The rich and warm Brandy Hot Toddy is a soothing, fruit-tinged sipper, and the perfect companion on a brisk day.
The head of the rescue team yelled over the loud, idling engine, almost bursting their lungs to be heard. The order to start the crank and hoist the chain up was given, and everybody sprang into action. There they were, in the middle of a frozen ocean during the darkest hours of the night. Only a few floodlights shone down on the hole they drilled, so that their best diver could descend into the inky, icy depths.
Rumors swirled for centuries that this part of the polar sea was once home to an Atlantean outpost, a colony of the fabled lost civilization. Most scholars scoffed at these theories, with respected archaeologists laughing in the face of the “mad scientist” who led a confused and befuddled bunch of experts to one of the most remote and dangerous parts of the globe.
But now their star diver, an adventurer of some repute, was being hauled back to the surface as the chain he’s attached to is reeled back in. The techs around the hole in the ice huddle together, waiting in breathless anticipation for the diver’s return and findings. Soon enough, something emerges.
A person-sized block of ice is brought out, the diver frozen within. The team jump into action and start chipping away, trying to get the poor soul within out. First, their face is revealed, protected from this frozen situation by their mask and rebreather.
The diver spits the mouthpiece out, teeth chattering as they speak. While they couldn’t find any physical evidence of Atlantis down below, they would really like a Brandy Hot Toddy.
What Is The Best Brandy To Use In A Brandy Hot Toddy?
I don’t have much experience with brandy, I must confess, or cognac. At my local liquor store, I struck up a conversation with the fella who runs the place and asked him what a popular, good brandy would be to make some cocktails with. The ones that got mentioned right away were E&J VS, Paul Masson and St-Rémy. That shopping trip, I chose a Paul Masson, and not just because of the recommendation, but I can’t hear the name Paul Masson and not think of Orson Welles doing a commercial for the brand. Seek it out.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 1/2 ounces brandy
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1 lemon slice for garnish
- 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Bring 1/2 cup of water to a simmer on the stove.
- In a pre-warmed mug, add brandy, honey, and lemon juice. Stir gently to blend.
- Slowly top with the hot water and stir well until the honey fully dissolves. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick, then serve immediately.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Pour and mix your Toddy into your favorite coffee or glass mug. Garnish with a lemon wedge and cinnamon stick for a little extra spice and zing.
Can a toddy be served as a chilled drink?
I don’t see why not. Once it’s mixed and prepared, store it in your refrigerator and let it chill thoroughly for up to an hour. Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick.
Other Hot Libations Worth Trying
Don’t let a cold or nasty winter weather get you down. Is this weekend a gray and chilly one, instead of sunshine and blue skies? Well, maybe a Brandy Hot Toddy or two is just the thing you need to perk you up, as well as keep you toasty. And if you’ve become a fan of tonight’s recipe, here are a few other warm libations that bring new meaning to the word cozy.
- Hot Shot – This shooter helps keep the home fires burning.
- Hot Buttered Rum – The perfect smooth sipper for a winter’s day.
- Irish Coffee – Java, whiskey and brown sugar craft this classic hot cocktail.
- Boozy Hot Chocolate – Treat yourself to this powerful, indulgent and delicious tipple.
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