The Ultimate Guide To Winter Spices In Hot Toddy Recipes
As expert crafters of winter libations, let us tell you: when that winter chill hits, there's nothing quite like a hot toddy to warm the soul. But here's the thing, while a good spirit like Johnnie Walker Black Label sets the foundation with its smoky richness, it's the spices that truly make the drink stand apart. Each condiment brings its own character to a top-notch toddy.
But we are not all talk and no show. In this guide, we are breaking down how to jazz up your hot toddy with the winter spices while you still have a few months to have fun with this drink before the mercury starts rising again.
Cinnamon Supreme
You can't talk about winter spices without acknowledging the supremacy of cinnamon. Its sweet and warm aroma is like winter in a nutshell. Stick a stick in your Toddy, let it simmer and watch as it infuses your drink with its comforting warmth.
Star Anise: The Star of the Show
Star anise isn't just pretty, it's also packed with flavour. This spice brings a subtle liquorice twist to your Toddy, adding a depth that will have your guests asking for your secret ingredient.
Cloves: A Little Goes a Long Way
Cloves are potent, so a couple of buds will do the trick. They add a spicy edge to your drink, balancing out the sweetness and warming you right up.
Orange Peel for Vitamin C
A wedge of orange peel can brighten up your hot toddy like the warm winter sun. It adds that vitamin C-packed kick that cuts through the richness of the whisky and spices on chilly winter days when you just want to be in bed or next to the fireplace.
Peppercorns, Assemble!
We like adding peppercorn to our hot toddy, especially if we are fighting the flu or have a sore throat. Pepper helps eliminate chest congestion and declogging the nose. But beyond its medicinal magic, it lends an earthy and chilli-infused sensation that is hard to replace.
Healing With Ginger
For a bit of health wealth, grate some fresh ginger into your toddy. It’s all the qualities you look for in food and drink in winter: anti-inflammatory properties, zest to clear up those sinuses, and spice to keep those taste buds working. The perfect antidote to a cold night.
Now, let's put it all together in a simple, foolproof recipe. Start with a base of 60 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label in a heat-proof glass. Add boiling water to fill up the glass. If you want a healthier version, replace the water with herbal tea. Now, choose your spice squad: a cinnamon stick, a star anise, two cloves, a strip of orange peel and a teaspoon of grated ginger. Seal it with the sweetness of a dollop of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar.
Pro tip: To really spotlight the flavours, add in a few drops of apple cider vinegar. Let this mix steep for a few minutes to let all those flavours collide with each other. Finally, relish it slowly with some banana bread or apple beignets.
