How to make the perfect hot toddy

There are very few cocktails that can genuinely claim to have health benefits – but the hot toddy is one of them. Steaming and soothing, this classic libation is the perfect winter warmer, and was first mixed into being sometime in the 18th century, in India.

Traditionally, the hot toddy is created using Irish whiskey, swirled together with lemon juice, hot water and some form of sugar, be it granulated, honey or even syrup. And, thanks to this blend of life-giving, immune-system-boosting ingredients, it’s known to protect, soothe and numb in equal medicinal measure.

So, with winter fully here, what better time to learn the art of the hot toddy? Here, we’ve turned to Aaron Masonde, former manager of the Oblix at The Shard bar, to teach us the curative ways of this classic creation.

“Simply,” says Masonde, “a hot toddy is made of whisky, hot water, lemon, honey and spices. Originally, it was seen as a remedy for cold and flu-like symptoms. So, the benefits are vitamin C from the lemon, a soothing of the throat from the honey and a numbing from the whisky”.

Sounds pretty good to us. Masonde adds that the perfect time to whip up the drink is during winter – “It’s traditionally mixed during the colder months of the year,” he says, “and in the evening…” – which makes the Christmas break the ideal period in which to get to grips with the complex (and often confusing) recipe.

Although twists on the traditional recipe exist – with some suggesting rum or brandy as the spirit base – nothing beats whisky. As Masonde says, “whisky gains a great complexity and flavour profile from ageing in oak casks, and this pairs so well with the other ingredients of the hot toddy”.

And, your choice of whisky, Masonde adds, should inform the other ingredients used. Lemon juice and honey are a given, but the spices you choose should be selected to bring out the best in your chosen base spirit.

“As long as the spices complement or contrast the character of the whisky, it’ll work as a combination. And this allows a wide spectrum of herbs and spices to come into the mix.”

Below, you’ll find Masonde’s personal recipe – a hot toddy with ten flavourful ingredients. From cocoa nibs to cardamom pods, it’s a pungent, potent list of spices and spirit to create a truly restorative drink. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 50ml The Macallan Harmony Collection: Rich Cacao
• 2tsp Jing English Breakfast Tea
• 200ml boiling-hot water
• 1 bar spoon of cocoa nibs
• Half a cinnamon stick
• 3 green cardamom pods
• 5 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 10–20ml organic honey (adjust for sweetness)
• 10ml fresh lemon juice

And, here’s how to make it: “Place the spices into a pestle and lightly press them with a mortar,” says Masonde. “Then, toast them for five minutes on a low-to-medium heat in a griddle pan until they begin to release their natural oils. This will take approximately one minute – otherwise, wait until the spices are fragrant.

“Add the spices into a teapot along with the tea, hot water, honey, and lemon,” he continues. “Allow it to percolate for around three minutes, no need to stir. Then, decant into a whisky glass over your whisky – and enjoy.”

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