Directions
Build the Base
In a mug, combine bourbon, honey, and lemon juice.
Add the Heat
Top with hot water. Stir gently until the honey dissolves.
Toast and Stir
Lightly toast a cinnamon stick over flame, then drop it in as your stirrer. The aroma rises with every sip.
Recipe Note
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Hosting Notes
✦ For flair: Serve in a clear mug so the steam rises visible.
✦ For garnish: Add a lemon wheel floating on top for color.
✦ For elevation: Sprinkle nutmeg lightly over the foam for a spiced edge.
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Pitmaster’s Pour
Want to tie it back to the pit? Smoke your honey. Set a small jar in the smoker for 15 minutes, then stir it into the drink instead of plain honey. That smoke carries on the steam, so every breath smells like the fire you just left behind.
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From the Porch
The Hot Toddy belongs to winter evenings when the cook has long been finished and the last logs in the pit are glowing low. Family lingers around the table with pie plates stacked, and steam curls up from mugs as stories stretch into the night. The toasted cinnamon stirs in warmth, the honey smooths, and the bourbon settles deep — not just a drink, but comfort in the quiet after a long day by the fire.
These recipes are intended for adults of legal drinking age (21+ in the United States; please follow the laws in your region). Fire up the grill, not the driver’s seat. Stoking the Coals encourages moderation, community, and safe enjoyment of food and drink. Please never drink and drive, and always respect your health, your guests, and the law.
