Today is National Hot Toddy Day! Considering the colder weather that we have had, this is a perfect drink for the winter months. The warm drink is created in a kettle with various kinds of alcohol (usually rum, brandy, or whiskey), along with honey, lemon, water, and a cinnamon stick. It’s best enjoyed by the fire — preferably with snow falling outside. This toasty drink is even rumored to relieve cold and flu symptoms, but I’ll leave that part up to you.
So here is the standard recipe that you can use as a template, and you can adjust it slightly depending on your palate:
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup water
- 1 ½ ounces whiskey
- 2 to 3 teaspoons honey, to taste
- 2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste
- 1 lemon round
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a teapot or saucepan, bring the water to a simmer. Pour the hot water into a mug.
- Add the whiskey, 2 teaspoons honey and 2 teaspoon lemon juice. Stir until the honey has disappeared into the hot water. Taste, and add 1 teaspoon honey for more sweetness, and/or 1 teaspoon more lemon juice for more zing.
- Garnish with a lemon round and cinnamon stick (if using).
Just be careful on the amount of alcohol you use, and don’t give them to young kids. But feel free to experiment and enjoy!
