The Perfect Yuletide Hot Toddy: A Warming Comfort for Christmas

As winter settles in and Christmas approaches, there's nothing quite like the warmth and cheer of a hot toddy to lift the spirits—especially if you’re feeling a bit under the weather. 

This classic drink combines the soothing power of hot water, honey, and spices with a splash of whisky or rum, creating a delicious remedy for a sore throat or cold. Let’s get into how to craft the perfect Yuletide hot toddy to keep you cosy this festive season.

Why the Hot Toddy?

The hot toddy has been a trusted remedy for generations, thanks to its comforting ingredients. Here’s what each component brings to the table:

Hot Water: Essential for hydration and warmth, which help ease congestion and soothe scratchy throats.

Honey: Known for its antibacterial properties, honey coats the throat and calms a cough while adding a hint of sweetness.

Lemon: High in Vitamin C, lemon adds a citrusy brightness and can boost immunity.

Whisky or Rum: A small splash (or more, if you prefer) helps to relax, warms from the inside, and can relieve minor aches.

Spices (Cinnamon and Cloves): These add festive flair while providing additional antibacterial and antiviral benefits.

Ingredients for the Perfect Hot Toddy

To make a classic Yuletide hot toddy, you’ll need:

1 mug of hot water (not boiling)

1-2 teaspoons honey (Manuka honey, if you have it, for extra immune benefits)

1-2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about a quarter of a lemon)

1 shot (25-50 ml) whisky or dark rum

1 cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon) 

2-3 cloves

Optional:

Star anise for added warmth and flavour

Thin slice of fresh ginger if you fancy an extra kick

How to Make the Perfect Hot Toddy

Start with a mug: Pour the hot water into your favourite festive mug to warm it up. Swirl it around, then pour out the water to keep your drink hot.

Add the Honey and Lemon: Add the honey and lemon juice to your empty mug. Stir to blend them well. The warmth of the water will dissolve the honey quickly and help release the lemon’s natural oils.

Pour in the Alcohol: Add your choice of whisky or rum. For a more robust toddy, go with whisky; for something smoother, rum works beautifully.

Infuse with Spices: Drop in the cinnamon stick and cloves. If you’re using star anise or fresh ginger, add them now as well. Let everything steep for a couple of minutes to bring out the rich, spicy notes.

Top with Hot Water: Pour in the hot water, being careful not to let it boil, as boiling water can diminish the flavours of the honey and alcohol.

Garnish and Enjoy: Add a slice of lemon or orange for a festive touch and an extra dose of Vitamin C. Let the toddy sit for a minute before sipping to allow the spices to infuse fully.

Customising Your Yuletide Hot Toddy

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” for the perfect hot toddy. Here are a few ways to tailor it to your tastes:

Add Fresh Herbs: A sprig of rosemary or thyme adds a savoury twist and is packed with antioxidants.

Try Herbal Tea: Instead of plain hot water, use a soothing herbal tea like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger. This creates an extra layer of flavour and can bring additional health benefits.

Sweeten to Taste: If honey isn’t your favourite, try maple syrup or a spoonful of golden syrup for a different kind of sweetness.

When to Enjoy Your Hot Toddy

A hot toddy is perfect in the evening, whether you're winding down by the fire or easing the symptoms of a cold. The blend of warmth, honey, and spices can help you drift off to sleep and feel relaxed during the season’s most hectic moments.

Remember, while the hot toddy is deliciously comforting, it’s still an alcoholic drink, so enjoy in moderation. If you’re taking medication or are unwell, a non-alcoholic toddy—substituting the whisky or rum with apple cider or simply more water—can still be just as soothing.

A Toast to Health and Comfort

The Yuletide hot toddy is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of the warmth and comfort we seek during the winter months. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment alone, this toddy will bring you both cheer and calm. So, wrap yourself in a cosy blanket, put on your favourite Christmas jumper, and let the magic of this festive drink work its charm.

Here’s to health, warmth, and a very merry Christmas!

PS I wrote this after sipping on a hot toddy very kindly mixed for me by my wife!)

A Warm Welcome to Bardinet French Brandy: Your Christmas Drinks Cabinet Essential

As the Christmas season approaches, many of us start planning our festive menus, stocking up on treats, and, most importantly, selecting the perfect beverages to complement the celebrations. 

If you're searching for a versatile and affordable addition to your Christmas drinks cabinet, look no further than Bardinet French Brandy. 

This beautifully crafted spirit delivers both quality and value, making it an excellent choice for the holiday season. Here's why you should consider it for your Christmas drinks selection.

A Taste of Tradition and Craftsmanship

Bardinet French Brandy has been a staple in the world of brandy for over a century, with roots dating back to 1857. This rich history of craftsmanship is apparent in every sip. The brandy is distilled from fine French wines, which are aged in oak casks to develop a smooth, well-rounded flavour profile.

One of Bardinet’s most appealing qualities is its balanced flavour—it's not too overpowering, yet it still has the depth you expect from a good brandy. You’ll notice notes of dried fruits, caramel, and a touch of vanilla, which work together to create a warm, inviting taste. The smoothness of Bardinet makes it an excellent standalone sip, perfect for those cold winter nights by the fire.

