Feeling A Bit Under The Weather Try a Hot Toddy

One of winter's favorite drinks is a hot toddy. There are many a variation most of them starting out with a mug of hot water with or without a bit of whisky. Add in a bit of lemon, spices and sugar and there you have it a delicious winter drink. The hot toddy started out in Western Europe during the 18th century in the many pubs that served Scotch whiskey with a splash of boiling water. The drink was thought to help fend off the bitter Scottish cold. 

When trade routes through the British Empire made supplies like sugar and spices available the two were added into the mixture. The hot toddy was also adapted through the India trade routes offering medicinal hot beverages made out of tree sap. 

Another possible origin of the hot toddy was that of a physician during the mid 19th century Robert Bentley Todd from Dublin. One of Dr. Todd's prescriptions was a cure all mixture of brandy, white cinnamon, sugar and hot water. No matter the origin of the hot toddy many of them today still include a spirit base (normally whiskey), hot water, sweetener (honey or sugar) and a variety of spices. 

The hot toddy is primarily made according to taste and use of local ingredients. A hot toddy from New England may use maple syrup another with an Irish flare may use Irish whisky but one in Scotland is more than likely made using scotch. The nature of a hot toddy invites variations. 

 Blood Orange Spiced Tea Toddy

8 fluid oz. boiling water
1 Bold Breakfast Black Tea pyramid sachet
1 cinnamon stick
1 cardamom pod
1 whole star anise
1 ½  fluid oz. whiskey*
1 oz. orange liqueur*
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 fluid oz. orange juice, fresh squeezed
Orange peel (garnish)

In a mug, combine boiling water, one Bold Breakfast Black tea sachet, and spices.
Steep for 4-6 minutes.
Remove tea bag and spices (You can leave them in as well if desired).
Add the remaining ingredients and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Garnish with an orange peel.
Enjoy warm and stay cozy!

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