Photo by James Dickinson
The beverage powers that be have decided that Jan. 11 is National Hot Toddy Day. That's right, a sanctioned day to sit toasty and sip spirits! Not sure what a toddy is? Here's a mutable recipe: alcohol + hot liquid + spice, citrus and sometimes sugar. Make your own or try one of these five favorite warm drinks.
Glogg
Scandinavians serve this mulled wine in honor of Saint Lucia. Heritage bartender Mattias Hägglund is the fourth generation to tinker with his Swedish family recipe of heated red wine, Aquavit, citrus zest, sugar and spice poured over blanched almonds and raisins. $7 at Heritage
Hot Mulled Cider
Owner Mac McCormack says his mini ski lodge of a whiskey bar still "smells like Christmas" come January when organic apple cider, spiked with vodka or moonshine, cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon is simmering on the stove. I like how the neutral spirit keeps the dram from veering into sugar town. $7.25 at McCormack's Whiskey Grill
Terry's Hot Toddy
Barman Terry O'Neill gets asked for the cure, and what comes next is as close to the original hot toddy recipe from the 1700s as any. Hot tea, honey, whiskey and lemon, served with an avuncular knowledge that only a second one could better. $6 at Penny Lane Pub
Stag's Coffee
Unadorned, steamed Bailey's Irish Cream and a shot of espresso, mixed, prove the axiom that makers of fine china and good espresso uphold — sometimes simple is best. $8 at Buckheads
Apple Butter Toddy
Catoctin Creek Rye poured cattywampus into homemade apple butter: Your own private snuggery waits in the middle of this piping hot pottery cup. $10 at Rappahannock
