Happy National Hot
Toddy Day!
I don't know about
you, but this is one holiday that I can really embrace, particularly with cold
temps and freezing rain coming down. The Hot Toddy has is origins in
Ireland, I believe, undoubtedly when some poor sap suffering with a cold
decided to have shot of whiskey and added water and spices in order to pass it
off as therapeutic, bless him. This version includes a shot of Irish whiskey,
brown sugar, a lemon slice studded with cloves, and hot water.
There is also a Scottish
version that involves whiskey, honey, cloves, a lemon slice, a cinnamon stick,
and hot water.
Americans tend to
make their toddies with hot tea, something that I find appalling as it totally
negates the deliciousness of the whiskey.
Whichever version
you decide is for you, here is the basic, American recipe. Add, subtract, or
alter in any way that you see fit. I like mine spicy so use lemon juice, cloves, a
cinnamon stick, sometimes a shot of applejack in place of the whiskey, and
hot water – I never use tea. I imagine a shot of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey would
be mighty warming on a cold winter night as well. After a couple of these in
front of a roaring fire, you really won't care which combination is used. So
have fun with the recipe, make it your own, celebrate this fun holiday,
and stave off the winter weather and a potential cold.
To your health!
American Hot Toddy
1 1/2
ounces brandy, whiskey, or rum
1 Tablespoon honey
1 Tablespoon freshly
squeezed lemon juice
Lemon slice
4-5 whole cloves
1 cup hot water
1 tea bag
In the bottom of a
mug or an Irish coffee glass, pour honey, liquor of choice, and the juice
of the lemon. Set aside. Meanwhile, boil water and add the tea bag to
make a weak tea. Remove bag and pour
steaming tea into the glass and serve immediately.
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