Hot Toddy

For those who imbibe around the holidays, there's really no tipple like the family favorite hot toddy, a warm, nutmeg-spiced whiskey cocktail. Here's how to make an easy hot toddy in a slow cooker.

Once upon a time in America, most of the Scotch that was consumed was blended rather than single malt. This was especially true when it came to hot punches and toddies and although single malts tend to deliver more body due to the fact that they’re distilled in pot rather than column stills, I still think your basic J. Walker does the trick here just fine.

This recipe first appeared in Season 13 of Good Eats.

Slow-cooker hot toddy in a clear mug garnished with a lemon slice.

ACTIVE TIME: 5

TOTAL TIME: 35

Yield: servings

Software

1 lemon, thinly sliced
1/2 cup demerara or turbinado sugar
1 quart water
2 1/2 cups Scotch whiskey
Freshly grated nutmeg

Specialized Hardware

2-to 3-quart slow cooker

Procedure

Combine the lemon, sugar, and water in a small 2- to 3-quart slow cooker set to high. Cover and heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely, 20 to 30 minutes. Add the Scotch whiskey and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and serve warm with lemon slices and freshly grated nutmeg.