The Bon Vivant’s Companion

Hot Toddy.  Hot Toddy.  Hot Toddy.  I defy you to say that several times quickly without smiling.

I love the name of this cocktail.  To me, a Hot Toddy conjures images of roaring fires, ski lodges, and Clarence (the angel from It’s a Wonderful Life).  Technically, Clarence orders a flaming rum punch in the movie, but I’m pretty sure (had he not been kicked out of the bar) a Toddy would have been next on his list.

Hot Toddies have been around since man discovered spirits could be consumed warm (so — five minutes after spirits were discovered at all – right?).  Typically brandy based, there are hundreds of variations on the classic recipe.

In the 1860’s Jerry Thomas, author, and mixologist extraordinaire, offers no fewer than seven examples of this cocktail.  In the Bon Vivant’s Companion, he gives brandy, whiskey, and gin all equal Toddy treatment.

While the Gin Toddy never caught on, Thomas’ Apple Toddy is worth a second look.  In addition to the traditional ingredients, his recipe calls for ¼ of a baked apple to be placed in the warmed cocktail.

Now, I don’t know if in baked apples were just hanging out in every kitchen and tavern in the 1860’s, but in 2008 that seems a long way to go for garnish.  (A garnish that requires patience, a pre-heated oven, and tons of butter.)

I traded the baked apple for apple cider, and came up with my own take on the Hot Apple Toddy:

Hot Apple Toddy
2 oz Brandy (rum or whiskey can be substituted)
1/2 oz honey
¼ lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick
1 or 2 whole cloves
Apple Cider
Boiling Water
Slice of apple garnish

While boiling water, gently warm the cider and cinnamon stick and cloves in a small pot.  Once it begins to steam (do not boil cider).  In a tall glass add brandy, lemon juice, and honey.  Once warmed, pour cider and spices over the brandy/honey mixture.  Top off with boiling water and stir.

The warm water cuts the sweetness of the juice, and the cider adds a comforting apple flavor to a traditionally simple cocktail (minus the oven, butter, and 45 minute cooking time).  But none of this is set in stone.  Play around with this recipe and find variations that work for you.

There are as many different uses for the Toddy as there are recipes.  Sip one as a festive winter cocktail, on a restless night let the Toddy lull you to sleep, or let it kick the ass of a tough winter cold (cause believe me, it will).  Hear that Clarence? It is a wonderful life.