Mezcal Hot Toddy Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 6 cups boiling water
• 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 8 hibiscus tea bags (or 3 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers)
• 1 cup mezcal
• 1/2 cup Ancho Reyes chile liqueur
• Orange slices
• Whole cloves

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven, heat the water, orange juice, and maple syrup over medium heat until it just begins to boil.
2. Once boiling, remove the mixture from heat. Add the hibiscus tea bags (or dried hibiscus flowers) into the pot.
3. Cover the pot and allow the tea to steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
4. After steeping, remove the tea bags or strain the mixture to remove the dried flowers.
5. Stir in the mezcal and Ancho Reyes chile liqueur to the tea mixture.
6. Keep the drink warm over very low heat, or transfer it to a slow cooker set to 'Keep Warm'.
7. Serve in mugs, garnished with orange slices studded with cloves for a festive touch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	215
Total Fat	0g
Saturated Fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	13mg
Total Carbohydrate	38g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugars	34g
Protein	0g
Vitamin C	28mg
Calcium	56mg
Iron	0mg
Potassium	195mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of the Mezcal Hot Toddy

The Mezcal Hot Toddy is a modern variation of the traditional hot toddy, a warm alcoholic drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. The hot toddy itself dates back to the early 18th century in Scotland and was originally made with whiskey, honey, and hot water, often used as a remedy for colds or to help with sleep. However, the Mezcal Hot Toddy takes a bold twist by using mezcal, a smoky spirit made from the agave plant primarily produced in Oaxaca, Mexico. Mezcal, known for its distinctive smoky flavor, has been gaining global popularity over recent decades. It is said that the combination of mezcals complex flavors with the warming spices and citrus in the toddy creates an invigorating, yet soothing beverage.

Regional Features of the Mezcal Hot Toddy

The Mezcal Hot Toddy draws its inspiration from two distinct cultures. The first is the traditional American or British toddy, which has long been a staple during cold weather months. The second is the rich heritage of mezcal production in Mexico, where the spirit has been crafted for centuries. Mezcal is often associated with the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, where the production process, including roasting agave hearts in underground pits, imparts its signature smoky taste. This connection to Oaxaca gives the Mezcal Hot Toddy a unique Mexican influence, offering a fusion of traditional elements from both the American and Mexican drinking cultures.

What Makes Mezcal Hot Toddy Different from Similar Drinks

While the Mezcal Hot Toddy shares similarities with its traditional counterparts, the key difference lies in its use of mezcal. Traditional hot toddies typically use whiskey or rum as the base spirit, which has a smoother, less smoky profile than mezcal. Mezcals smoky and earthy undertones elevate the flavor profile, making the Mezcal Hot Toddy more complex and intriguing. Another distinguishing feature is the inclusion of Ancho Reyes, a chile liqueur, which adds a subtle spice that you wont find in most traditional hot toddy recipes. Additionally, the use of hibiscus tea bags in this recipe introduces a floral note that balances the heat and smoke from the mezcal and the chili liqueur.

Where is the Mezcal Hot Toddy Typically Served?

The Mezcal Hot Toddy is a popular drink at gatherings during the colder months, particularly in areas where mezcal has a cultural significance, such as Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is often served at festive events, holiday parties, or cozy gatherings around a fireplace. In Mexico, mezcal is frequently enjoyed during celebratory occasions, and adding it to a warm cocktail only enhances the convivial atmosphere. Given its warming properties, this drink is perfect for sipping during the winter or when you need a drink to relax in front of the fire. It also makes a great choice for a unique twist on traditional holiday cocktails like the hot toddy.

Interesting Facts About the Mezcal Hot Toddy

1. The Mezcal Hot Toddy is often considered a 'sipping' drink, meant to be enjoyed slowly to savor its deep flavors. The combination of mezcal and hibiscus tea can provide an experience that is both refreshing and comforting, especially during the winter months.

2. Mezcal itself is made using a traditional and labor-intensive process that dates back to the 16th century. The agave hearts (called pias) are roasted in earthen pits for several days, which gives mezcal its signature smoky flavor. This process has earned mezcal a dedicated following of connoisseurs and makes it a particularly distinctive choice for cocktails like the Mezcal Hot Toddy.

3. In Oaxaca, Mexico, mezcal is often consumed as part of a social ritual. It is common to pair mezcal with slices of orange, sprinkled with chili powder, as an accompaniment. This pairing works perfectly in the Mezcal Hot Toddy, where the cloves studded in the orange slices add a similar spicy and citrusy note to complement the smokiness of the mezcal.

4. The Mezcal Hot Toddy not only serves as a great way to enjoy mezcal in a warm, winter-friendly format but also showcases the versatility of this iconic Mexican spirit. While traditionally enjoyed neat or in cocktails like the Paloma or Margarita, mezcals smoky essence lends itself beautifully to creative and unexpected drinks like this one.

FAQ about Mezcal Hot Toddy Recipe