Versatility in Christmas Cocktails

Bardinet’s versatility is what truly sets it apart, especially for those who enjoy mixing drinks during the holidays. Whether you're crafting classic cocktails or trying something new, Bardinet provides the perfect base spirit.

Brandy Eggnog, for instance, is a Christmas classic, and Bardinet brings the richness and warmth that makes this festive favourite sing. Its subtle sweetness also works well in brandy punch or hot toddies, ideal for warming up your guests on chilly December evenings. For a simpler yet elegant option, you can mix Bardinet with ginger ale and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a light, refreshing cocktail to enjoy before or after dinner.

Affordability Without Compromising Quality

Christmas can be an expensive time of year, so finding a quality brandy at an affordable price is key. Bardinet is often available at a very reasonable price point compared to other premium brandies. Despite being budget-friendly, it does not compromise on quality, making it a smart addition to your drinks collection. You’ll get the satisfaction of enjoying a sophisticated spirit without breaking the bank, which is especially appreciated during the busy (and often costly) holiday season.

The Perfect Gift

If you're looking for a thoughtful yet affordable gift for the spirits lover in your life, Bardinet French Brandy is an excellent option. Its classic presentation and reputation for quality make it a welcome addition to any drinks cabinet. Pair it with a set of beautiful brandy glasses, and you’ve got a perfect gift for a friend or family member who appreciates the finer things in life.

Final Thoughts

Bardinet French Brandy delivers on all fronts—flavour, versatility, and value. Whether you enjoy it neat, in a cocktail, or as a heart-warming gift, it’s a perfect fit for the festive season. Adding Bardinet to your Christmas drinks cabinet is a surefire way to elevate your holiday gatherings and ensure your guests leave with a smile.

This year, let Bardinet French Brandy bring warmth, tradition, and a little bit of indulgence to your Christmas celebrations. Cheers to a season filled with good company, great food, and even better drinks!

My wife and I found this to be a delicious VSOP brandy which we are now keeping in our Christmas drinks cabinet.

Have you tried Bardinet French Brandy? Share your festive cocktail recipes or experiences in the comments!

Feeding Christmas Nostalgia with Natural, Pasture-Fed Dairy from Hollis Mead

With Christmas just around the corner, who doesn't look forwards to those special nostalgic indulgences like cheese?

Hollis Mead is one of the only certified 100% Pasture Fed, organic dairies and creameries in the UK and produces a growing selection of award-winning soft cheeses.

Their organic Benville Brie and Truffled Benville Brie have both won 3 Stars in the Guild of Fine Food, Great Taste Awards in 2022 & 2023, an accolade given to less than 1% of the 14,000 entries each year. And their special edition Corscombe Camembert, also returns this Christmas and joins their Brie's to form the perfect Christmas triad of cheese!

Founded in 2020, the vision at Hollis Mead is to help people fall back in love with natural, organic, dairy. To do this they realised they need to demonstrate there is a different, healthier, and more natural way of consuming dairy which is in balance with nature.

They are developing a unique dairy brand which disrupts conventional dairy and the growth of plant-based, highly processed alternatives. Their cows eat 100% pasture from our organic farmland and live outside for most of the year until the weather makes this intolerable for their wellbeing. They only milk their cows once a day which means much less stress on the animal and (they believe), a much higher quality of life for them.

From their 100% pasture-fed, organic milk, they produce a glittering array of award winning, natural dairy products including cream, yoghurts, fine cheeses, butters, crème fraiche, cottage cheese and cultured kefir's as well as exclusive Christmas products like Brandy Cream and Brandy Crème Fraiche.

The Great British Cheese Hamper - £50

Treat your tastebuds to their award-winning Sustainable British Cheese Hamper. Hand made with fresh milk on the farm, using only traditional methods. Unique in quality and taste, because of their 100% pasture fed organic cows' milk.

The hamper contains their Benville, an award winning triple cream cheese (250g), their Truffled Benville, an award winning brie style cheese with wild truffles (250g), their Corscombe - a delicious camembert style cheese (250g) and their unique Cottage Cheese - a creamy, protein rich cottage cheese (300g).

The Hollis Mead Christmas Hamper - £60

Treat family and friends to their award-winning dairy products this Christmas! Made by hand with fresh milk on the farm, using traditional methods. Unique in quality and taste, because of their 100% pasture fed organic cows' milk.

The hamper contains their Benville, award winning triple cream cheese (250g),  their Truffled Benville – award winning brie style cheese infused with wild truffles (250g), their Corscombe Camembert, their popular camembert style cheese (250g), their Salted Butter, award winning and hand rolled brandy butter (200g), their special Christmas Brandy Crème Fraiche, made with their 100% pasture fed organic cow's milk with a splash of Brandy (300g), and their Brandy Cream, made using 100% pasture fed organic cow's milk with a hint of brandy (300g).

All Christmas products will be available from https://hollismead.com from mid-November 2023.

Photograph courtesy of Richard Budd Photography (https://www.richardbudd.co.uk).