Yes for most people drinking a hot toddy does really help a cold virus and helps you recover from a cold much sooner.
There's no real cure for a cold virus though so the hot toddy or any other medicine cannot cure the cold virus.
But drinking a hot toddy can help kill bacteria and viruses which can help you feel much better.
Every time I have a cold virus and even the flu virus I love to drink a hot toddy and it helps my cold and flu virus and helps ease the symptoms.
A hot toddy is made using a mixture of whiskey, honey, fresh lemon juice and hot water.
Mix the mixture together and you have a hot toddy that helps with the cold virus.
Even just drinking a bit of whiskey can help kill bacteria and help ease a cold as well.