Introduction: Hot Jenever Toddy

About: Amanda is a squirrel brained cosplayer and maker with varied interests and the desire to try them all. She's blogs about her projects and inspirations at Squirrelbrain.com.

The Hot Jenever Toddy is based on a classic Hot Toddy or a Hot Gin Toddy. The full herbal flavor of the liquor complements the spices typically added to these beverages and works well with both honey and sugar.

Jenever is a strong hard liquor distilled from maltwine and a blend of botanicals (mostly juniper berries). It is the predecessor of gin. Depending on which variety you try, the flavor is usually complex, spicy, and/or floral.  Jonge Jenever is frequently used for mixed drinks. Oude Jenever is smooth enough to sip alone; I would liken it to drinking a single malt Scotch although the flavors are quite different.  There are also a variety of Jenever schnapps.

Jenever is (I believe) only produced in the Netherlands and can be difficult to obtain internationally. Try looking for Bols or asking at a specialty liquor store.

Step 1: Obtain Your Ingredients

1 1/4 oz Jonge Jenever: Jonge Jenever is usually a bit cheaper than Oude and is intended for mixing (although it can be drunk alone).

2 oz Hot Water
: Boil on the stove or in the microwave.

1 tsp Sugar or Honey
: Depending on your taste. The sugar results in a sweeter toddy while the honey one tastes spicier.

1 Cinnamon Stick to garnish

Heat Resistant Goblet or Mug

Step 2: Build Ingredients

Add your ingredients to your heat-resistant glass in order: Jenever, hot water, and sweetener of choice.  Stir and garnish with cinnamon. 

Step 3: Enjoy!

Enjoy your warm beverage with a plate of Speculaas cookies.

Tip: If you don't have glassware specifically for hot beverages like this, mix the beverage in a heat resistant mug.  When the liquid has cooled a little, pour it into a more attractive glass. Avoid really delicate glass or very cold vessels. I use a short stemmed glass. Be careful not to burn yourself.

Variations: Try other toddy styles by adding lemon juice or other spices. Jenever can be used in place of gin in nearly any cocktail.

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