It's about to get really cold on the Palouse. Like frozen-nose-hair cold. The perfect thing to combat the impending frigid temperatures (besides fleeing to warmer climes) is a hot toddy. The beauty of a hot toddy is that it's so versatile. And that after one or two you absolutely will not care how cold it is outside. This drink is traditionally made with whisky or brandy, but you can use any spirit that compels you. We used a black tea base and let it steep with fresh ginger and cinnamon to make it nice and spicy, which is particularly great if you're fighting a winter cold.
To make this hot toddy you will need:
2 bags of black tea 1/4 cup fresh ginger, sliced 2 cinnamon sticks 1 lemon, cut into quarters 2 ounces of whisky, brandy or bourbon honey to taste 3 cups water
Place the ginger and cinnamon in a small saucepan with the water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve. Place one tea bag in each mug and pour the mixture over. Let tea steep for 5-7 minutes. Add 1 ounce of whisky to each mug. Add honey to taste. Finish with a squeeze of lemon. Garnish with a lemon slice or cinnamon stick.
