Hot Toddy recipe

For most of the country, the weather outside has moved from frightful to “F this”.  In the spirit of keeping you warm AND drinking (but please, don’t go outside after drinking – even more dangerous than usual and I like my readers alive and warm), check out this classic recipe for a hot toddy.  There are a zillion variations, I’ve even seen ones with tequila.  The basics are:

• Boiling water (and/or an already warmed mug)
• 2 shots of whiskey – my preference is a bourbon like Hudson Baby Bourbon for a little bit of sweetness, but you could use a rye like Templeton Rye
• 1-2 tsp. simple sugar or demerara (to taste)
• Lemon
• Cloves

You can use the water to heat the mug, and if you do, pour it out after a minute or two.  Refill about half way with boiling water.  Add whiskey, your sugar choice and squeeze a bit of lemon in (drop the cloves in, too, if you like them).  Give it a good stir and drop the rest of your lemon wedge/twist into the mug.  Sip until spring.