Hot Toddy, Cold Cure
It’s been a while since I’ve done a drink post, and since I spent much of the last week nursing a cold I thought I’d share my Hot Toddy recipe. When you’re all stuffed up nothing has much smell or taste, and this traditional remedy is the quickest way to recover both.
The Scots are hands-down the best at keeping warm. Between Tweed and Whisky, could you really ask for a better remedy to a cold day? Didn’t think so. Some days though, when a cold, not the cold, gets the better of you a great glass of single malt is a complete waste. If you can’t smell, can’t taste, and can hardly breathe, don’t waste the good stuff. Grab a basic blend, some hot water, and a few other ingredients you probably already have around the house and mix yourself up a hot toddy.
There’s no standard recipe, and there’s a lot of debate as to whether you should fortify the concoction with butter, creme, egg, or other protein. The traditionalists say that creme was too scarce in the old days on the moors and the health nuts say you shouldn’t eat raw egg yolk. I won’t make claims either way, but butter is my thickener of choice. I think it adds texture without making the drink sit like a rock in my stomach. The idea is to feel better, not skip dinner.
Without further ado, here is my extremely rigid recipe for the Hot Toddy:
-Mix in a jar or large glass a pinch cinnamon, a pinch nutmeg, a pinch raw or brown sugar, a teaspoon or so lemon juice, a teaspoon or two honey, and a splash of boiling water. Stir to dissolve.
-Add a small pat of butter and another splash hot water. Stir until fully incorporated. If using a jar, put on the lid and shake vigorously for a few seconds.
-Pour an ounce of blended scotch whisky (Teacher’s is my personal favorite) into a glass, add half a teaspoon of ginger liqueur or syrup, and finally add butter and spice mixture.
-Top with another few ounces of hot water to taste. An ounce and a half if you want it strong, up to three or four if you want it softer.
-Allow it to cool briefly and then either shoot or sip before it cools off.
-Get better and get back to the really good stuff.
