National Hot Toddy Day

What is a Hot Toddy? At it’s simplest form, it’s hot water, liquor, honey and spice. A toddy will cure what ails you or ward off dreaded diseases such as the common cold, or so we were once led to believe.

I would love to share with you the history of a Hot Toddy. But that would be impossible. Some say Scotland or England. Makes sense, while others say you need to go back even further to India, where the British first came upon a Toddy served cold. In places like Scotland and Ireland, a Toddy is a whiskey drink. In America, you’ll find it made with Brandy or Rum. That’s because the colonists were working with what was available during the Revolutionary War. More often than not, it was a brandy distilled at home or the Rum brought in from the Caribbean.

One thing is certain, a Hot Toddy on a cold day will warm you to your toes. It is soothing, and has a comforting effect, like a warm hug. The first time I had a Hot Toddy was on a very cold summer’s day in San Francisco. If you have ever been to San Francisco in the summer, you know what I’m talking about. The wind will rip right through you. But with a Hot Toddy in your hand, you can glare right back at that wicked wind with determined defiance.

So raise your glass, warm your bones and toast to National Hot Toddy Day! And one more thing, if you ever go up to a ski lodge, don’t look for me on the slopes. I’ll be the one sitting by a roaring fire, with a Hot Toddy in my hands.

Vanilla Rum Hot Toddy
1/3 cup boiling-hot water
2 oz (4 tablespoons) Vanilla Rum
1 tablespoon Honey
2 teaspoons fresh Lemon Juice
1 pinch Ground Cloves
Lemon Wedges for garnish
Cinnamon Sticks to stir

Pour boiling hot water into a 6-ounce mug or footed glass with a handle. This will warm the glass and keep the Hot Toddy hot.

Put rum, honey, and lemon juice into the mug, stir until honey is dissolved. Sprinkle with just a touch of cloves.

Garnish with a slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick. Serve hot.

Author: Rosemarie's Kitchen

I'm a wife, mother, grandmother and avid home cook.I believe in eating healthy whenever possible, while still managing to indulge in life's pleasures. View all posts by Rosemarie's Kitchen