Holiday Hot Toddy

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Stalled by a cool summer, the fruit on our Meyer lemon tree has been slow to ripen this year. When I picked my first handful yesterday, I knew they had to play a leading role in my holiday hot toddy. I added my version of a ginger syrup I found on the Food Network site. Eager to sample the drink, I decided not to wait for the syrup to chill. Not a fan of bourbon or dark rum, I used my favorite scotch, Famous Grouse. A jigger measure of one and a half shots is equivalent to 1 1/2 ounces.

This hit the spot just now after a chilly walk on the beach.

Serves 4

Ginger Syrup:

  • 2 Meyer lemons
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh ginger root, unpeeled
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup water

1. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the lemon peel, being careful not to include the pith. Reserve peeled lemons. In a food processor, finely chop the lemon peel and ginger.

2. Using a medium-sized saucepan, add the lemon-ginger mixture, sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain syrup and cool. You will have a cup of syrup.

Hot Toddy:

  • 1 cup scotch whiskey, preferably Famous Grouse
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 1/2 ounce ginger syrup
  • 1 1/2 ounce Meyer lemon juice

1. Using a medium-sized saucepan, gently warm the scotch, honey, ginger syrup and lemon.

2. Serve warm in glass mugs.

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12 Responses to Holiday Hot Toddy

  1. TasteFood December 30, 2010 at 2:19 am #

    I love your gingery version. We could do with one of your hot toddies right now – in a blizzard at Mammoth!

    • lizthechef December 30, 2010 at 2:46 am #

      Wish we were there too – the mountain where I learned to ski in my early 30’s. Be safe – should clear tomorrow – very cold here. Meanwhile, take a run for me!

  2. Toni December 30, 2010 at 2:34 am #

    we needed this today as we were working putting the nursery back together, it would have kept us warm.

    • lizthechef December 30, 2010 at 2:47 am #

      Had I known, I am available for take-out ๐Ÿ˜‰ Happy New Year to my favorite nursery ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Chez Suzanne December 30, 2010 at 6:57 pm #

    This looks like just the ticket for us this afternoon! We’ve had a ton of snow in the last 36 hours and my friend who’s visiting this week and I are heading to a massage and a facial this afternoon. We’re making this when we get back!!! Perfect pamper day!

    • lizthechef December 30, 2010 at 8:45 pm #

      Great minds think alike – just got a pedicure! Thanks – come home safely.

  4. Maria at Fresh Eats December 30, 2010 at 7:55 pm #

    I love the idea of a Meyer lemon and ginger syrup. Great thinking…

    • lizthechef December 30, 2010 at 8:46 pm #

      Thanks and Happy New Year to you!

  5. Mare December 31, 2010 at 4:15 pm #

    I love this syrup! However, I am not a scotch drinker so dark rum would be perfect with this!

  6. Sunchowder January 1, 2011 at 2:21 pm #

    You have the best taste in Whiskey! This is my husband’s favorite too. He shortcuts his toddys and he uses Stone’s Ginger Wine ๐Ÿ™‚

    • lizthechef January 1, 2011 at 5:07 pm #

      I’ll have to look for that ginger wine – thanks! Happy New Year – can you rest a bit these days??

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