5 Ingredients or Fewer

Hot Toddy with Dried Cherries and Lime

by:
December 29, 2010
4.7 Stars
Hot Toddy with Dried Cherries and Lime
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
Directions
  1. 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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Amanda Hesser

Recipe by: Amanda Hesser

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.

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25 Reviews

Randi
Randi December 8, 2014
I am sipping this right now, with a sub of Meyer lemon zest. Wow. Perfect.
 
Author Comment
Amanda H.
Amanda H. December 8, 2014
Glad you like it and I'm going to try your sub!
 
joeys
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.
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
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.
Amanda H. January 2, 2011
Thanks everyone for your kindness -- happy new year!
 
Kiss M.
Kiss M. January 2, 2011
Thank you soooo much! On my second one. Flu?....What flu!!??
 
Midge
Midge January 2, 2011
This was so warming and tasty, especially loved the cherries.
 
deensiebat
deensiebat January 1, 2011
Sipping it right now... aah. I always default to toddy = booze + lemony honeyed tea. Nice to have another option.
 
onetribegourmet
onetribegourmet January 1, 2011
looks fab! love the flavors of dried cherries & lime!
 
kcg
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 (.
Sasha (. December 31, 2010
Now this drink should come with a crackling fire and 1 foot of snowfall.
 
pauljoseph
pauljoseph December 30, 2010
Yes its relay delicious and great idea
 
gingerroot
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.
J. A. December 30, 2010
I really like the combination of dried cherries and lime zest.
 
Homemadecornbread
Homemadecornbread December 30, 2010
Sounds perfect! A classic with a twist - my kind of toddy. You've got my vote!
 
Kayb
Kayb December 30, 2010
I'll have three, please. It's cold and rainy here....
 
Lizthechef
Lizthechef December 30, 2010
It's 10 in the morning but I want one of these - that kind of day. LOVE the cherries!
 
drbabs
drbabs December 30, 2010
You had me at cherries and lime.
 
drbabs
drbabs January 2, 2011
I'm having this with 8 cherries. It's essentially my lunch. Is that wrong?
 
Author Comment
Amanda H.
Amanda H. January 2, 2011
Love it!
 
lastnightsdinner
lastnightsdinner December 30, 2010
You had me at rye.
 
Sagegreen
Sagegreen December 30, 2010
Cherries and lime together sound divine. Thanks for this recipe.
 
mrslarkin
mrslarkin December 30, 2010
Sounds yummy. I like the simplicity of this! Thanks for the recipe, Amanda.