An old classic that makes a great pre-dinner drink. Make a batch of these before your next dinner party.
I mentioned last month that I've been waiting for peaches to come into season in order to try this drink. I made an apricot and basil version to hold me over, but have now finally made the original.
Fresh apricot and basil give this drink is a fresh, just-from-the-farmers-market taste, perfect for a late spring afternoon.
Hot Toddy
4 or 5 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup boiling water
1 1/2 ounces brandy
Lemon wedge
Combine the cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, and honey in a heat-proof snifter. Top with the boiling water and stir to melt the honey. Add brandy. Squeeze in the lemon wedge and drop it into the snifter.
This [...]