Rum toddy, French style
This winter pick-me-up is served in French cafés as a warming drink on a cold day, usually in a pretty glass but sometimes in a mug. The grog — rum, hot water, sugar or honey, and lemon — is said to have healing qualities. It can be prepared at home in 5 minutes. Enjoy!
For each glass of grog:
1 cup water
1/4 cup dark rum (or more for a stronger drink)
2 tsp. raw sugar (such as demerara or cassonnade) or honey
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
spice (0ptional, see note)
Bring the water to a boil.
While the water is heating, combine the rum and sugar or honey in a glass or mug.
When the water boils, pour it over the rum. Add the lemon juice. Stir and taste. Adjust as desired. If adding a spice, add it now.
Serves 1.
Note: If you’d like to add spice to your grog, use a very light touch. Possibilities include star anise (as shown in the photo), cinnamon powder, a cinnamon stick, a vanilla bean, grated nutmeg or cloves.
