The Story Behind The Hot Brick Toddy
The Hot Toddy is one of winter’s most classic drinks. And though the simple version is ideal for whipping up at a moment’s notice, there’s plenty of room to zhuzh up the traditional recipe. In this version, Zach Rivera, bartender at Golden Years, a ‘70s-inspired bar in Chicago, introduces spices like black pepper and garam masala to kick up the complexity.
Rivera’s Hot Brick Toddy recipe is divided into two batched parts: the batter and the spirits. While the typical Hot Toddy calls for whiskey, this riff brings in a slew of unexpected spirits, with white rum as its base. Smaller quantities of applejack, banana liqueur, and amaro build the rich, wintery profile. For the batter, brown sugar and butter act as the base for the honey and spice components. Together, they make a decadent, fuller-bodied version of the beloved hot drink.
*Batter Ingredients
- 1⅓ cups light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups butter
*Batter Directions
- Soften butter.
- Mix all ingredients with a hand or stand mixer until fully incorporated.
