Lifestyles: It's the perfect time for a hot toddy
Baby, it’s cold outside and it is the perfect weather for a satisfying hot toddy. A hot toddy is a warm and comforting drink that's typically made with hot water, cider or tea with honey, spices and lemon juice. Although a hot toddy is a non-alcoholic drink, a little libation may be added to your preference.
A hot toddy AKA southern cough syrup is often served in the winter months and is traditionally thought to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. The honey soothes your sore throat, the hot liquid, again soothes the throat and helps with loosen nasal congestion. Then the liquor warms your body from the inside out while relaxing you. There are many ways to make a hot toddy. You can experiment with different spirits, spices, fruit and other ingredients to make your own custom and favorite blend.
To make a hot toddy, warm a mug with hot water to help it hold heat longer, then add the remaining ingredients and stir. This delicious drink can also be made in large quantities for holiday celebrations. Here is a simple and classic recipe for a hot toddy that can be the basis for your own special blend.
Hot Toddy
Ingredients:
1 cup hot water, tea or cider
2 to 3 teaspoons honey, to taste
2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste
1 lemon round
1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
Optional: 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of your favorite liquor
Instructions:
In a teapot or saucepan, bring the water, tea or cider to a simmer. Pour the hot liquid into a mug.
2 teaspoons honey and 2 teaspoon lemon juice to taste. Stir until the honey has disappeared into the hot liquid. Taste and add 1 teaspoon honey for more sweetness and/or 1 teaspoon more lemon juice for more zing. You can also add your favorite liquor at this time.
Garnish with a lemon round and cinnamon stick (if using).
Variations:
Instead of bourbon or whiskey, use brandy or dark/spiced rum.
For extra flavor, you could also steep 1 tea bag (green or black tea) in the hot water for 2 to 3 minutes, or add a splash of apple cider.
Garnishes by adding a slice of orange, apple, fresh peeled ginger, whole cloves or star anise
Make it Vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey.
Enjoy!
