A perfect beverage for cooler weather. My version pairs a young Islay scotch with complementary spices. If you don't drink I've included some spicy suggestions below to replicate the experience, as well as some ideas to make it more layered and complex. Enjoy!

Spiced Hot Toddy

Author
Christian Leue
Servings
2
Category
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)
  • 2 soft cinnamon sticks

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan heat the water, honey, and star anise over medium heat until hot (about 7-8 minutes)
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Strain the hot honey infusion, reserving the anise pods for garnish. Divide between the two mugs and plop an anise star into each.
  5. Relax and enjoy!

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