There is such a wide variety of cocktail options out there that it’s hard to remember which ones to try in different situations; it seems like you get caught up in a cocktail rut, continuously ordering the same tired drink, over and over again. Something that we always seem to forget is the multitude of warm cocktails available to us in the colder months — in particular, the Hot Toddy.
You can cater this drink to your preferences and use whiskey, rum or brandy, and you can make it more or less spice-y by adjusting the cinnamon and cloves (and/or opting to include or exclude an actual tea bag). All that is to say that this drink is very comforting: it instantly makes you feel cozy and warm! If you don’t feel like an alcoholic beverage, but still want the warming benefits of this drink, leave out the whiskey or rum and make your own fancy tea — no one will know the difference. It’s equally appropriate at a winter cocktail party as curled up in your Snuggy on the couch!
Hot Toddy
Serves 1
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz. whiskey or rum
- 2-3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 lemon slices, garnish
- 2 cloves
- 1/2 cinnamon stick
- hot water
- 1 tea bag, optional
Directions
- Bring 1-2 cups water to boil.
- In a heatproof mug (if using glass, place a metal spoon in the mug so it doesn’t crack from heat of boiling water), drizzle honey on the bottom and pour in whiskey or rum.
- Add cinnamon stick and cloves and carefully pour in your desired amount of boiling water. Stir gently.
- Pour in lemon juice and lemon slices and (if using) tea bag.
- Let sit 3-5 minutes.
- Remove cinnamon stick, cloves and tea bag, and serve hot.
Recipe adapted from The Guardian