots is to steam them, then drizzle with an orangey glaze that makes them candy-sweet. —Heather Clemmons, Supply, North Carolina
Mandarin Orange & Romaine Salad
A tangy salad of romaine, celery and oranges with tarragon vinegar and hot pepper sauce makes a cool companion for turkey dishes. —Cathy Pawlowski, Naperville, Illinois
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
I order cauliflower mash every time we're at our favorite restaurant. Lucky us; one night, I figured out how to make it at home. It was so easy! —Jean Keiser, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Roasted Garlic Green Beans with Cashews
My mom got a garlic roaster and soon my kitchen was overflowing with heads of sweet, gooey, roasted garlic. This recipe, one of my many experiments, was a favorite of my family. The roasted garlic is mild and adds a rich, buttery taste to the beans. —Virginia Sturm, San Francisco, California
Mom's Chicken Noodle Soup
My mother was a pastor's wife, and she did a lot of cooking for potlucks. This recipe's one she created herself. I serve it frequently to my husband and to our four children. Every one of them is a hearty eater! —Marlene Doolittle, Story City, Iowa
Garlic Tortellini Soup
I like to top bowls of this tasty soup with a little grated Parmesan cheese, and serve it with crusty bread to round out the meal. —Donna Morgan, Hend, Tennessee
Grandma's Chicken 'n' Dumpling Soup
I've enjoyed making this rich homemade dumpling recipe for over 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois
Roasted Garlic Butternut Soup
This lower-fat soup is creamy, really intense in flavor and offers 545 mg of potassium. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode, Island
Slow & Easy Minestrone
Hot soup on a cold day is something I just can't get enough of. It's a snap to put together, and I don't have to wash pots and pans after a relaxing meal. —Sally Goeb, New Egypt, New Jersey
Spiced Garlic Carrots
This classic Moroccan side dish is served as often as possible, hot or as a cold salad, in most Sephardic Jewish homes. The natural sweetness of the carrots tempers the garlic and balances the sizzle of the pepper flakes. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Savory Root Vegetable Soup
Instead of the usual side dishes, consider serving a vegetable-laden soup at Thanksgiving or other holidays. Each spoonful will warm the body and soul. —Zan Brock, Jasper, Alabama
Citrus Tea with Tarragon
This citrusy tea accented with tarragon is the perfect way to warm up a chilly winter's afternoon. For a special presentation, add a sugared rim to each cup. —Mary Walters, Westerville, Ohio
Citrus Melon Mingle
This refreshing fruit salad has a hint of mint, honey and ginger that adds subtle flavor to the sweet combination of melons, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple and bananas. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina
Carrot Soup with Orange & Tarragon
A pretty orange color, delicious hint of citrus and garden-fresh flavor make this soup a requested dish at my many celebrations. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Pumpkin Pie Smoothies
My pie-flavored smoothie is loaded with fruit. The spices make it all come together. —Karen Sikora, Dayton, Nevada
Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts
While traveling to Taiwan, I had the pleasure of trying a unique vegetable dish that included fresh pumpkin. It inspired me to roast pumpkin with Brussels sprouts. —Pam Correll, Brockport, Pennsylvania
Warm Spiced Chai
My wife loves chai, but I have never been satisfied with any of the store-bought mixes, so I created my own. —Justin Weber, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cumin-Roasted Carrots
Carrots make a super side—big on flavor and a breeze to cook. Plus, I can actually get my husband to eat these fragrant, deeply spiced veggies. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
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Kelsey Rae Dimberg