Hot Pomegranate Toddy

I had no clue what a “toddy“ was until a month ago.

And assuming that some of you are just as clueless as I, a hot toddy is essentially a mixed drink prepared with liquor, water, sugar, and spices.

They are perfect while it’s still cold outside, especially around the holidays.

Last month when I hosted my Holiday Brunch for my friends, I experimented and served them a Hot Pomegranate Toddy.  They all unanimously agreed the drink was pretty darn delicious.

I prepared half my Hot Pomegranate Toddy with Bacardi and the other half with Whiskey.  Personally, I preferred the Whiskey version over the Bacardi version, but if you prefer milder drinks, go for Bacardi.

So while the weather outside is frightful, forget the hot chocolate, and give this Hot Pomegranate Toddy a chance.

The prep time is less than 10 minutes!  You won’t regret it.




NUTRITION: Pomegranate Juice is an excellent source of antioxidants, of course, the more natural the better it is for you.  Lemon and Orange Juices are an excellent source of Vitamin C.  Honey contains antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers.  Additionally, honey is a natural sweetener which helps regulate blood sugar levels. 




INGREDIENTS (makes 4 to 6 servings; partially inspired by Recipe.com):

• Trader Joe’s Sparkling Pomegranate Juice – 3 cups  (Sparkling Cranberry Juice would work too)
• Water – 1 cup
• Honey – 2 to 3 tbsp
• Lemon Strips – 2 (2 inch) pieces
• Fresh Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp
• Orange Rind – 2 to 3 strips
• Fresh Orange Juice – 1/4 cup
• Whistle Pig Straight Rye Whiskey – 3 tbsp  (Bacardi works really well too)
• Cinnamon Stick – 1.5 inch piece
• Cloves – 1/2 tsp
• Cardamom – 2 pieces
• Ginger – a little piece (sliced)

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the pomegranate juice and water.  Turn the heat onto low-medium heat.
2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a pitcher… honey, lemon strips, lemon juice, orange juice, whiskey, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom.  Whisk well since honey can be sticky.
3. Add all the ingredients to the pot.
4. Take a small piece of fresh ginger and slice it up.  Add the ginger to the pot as well.
5. Whisk all the ingredients until well combined.
6. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes on medium heat.
7. This is what you should have… Hot Pomegranate Toddy boiling away.  Turn off the heat.
8. Pour into serving cups.  You can pour the Hot Toddy thru a sieve, however I prefer all the spices floating around.  Serve immediately.

TELL ME: Have you ever heard of a Hot Toddy?  Have you ever tried a Hot Toddy?  If so, what’s your favorite kind?