Classics Series: Hot Toddy

With most of us affected by the “bomb cyclone” a few weeks ago, 2018 is off to a frigid start. Thankfully, there’s a drink that has been around for hundreds of years to help warm you from the inside-out and as an added bonus, it might be able to help alleviate a cough. For extra flavor, I like to make my Hot Toddy with tea, but you can easily use hot water. Since this drink should be served warm, be careful not to microwave whiskey since the alcohol will evaporate.

Hot Toddy (1 serving)

• 2 oz. whiskey
• 0.75 oz. of fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz. honey
• 2 sticks of cinnamon
• 3 whole cloves (optional)
• 1 tea bag (optional)
• (not pictured) 6 oz. of hot water
• Optional twists: Black tea, star anise, agave syrup

Equipment

• Jigger
• Citrus press
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine mesh strainer
• Electric kettle or microwave
• Heat safe glass or mug

Directions

1. Heat up 6 ounces of water until close to boiling
2. (Optional) Add 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, and tea bag into a mug, add water and let steep for 5 minutes
3. Cut the lemon in half and use the citrus press to squeeze 0.75 ounces of juice into the serving mug
4. Add whiskey and honey to the serving mug
5. Pour the hot water or tea (strained through a mesh strainer) directly into the serving mug and stir with a cinnamon stick
6. To garnish, add half of a lemon wedge to the rim of the mug and a cinnamon stick

Cheers!