This time of year, walking around the store you hear a symphony of sniffles and “ahh-chus.” I always wish I could run up to that person and share with them the miracle of the hot toddy.
I make one any time I feel any sort of sick coming on. It’s also my go-to nightcap when I can’t sleep. I have yet to find anywhere in the Keys that offers a hot toddy, so at home is where this mug of magic happens.
Now the history of the hot toddy is complex and disputed. Some claim it was invented in India, while the Irish and Scottish swear it is their invention. We will skip the origin story. You would think for obvious reasons the hot toddy is available almost anywhere up north and basically nowhere in the south; however, its assets go much further than simply warming you up. For those who don’t know, the hot toddy is a warm cocktail that not only is delicious but sports so many benefits.
The base is made of hot tea; I prefer decaffeinated. Decaf is not only perfect for a nighttime drink, but this part of the cocktail helps with hydration. My favorite brand is Twinings, which can be found at your local grocery store. Next you add the honey, and I recommend the best honey ever I’ve had – which is harvested right here in the Keys by the Islamorada Honey Company. Honey is a known powerful antioxidant. It can also help with allergies if sourced locally and has a wide array of antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits.
Next up, the thing that sets aside the hot toddy from a regular cup of tea, is the whiskey. Now I opt for bourbon, specifically Woodford Reserve. It has notes of toasty oak and vanilla that I think pair perfectly here. Whiskey has been used since its birth to aid in fighting off infections, congestion, numb a sore throat and of course relaxation. Grab a fresh lemon, cut a nice cylinder and set it aside. Squeeze half of the remaining lemon into the mug. Lemon is where we will get that vitamin C bang. It also works as a great sidekick to all the previous ingredients to amp up what they already have to offer.
After everything has a good mix, add the lemon slice to float on top, throw in some nice aromatics like a stick of cinnamon and one star anise. You can even go the extra mile and push some cloves into the lemon. I truly feel a well-timed hot toddy has helped me dodge some colds and flus. But honestly, I love them so much, I make one pretty much any time the weather drops below 70ish. It feels like you’re getting a nice warm hug with every sip. Now go have some cuddles in a cup.
