Fall

Rum Tum Toddy

by:
December 18, 2010
4
2 Ratings
Rum Tum Toddy
  • Serves 2
Author Notes

This is my attempt to take a classic Apple Toddy and update it using a rich Jamaican rum in place of applejack or apple brandy. I find that higher-proof spirits work best in toddies. You're diluting them with so much hot water that if you go with weaker spirits, you lose some flavor. I made this with Smith and Cross Traditional Jamaican Rum, which clocks in at a heady 57% alcohol by volume, or 114 proof. It's a delicious pot still rum that carries a hearty funk and a hefty flavor. S&C is also similar to the types of rums available in the late 1700s, when the Apple Toddy took hold. If you can't locate it, take heart. I've tried this recipe with Appleton Estate V/X and found it quite tasty, but not as rich and complex. —adashofbitters

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Special Equipment
  • oven-proof dish
  • mortar and pestle or spice grinder
  • tea kettle
  • muddler
  • tea strainer
  • kitchen matches
  • Ingredients
  • 1 apple (I used Gala)
  • 5 allspice berries
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 tablespoons Demerara sugar
  • 4 ounces Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaican Rum (or other Jamaican rum)
  • orange or lemon peel, for garnish
Directions
  1. First, bake the apple. Peel, quarter, and core the apple, and bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 45 minutes, until apple is soft enough to be mashed with a fork. Let apple cool.
  2. While apple is baking, grind allspice berries and cloves in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
  3. Place kettle on stove with water and bring to boil.
  4. Add ground spices and sugar to medium bowl, along with a splash of hot water (about an ounce) from the kettle. Stir until dissolved. Add apple. Muddle apple until pureed. Stir to combine apple, spices, and sugar. Add rum and 7 oz. of water from the kettle. Stir.
  5. Immediately divide the toddy among two toddy mugs, using a tea strainer to remove solids. Top with about 1/2 ounce of water from the kettle in each mug. Flame (or twist) orange or lemon peel over mug and serve.
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  • TasteFood
    TasteFood
  • lastnightsdinner
    lastnightsdinner
  • Sagegreen
    Sagegreen
  • adashofbitters
    adashofbitters
  • Midge
    Midge
adashofbitters
I'm a home bartender/mixologist who also loves to cook!

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7 Reviews

TasteFood
TasteFood December 20, 2010
Oh my. This is just what the doctor ordered.
 
lastnightsdinner
lastnightsdinner December 19, 2010
I tried to upload the video here but it wasn't working, but for those of you who haven't ever flamed a citrus peel, you can see how it's done here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenblossom/5275619518/

It smells heavenly once the heat hits the oils in the peel, and it's a fun bit of showmanship.
 
Sagegreen
Sagegreen December 19, 2010
Thanks for the history, too. Great recipe.
 
adashofbitters
adashofbitters December 19, 2010
Thank you both!
 
Midge
Midge December 19, 2010
I was looking forward to seeing an entry from you and wow, this sounds pretty spectacular. Will have to keep an eye out for Smith & Cross.
 
lastnightsdinner
lastnightsdinner December 19, 2010
You should be able to get it at Brix in Boston. It's really a beautiful rum :)
 
drbabs
drbabs December 19, 2010
You have to love a drink recipe that starts with, "First, bake the apple."