4 Easy Steps to Making a Hot Toddy for the Holidays
Welcome to the hot toddy! An easy, 4-ingredient, hot cocktail that’s perfect for the holidays, or even for warding off a seasonal cold. Cozy up to this recipe and impress friends and family on a chilly holiday evening. And if anyone asks you about its history, here it is: The hot toddy has been around for a while, getting its origins from colonial India when the British used the fermented sap of pine trees mixed with spices, sugar, and hot water. Traditionally, it’s made with whiskey, but you can use the alcohol of your choice — I personally like to use rum. Here’s how to make it — let me know how it goes!
Ingredients:
For 16 servings:
14 cups hot water
⅔ cup fresh lemon juice
⅔ cup honey
5-star anises (optional)
10 black tea bags (I use green tea — this is also optional, you can just add hot water without tea)
2 lemons, thinly sliced
8 fl oz rum (of your choice or can hold the alcohol, rum is my personal preference)
lemon wedge, for garnish
cinnamon stick, for garnish
Preparation:
Add the hot water, lemon juice, honey, and star anise to a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Turn the heat to high, cover, and warm until the water begins to steam, about 30 minutes.
Add the tea bags and let them steep for about 8 minutes. Remove the tea bags and reduce the heat setting to warm.
Add the lemons and rum. Stir to combine.
Ladle into mugs and garnish with lemon wedges.
Enjoy!