January 11th is National Hot Toddy Day

The holidays may be over, but winter and winter cocktails are just beginning to flow. Unfortunately with winter comes cold and flu season but fortunately there is a tasty way to cure your ills – The Hot Toddy. January 11th, 2013 is National Hot Toddy Day. What exactly is a Hot Toddy? It’s a delicious drink made with honey (or brown sugar), lemon, hot water, and the alcohol of your choice (usually whiskey, brandy, or rum) – I prefer rum but I have enjoyed it with a cognac. The Hot Toddy is the perfect way to warm up on a freezing winter day, and a few cups can help relieve those bothersome cold and flu symptoms (Editor’s note: Hot Toddies are not good for Laryngitis as alcohol dries out the throat – this I’m currently learning)

Rock‘N Fish Manhattan Beach – Rock’n Hot Toddy

According to General Manager of Rock‘N Fish Manhattan Beach (www.rocknfishmb.com) Gerry Martel, “Our version is a little more traditional and if it doesn’t cure what ails you, at least it might help you forget whatever it is — or was!”

To prepare:

Into a glass mug, filled with hot boiled water, add an Earl Grey black tea bag and let it steep a bit. Stir in agave syrup, Grand Marnier and Brandy. Garnish with an orange twist and serve.

Zinc@Shade – Southern California Hot Toddy

Manhattan Beach’s premier luxury boutique hotel and its on-site zinc@shade restaurant (www.shadehotel.com) share how to prepare their South Bay twist on a cold weather classic.

To Prepare:

2 oz Bulleit Bourbon 
6 oz hot water 
2 drops of honey 
2 tsp. lemon juice 
1 bag Passion Tea
Lemongrass 
Ground cardamom

Who do we thank for this delicious winter brew? Hot toddies originated in Scotland sometime during the 18th century. While traditional Hot Toddies were made with tea, those rules no longer apply and we’re seeing Toddies made with more coffee, cocoa, and apple cider.

How are you going to celebrate National Hot Toddy Day?