Every so often the evening is in order for a nightcap.  Something that will fray the tension of the day to the sidelines and bring sleep to a cozy snuggle.  I happen to favor the Hot Toddy.  I remember exactly where I was the first time I had the beverage… Boston Summer 2002.  I had a nasty cold and an Irish family friend of mine suggested a Hot Toddy, reassuring me I would like the taste and it would help me sleep through the night.  Hot Toddy turned out to be so right…It’s such a GREAT drink.

Ingredients for hot toddy:

1 – cinnamon stick

3 – cloves

2 – anise stars

2 1/2 – cups water

1 – lemon

3 – tablespoons honey

4 – ounces whiskey

This recipe makes 2 drinks

In a small sauce pan over medium flame add cinnamon stick, cloves, anise star, and water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes. 

In two glasses divide the the remaining ingredients. Start with 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey in each glass. Then squeeze half a  lemon in each glass, and pour 2 ounces of whiskey in each glass.

Give it a good swirl and top the honey lemon whiskey mixture with hot cinnamon tea. swirl again and enjoy hot.  I serve with chili lime pistachios and pieces of tangerine for a superb accompaniment!  Sleep tight.