CHASE AWAY THE WINTER CHILL

Warm Up With A Classic Cocktail For Those Cold Winter Nights

Hot toddies are ideal for entertaining, and have been around for centuries. Usually a mix of a spirit (either whiskey, rum or brandy) hot water, honey and spices, some believe the word ‘toddy’ comes from an Indian drink of the same name that is produced by fermenting the sap of palm trees. Other sources say the hot toddy was created by Dr. Robert Bentley Todd, an Irish physician who prescribed a drink made of brandy, white cinnamon, sugar syrup, and water. The drink was dubbed the “hot toddy.”

Hot drinks embellished with alcohol were long used for medicinal purposes. While alcoholic beverages are no longer used as medicine, hot toddies can still chase away a chill. “Grog” is another name given to hot alcoholic drinks, or any drink in which unmeasured amounts of spirits are mixed with other ingredients. Grog may also refer to a water-andrum mixture that sea merchants once drank. The water kept the merchants hydrated, while the rum prevented the water from spoiling during voyages.

The classic hot toddy can be a versatile drink used to keep guests comfortable and cheerful. This warm libation is soothing and savory, mixing citrus, honey and spices, which each have their various health benefits.

Although hot toddy recipes vary, the following is the recipe for a classic hot toddy.

Classic Hot Toddy

11/2oz bourbon, whiskey or another brown liquor

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice

1 cup boiling water

Cinnamon stick

Lemon wedge

Cloves or star anise a cup. A dash of cayenne pepper makes the drink extrawarming without being overtly spicy. ingredients

Combine liquor, lemon juice, honey, and boiling water together in a mug or Irish coffee glass. Push cloves or star anise into the lemon wedge. Add the cinnamon stick and lemon wedge to the mug. Allow lemon and cinnamon stick to steep in the beverage for a few minutes. Stir and enjoy.

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1 cup whipping cream

3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

2 3x1-inch strips orange peel

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Unsweetened whipped cream

In a heavy medium saucepan, heat the milk, 1 cup cream, brown sugar, orange peel, and cayenne over medium-low heat until just simmering. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and vanilla; let stand 5 minutes. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and chocolate is melted. Return to medium-low heat; cook and stir until desired temperature. Remove orange peel. Pour into demitasse or small teacups and top with a small dollop of whipped cream.

GLUHWEIN (hot spiced mulled wine)

ingredients

1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1 orange, cut into thin wedges

2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel

1/4 cup lemon juice

6 inches stick cinnamon

2 cardamom pods, crushed or 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon whole cloves

1 750ml bottle dry red wine (Burgundy, Zinfandel or Merlot) Brandy, rum, vodka, port or kirsch (optional)

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, orange wedges, lemon peel and juice, cinnamon, cardamom pods, bay leaves and whole cloves. Bring to boiling; reduce heat, Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Pour in the wine and heat until steaming but not simmering.

To serve, strain mixture through a very fine wiremesh strainer; discard solids. Serve hot wine in small heatproof mugs or glasses. Add about 1 tablespoon of brandy or desired liquor to each, if you like. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Variation

Kinder Gluhwein (Mulled Spiced Cider for Kids): Prepare and serve as above, except substitute 3-1/4 cups apple cider or apple juice for the wine and omit liquor options.

ingredients

1/2 cup whipping cream

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 cup finely chopped semisweet chocolate or finely chopped milk chocolate

1/2 cup crushed striped round peppermint candies

8 cups hot espresso or very strong coffee

Chocolate curls

Beat the whipping cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on low speed until soft peaks form; set aside.

Spoon 1 tablespoon each chopped chocolate and peppermint candies into a coffee cup. Add hot espresso. Top with the whipped cream and chocolate curls. Serve at once. Makes 8 servings.