The Lush Chef

There is nothing better than a simple hot toddy when it's cold outside, or you're feeling a little under the weather.  This cocktail has gotten me through so many film festivals (Sundance, Toronto) when I've been battling a cold and still expected to socialize and imbibe.  It's the perfect medicine, really — that sore throat I had last week?  Gone, thanks to a couple hot toddies!  I've done apple toddies before, but it's time to get back to basics.  The formula is really quite simple and you can play around with it to get the desired taste.  Use your favorite bourbon, whiskey or scotch, some lemon juice and then honey or a flavored simple syrup.  When making a hot cocktail, always fill your mug with hot water first to get it all warmed up.  This prevents your drink from cooling off too fast.  I then dump that water out, mix the cocktail and then add fresh hot water on top.  Since I'll be leaving for Sundance in a couple of days (and today is the first day), here's an ode to my favorite whiskey distillery — High West in Park City.  I used their Rendezvous Rye with their spiced syrup, which contains cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and vanilla.  If you've made my Spiced Pear Margaritas, there's a great recipe for a similar spiced syrup, or try honey syrup, ginger, or even lemon verbena.

Hot Toddy 
Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon, whiskey or scotch
• 1/2 oz lemon juice (feel free to add more or less)
• 1 oz honey or flavored simple syrup
• 4-5 oz hot water

- Add the bourbon, lemon juice and honey/syrup into a warmed mug.
- Stir and then top with the hot water.