Maple Spiced Hot Toddy

By Kathy_Hester

You need a few warm drinks that are as easy to make as they are to drink. This toddy has the traditional bourbon, plus warming spices and maple syrup.

Ingredients

• 4 green cardamom pods
• 3 whole allspice berries
• 1 whole clove
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon stick chunks
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon black tea (or 2 small tea bags)
• 2 ounces bourbon
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Place the cardamom, allspice, clove, and cinnamon in either a large metal tea ball or small muslin bag. Add the spices and water to a saucepan and bring it to almost a boil, then turn heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove the pan from heat, leaving in the spices, and add the black tea (in a different tea ball) and steep for 4 minutes.

Remove the spices and tea. Stir in the bourbon and maple syrup and pour into mugs. Add a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Slow Cooker method: Double or triple the recipe and save any extra spiced tea in the fridge for later. Place the cardamom, allspice, clove, and cinnamon in either a large metal tea ball or small muslin bag. Add the spices and water to your 3 to 4 quart slow cooker (or in your 1½ quart if you are not doubling) and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.

Add the black tea (in a different tea ball) and steep for 4 minutes. Remove the spices and tea. Stir in the bourbon and maple syrup and pour into mugs. Add a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Note: If you don’t have a tea ball or muslin bag, add the spices and loose tea directly to the water. When the tea is brewed pour through a fine mesh strainer into a metal bowl or teapot to strain. Stir in the bourbon and maple syrup as above.