Gather ingredients: 1.5 to 2 oz (45 to 60 ml) whiskey or bourbon (or rum), 1 to 2 tsp honey (to taste), 1 to 2 tbsp lemon juice, hot water, optional spices (1 cinnamon stick, 2 to 4 whole cloves, lemon slice)
Heat water until steaming (not boiling)
Warm a mug by filling it with hot water for 30 seconds, then discard
Add honey to the mug
Add lemon juice
Add whiskey
Add optional spices (cinnamon stick and/or cloves)
Pour in hot water (about 6 to 8 oz / 180 to 240 ml total) and stir
Garnish with a lemon slice and/or an extra cinnamon stick
Serve immediately