We should all drink more hot drinks. On winter nights, when the sun goes down early and the nights are really just so cold, a warm hot toddy with tea makes us feel unbelievably cozy.
What is a hot toddy?
At its most basic, a hot toddy contains only hot water, lemon, honey, and booze. It’s actually known as a remedy for the common cold, because of the combination of heat, citrus, and sweetness. But the hot toddy can be so much more.
To that warming formula, we add cinnamon sticks, Earl Grey tea, and apple cider.
Hot toddies are really easy to simmer on the stove. The combination of ingredients will make the house smell like the holidays, and they’re as easy to brew up for two people as for a larger crowd. Next time a chill hovers in your house, turn cocktail hour into hot toddy time.
Hot Toddy Recipe
We like a nice bourbon in our hot toddies, but you can easily work with any whisky or brandy you have on hand. Be sure to take these off the stove as soon as they’re warmed to your liking; if you keep simmering the drink, the alcohol will begin to cook off.
INGREDIENTS
8 ounces whisky, bourbon, or brandy
6 tablespoons honey
2 lemons
4 cups apple cider
4 earl grey tea bags
4 cinnamon sticks
In a small pan over medium-low heat, heat the cider, cinnamon, honey, and whisky until hot, stirring to dissolve the honey. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags, and allow the drink to steep for 2 minutes. Remove the tea bags and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Pour into four glass mugs. Garnish with the cinnamon sticks and some lemon slices cut into half moons.
SERVES FOUR
Looking for more cozy ideas? Try our warm mulled wine recipe.
