The fast and smooth Hot Toddy

Think back on old movies. That's where I first heard reference to a Hot Toddy. And of course, when the weather gets cold and Christmas rolls around, that's another time to think of this yummy drink. But I propose we don't use an excuse to make this simple but warm and soothing drink. Just do it! Anytime!

Last week my daughter and I were in the local CVS store shopping for Christmas gift wrap and bows when we stumbled upon a large display of brandy. $6.99 for the whole bottle? How could we resist? But what do we do with brandy? (we're not big drinkers). The weather was unusually cold for Southern California that evening, and with our bottle of brandy in hand, we decided to figure out how to make a "hot toddy" utilizing our new purchase.

The result was a soothing, drink that took away the winter chill, went well with our snowman cookies and left us wanting to make this drink again....and again. It was relatively simple and it made us wonder why we didn't make this more often. Here's how we did it:

Some type of black tea (I suggest Constant Comment but any tea is fine)

Cinnamon Sticks and cloves (optional, and not needed if you're using Constant Comment)

Brandy (one ounce per mug)

1-2 TBSP honey (to taste)

1 lemon

I don't always have cinnamon sticks laying around, but I do always have Constant Comment tea. This is a great tea for hot toddy-making because it has cinnamon and clove in it already. It's a strong and fragrant tea, and one bag will make an entire pot of tea.

So for starters, go ahead and brew that pot of tea.=. Any black tea will do. Lipton or Tetley is fine. Like I said above, I used Constant Comment for my hot toddy. If you just have regular tea bags, that's fine too. With regular tea -- If you have cinnamon stick, add that to your water along with a couple cloves. This will add a little spice to your toddy.

While the tea is brewing, get out your mugs and put a tablespoon of honey in each (add more or less to taste -- more honey if you like things sweeter; less if you don't). Next, use a hand-held juicer to sqeeeeeeze in some lemon juice on your honey, and stir. And then add 1 ounce, or a shot glass of brandy to the lemon/honey mixture.

And now for the brandy. Pour in a 1 ounce shot of brandy into each mug. Stir.

At this point, your tea should be nice and darkly brewed. Slowly (while stirring) add hot tea to your honey til your cup is filled.

That's all there is to it. Now all you have to do is enjoy!

Note that i'm not making this as a fancy drink but rather just a "comfy" drink that you can make anytime. To fancy it up, use nice mugs, add a lemon slice or a cinnamon stick before service.

Serve with cookies.

We hope you enjoy your Hot Toddy! Remember, it's not just for holidays and movies. Next time you're curling up with a good book, or watching a movie, make yourself a toddy and relax.