Name: Hot Toddy with Dried Cherries and Lime
Yield: Serves 1
Ingredients: 2-inch-long piece lime zest; 4 dried cherries; 1 teaspoon raw sugar; 2 ounces rye (or other dark spirit); 6 ounces boiling water

Test Kitchen-Approved
A & M's Annual Smackdown / Your Best Hot Toddy Contest Finalist

Author Notes

This is a classic hot toddy (1 part dark spirit to 3 parts boiling water, sweetened) with a few tweaks. I used rye instead of the typical bourbon or whiskey, raw sugar instead of white, and I slipped in a few dried cherries and some lime zest to scent the drink. It's a revitalizing antidote post-snow-shoveling, or post-holiday-anything. By the time you reach the bottom of the mug, the cherries are plumped up and boozy. Drink and treat in one -- cheers! - Amanda —Amanda Hesser

Serves 1

Ingredients

2-inch-long piece lime zest
4 dried cherries
1 teaspoon raw sugar
2 ounces rye (or other dark spirit)
6 ounces boiling water

In This Recipe

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Directions

In a mug, combine the lime zest, dried cherries, and sugar. Add the rye. Pour in the boiling water, and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Sip and enjoy!

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Contest Entries

A & M's Annual Smackdown / Your Best Hot Toddy

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Randi
Hilarybee
Amanda Hesser
Kiss My Braciola Goodbye
Midge

Review

Before starting Food52 with Merrill, I was a food writer and editor at the New York Times. I've written several books, including "Cooking for Mr. Latte" and "The Essential New York Times Cookbook." I played myself in "Julie & Julia" -- hope you didn't blink, or you may have missed the scene! I live in Brooklyn with my husband, Tad, and twins, Walker and Addison.

Popular on Food52

25 Reviews

Randi December 8, 2014

I am sipping this right now, with a sub of Meyer lemon zest. Wow. Perfect.

Author Comment

Amanda H. December 8, 2014

Glad you like it and I'm going to try your sub!

joeys February 16, 2014

I made bourbon bounce again this year and have lots of cherries leftover.... I think I found a new home for them!!

Author Comment

Amanda H. February 16, 2014

I just made this again last night -- it's perfect for the weather on the East Coast this winter!

Hilarybee December 28, 2012

I enjoyed this greatly, especially the cherries. This year I subbed sweet oranges for the lime, used honey and bourbon instead of rye. Wonderful!

Author Comment

Amanda H. January 2, 2011

Thanks everyone for your kindness -- happy new year!

Kiss M. January 2, 2011

Thank you soooo much! On my second one. Flu?....What flu!!??

Midge January 2, 2011

This was so warming and tasty, especially loved the cherries.

deensiebat January 1, 2011

Sipping it right now... aah. I always default to toddy = booze + lemony honeyed tea. Nice to have another option.

onetribegourmet January 1, 2011

looks fab! love the flavors of dried cherries & lime!

kcg December 31, 2010

I have the absolute worst cold, with good friends coming for a 'festive' New Year's Eve dinner, no less. As I have created my menu around The Essential New York Times Cook Book recipes, I decided to go one further and look for some medicinal encouragement within food52. You gals never disappoint!
I vote for this incredible libation/elixir/yummy drink!
Cheers....

Sasha (. December 31, 2010

Now this drink should come with a crackling fire and 1 foot of snowfall.

pauljoseph December 30, 2010

Yes its relay delicious and great idea

gingerroot December 30, 2010

This week I've learned I'm a dark spirit girl...Bourbon has become my friend; rye with cherries and lime zest sounds divine. May have to take a bourbon break and toast 2011 with this (and bubbles too, of course). Thanks for a great recipe!

J. A. December 30, 2010

I really like the combination of dried cherries and lime zest.

Homemadecornbread December 30, 2010

Sounds perfect! A classic with a twist - my kind of toddy. You've got my vote!

Kayb December 30, 2010

I'll have three, please. It's cold and rainy here....

Lizthechef December 30, 2010

It's 10 in the morning but I want one of these - that kind of day. LOVE the cherries!

drbabs December 30, 2010

You had me at cherries and lime.

drbabs January 2, 2011

I'm having this with 8 cherries. It's essentially my lunch. Is that wrong?

Author Comment

Amanda H. January 2, 2011

Love it!

lastnightsdinner December 30, 2010

You had me at rye.

Sagegreen December 30, 2010

Cherries and lime together sound divine. Thanks for this recipe.

mrslarkin December 30, 2010

Sounds yummy. I like the simplicity of this! Thanks for the recipe, Amanda.

5 Ingredients or Fewer

Hot Toddy with Dried Cherries and Lime

Author Notes

Ingredients

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Directions

Contest Entries

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Recipe by: Amanda Hesser

Popular on Food52

25 Reviews