Spiced Hot Toddy
Christian Leue
2
Drink
Ingredients
1 cup water
2 star anise pods
2 - 3 tsp honey (see below for other sweetener ideas also)
1/2 small lemon, scrubbed
3 ounces Islay scotch (I used Ardbeg Wee Beastie, which was perfect)
Directions
In a small saucepan heat the water, honey, and star anise over medium heat until hot (about 7-8 minutes)
Slice two wedges or rounds off of the lemon and then add a good squeeze of juice (about 2 tsp) to the pot. You can add the squeezed lemon half also if you'd like to extract oils from the rind.
Divide the scotch between two mugs and add the lemon wedges and a cinnamon stick. The high toned soft-stick cinnamon is a better match to my tastes, but regular cinnamon sticks will work too.
Strain the hot honey infusion, reserving the anise pods for garnish. Divide between the two mugs and plop an anise star into each.
Relax and enjoy!