Winter is here and we are all ready to enjoy this season with warm and cozy delicacies. Gajar ka halwa, gond ke laddoo, sarson ka saag, thukpa, gushtaba, nimona and undhiyu are some regional dishes that are widely enjoyed in India during winters. It is also the time to cover ourselves in blankets and sip a hot cup of chai. But tea is not the only beverage that sooth you during winters.
Certain cocktails like hot toddy can also provide warmth in this season. Made with whiskey or bourbon as the main ingredient, this is a century old drink that is loved all over the world for its comforting properties. Served both hot and cold, hot toddy is a drink prepared with a distilled spirit, sweetener and water. But do you know there are many variations of this cocktail?
From Black tea to grand rum, here are six types of toddy you must try this season:
Classic Hot Toddy
This is a classic recipe that is popular among all cocktail lovers. Made with whiskey (or bourbon), it has a soothing and comforting taste. Other basic ingredients required for hot toddy are honey, lemon, cinnamon stick and hot water. It is perfect for any time of the day.
Black Tea Toddy
If you are fond of tea, then give your hot toddy an interesting twist by adding strong black tea to the recipe. This aromatic wintertime drink is prepared along with warm spices like cloves, cinnamon, star anise, honey, whiskey and lemon wedge. You can also use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey to sweeten your cocktail.
Grand Rum Toddy
This is a simple yet exciting variation of hot toddy which every rum lover would prefer over the regular one. Made with citrus fruits, rum, sweet orange liqueur and a hint of lime juice, it has a brighter taste. If you want your grand rum toddy to be sweeter, add a teaspoon of honey or simple syrup.
Orange Hot Toddy
Give your basic hot toddy a citrus twist by stirring a spoonful of orange marmalade into the recipe. It is also topped with a generous pile of bitter orange peel. Made with whiskey (pick Scotch or Irish, if possible), ginger, hot water and orange marmalade, it has a lovely steamy aroma.
Hot Ginger Toddy
Ginger is a go-to spice for kadha, tea or any other winter drink. So, why not add it to your regular hot toddy? The exciting warm drink has a darker flavour and is perfect for all celebrations during chilly season. The main ingredients of hot ginger toddy are honey, lemon juice, bourbon whiskey, ginger liqueur and hot water.
Hot Gin Toddy
This is an aromatic and incredibly cozy variation of hot toddy that can become a star of any party or celebration. Hot gin toddy can warm you up on any cold night with its soothing taste. Typically, hot toddy is made with dark liqueurs like whiskey or brandy, but this variation uses gin along with sugar. cinnamon stick, lemon and hot water.