In her seventh feature under ‘Emily Says . . .’, the voice to the Manchester bar scene in Emily Puckering looks at the pick-me-up she needed this week;
The Hot Toddy. The only alcoholic drink that is warmly welcomed when one is suffering from the typical and unavoidable British head cold. One of which I have found myself plagued with right now…
Lack of appetite, consistent headaches, blowing your nose around a hundred times a day; the common head cold is the ultimate downfall. This traditional Scottish tipple isn’t the miracle cure to this ghastly virus, but it certainly gives that little pick me up we all need when feeling a bit down in the dumps. But how did this little concoction come about?
Often known as Hot Whiskey, the Hot Toddy originates from Scotland and is typically made by mixing hot water, honey and liquor. The liquor used is more than often whiskey, but brandy and rum can also be used in this medicinal concoction. The Hot Toddy is traditionally drank before retiring for the night, and often delivers a peaceful nights sleep; just what we all need, especially us bartenders!
The drink is popular during the colder seasons when people are more prone to falling unwell, with the combination of boiling water and honey being there to sooth, and the alcohol being there to numb. But what is the perfect recipe for the Hot Toddy?
My talented colleague and wonderful friend Jonah Robertshawe has the answer. My Australian companion had a little dabble in creating the perfect Hot Toddy to soothe my sore throat; and mostly, to stop my complaining, and the spec goes a little something like this:
Glass – Mug or Latte Glass
2 slices of fresh ginger
Assorted spices (cinnamon, cardamom, peppercorns)
Star Anise clove
Fresh red chilli (to taste)
25ml honey
25ml lemon juice
35ml Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whiskey
Top with boiling water
Garnish – Lemon wedge and cinnamon stick
You don’t have to be an experienced whiskey drinker to be able to enjoy the Hot Toddy. The sweetness of the honey delivers a beautifully smooth drink, toning down slightly the kick of the Monkey Shoulder; perfect for those who aren’t whiskey lovers. For those whiskey fanatics, however, a measure or two extra is always welcomed.
The combination of spices will guarantee to kick start the taste buds, making this little number the perfect winter warmer… or the perfect cold & flu medicine. When feeling under the weather, a hot drink is always the guaranteed remedy, and Jonah’s Hot Toddy has certainly made its way to the top of my list when I’m sat in bed with a box of tissues feeling sorry for myself.
A big thanks to Jonah for the little pick me up I needed! And yet another wonderful creation from Mr Robertshawe, whiskey truly is a miracle worker.
Credit:
Jonah Robertshawe at The Botanist
Photo – Epicurious
DRINKS ENTHUSIAST 