When I come in from the cold, the first thing I want is a warm drink. For such an occasion, I’ve got just the thing. Anyone for hot toddies?
Origins of Hot Toddy
That hot toddy believes it originates in India from the Hindi “daddy.” The first recipe written in 1786 included alcoholic liquor, hot sugar water, and spices. The drink was popularized in the UK and then the US. By the middle of the 19th century, the drink was popular as a remedy for common colds.
How to make this recipe
My recently rekindled passion for rooibos inspired this simple one-pot, 15-minute hot toddy.
Have you tried it before? It is a deep red color and has a subtle sweetness. For us older ladies (and gentlemen), it’s decaffeinated. It’s a little like chai but without the spice. It’s great for evenings when you’re looking for something sweet to drink after dinner.
This toddy’s base is made up of unfiltered apple cider, water, and rooibos. This toddy is boozy, delicious, and spicy with fresh and ground ginger, cinnamon, and optionally bourbon. It’s the perfect drink to serve to a large group on New Year’s Day when it is cold and windy. This is something I can see myself enjoying all winter long, whether it’s with or without alcohol (but definitely booze).
Ingredients
- Unfiltered apple juice, 1 1/2 cups
- 3/4 cup of water
- Juice 1/2 medium lemon (more for tart).
- One cinnamon stick (or 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon per 1 stick)
- Fresh ginger slices (about 1/4 inch thick)
- One healthy pinch of ground ginger
- Salt + Pepper: 1 pinch
- Two rooibos bags (or sub-chai tea).
- Cayenne pepper (optional )
- 1 ounce bourbon (we love Bulleit Rye Whiskey) (optional)
- Sweetener: 1-2 tbsp (coconut syrup or maple sugar // optional).
Instructions
- Add water, apple juice, cinnamon, fresh ginger, and ground ginger to a small pan and heat it to medium-high. Turn the heat off and add the rooibos bags. Steep on the stove for 10-12 mins (with heat off).
- Add cayenne or bourbon to taste and adjust as necessary. Add maple syrup or coconut sugar if you feel it needs to be sweeter.
- Remove tea bags, divide into two serving glasses (amount according to original recipe // adjust for a change in batch size), and add additional lemon slices. Serve hot.
- The best is to eat it fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
