It’s wet and dreary outside. But at The Distilled Man, we’re feeling warm and fuzzy inside. In honor of the pissing rain, we’d like to salute that good ol’, steadfast companion, the hot toddy.
It’s a hot drink, usually including alcohol, that many people think of as a bedtime remedy for kicking a cold or the flu. But it’s also a perfect way to warm the heart and body on a cold, wet day.
How to make a Hot Toddy
- Pour a shot of Whisky into a cup and add boiling water
- Add a spoonful of honey or sugar
- Add a half slice of lemon, two cloves and, if available, a cinnamon stick
- Let it brew for 3-5 minutes
This is the traditional Scottish recipe above, but we also like English variation, which uses black tea instead of plain hot water–it gives it a little extra richness and kick. You can make it in any manner of ways depending on your preference. To find what suits your palate, try experimenting with the ingredients: try adding orange instead of lemon, try Scotch vs. Bourbon vs. Irish Whiskey, or even another liquor like Gin.
Every guy has to have his “go-to” drinks in any situation. With a hot toddy it’s no exception. We encourage you to tinker and find the perfect combination that fits your tastes (this also means another excuse to drink). Fortunately, there’s not much you can do to mess up a hot toddy. If you break it down, the most basic components are booze, hot liquid, and a little sweetness. No wonder it warms the heart and body.
Happy sipping.
