The Hot Toddy (Toddie)

Good news - winter is almost officially over in a couple weeks!

Bad news - there are still quite a few days left of cold weather and possibly battling that last winter cold (before our allergies get us).

To help cope with the cold weather or that stuffy nose, scratchy throat there is relief located in your "other" medicine cabinet, a.k.a. you liquor cabinet...enter, The Hot Toddy. the Hot Toddy is great at soothing those shivery nights as a night cap.

Please allow Jacques Bezuidenhout (top bartender, Eastside West SF, Ca.) to further explain and instruct this excellent libation with his lovely accent HERE.

This is such a great cocktail because many of us already have all the ingredients on hand. Super easy and fairly quick to make and feel free to get creative and fancy with it. You will need...

Simple version:

A coffe mug (Mason jars work great!)
A spoon
Piping hot water
2 oz whiskey, bourbon, rye, or even a scotch of your choice
1/4 oz Lemon juice
4-6 whole cloves
1 star anise (if desired)
2 tsp Honey or sugar (or add to taste)

Getting fancy:

A coffe mug or glass mug
Bar spoon
Piping hot water

2 oz whiskey, bourbon, rye, or even a scotch of your choice
1 Lemon (you will need to make a fairly long twist and 1/4 oz juice)
4-6 whole cloves
1 star anise (if desired)
2 tsp. Demerara sugar or brown sugar is also great

Assemble...

Fill the mug with boiling water and let stand for a minute or two to warm.
Meanwhile, stick the cloves into the lemon twist and set aside. (Basic version-add cloves when you add the sugar/honey in step 3 and skip #5)
Empty the mug and fill about halfway with fresh boiling water.
Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.
Add the prepared lemon twist and stir.
Add the lemon juice and whiskey, and stir again.